INGROWN TOENAILS: CAUSES, SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT

OVERVIEW

 Ingrown toenails is a disorder of the nails that results when the toenails grow in such a way that they penetrate into one or both sides of the soft nail bed causing pain, redness, swelling and sometimes an infection. It is caused by excessive downward pressure on the toenails resulting in them growing sideways instead of vertically or outwardly. This downward pressure is mostly caused by wearing tight-fitting shoes. Other causes of Ingrown toenails include: wet atmosphere of enclosed shoes, improper trimming of the toenails, picking/tearing at the corners of the nails and certain deformities of the feet or toes. Treatment and management of ingrown toenails include: wearing better-fitting shoes or even avoid wearing shoes for the time being, placing a cotton wool or splinter under the edge of the nail to make it grow properly, soaking the feet in warm water , partial and permanent removal of the nail root at the ingrown side

Ingrown toenail - the wound is most likely infected. This is seen by redness and swelling of the area around the nail, drainage of pus, and watery discharge mixed with blood

This condition is also known as Onychocryptosis or Unguis incarnatus

The part of the nails we can see is known as the nail plate, while the soft skin directly beneath it is known as the nail bed.

The nail plate penetrates into the nail bed

It can occur in both the nails of the fingers and toes, but it is much more common with the toenails (especially the big toe) hence the modification of the name to "Ingrown toenails"

This disease is majorly and commonly caused as a result of excessive downward pressure on the nails. Since the feet are most times enclosed in shoes (that are most times tight-fitting), excessive pressure are placed on the toenails. This causes the toenails to grow sideways instead of the normal vertical or outward growth, thereby tearing into the soft flesh.

The pain can be so severe that wearing footwears or even using bedcovers could be a problem.

Signs of infection of wounds caused by ingrown toenails include: redness and swelling of the area around the nail, drainage of pus, and watery discharge mixed with blood

Other causes of Ingrown toenails are:

• Wet atmosphere of enclosed shoes. This causes the nail plate to soften and increases the growth arch, causing it to grow inwards

• Improper trimming of the toenails: When the toenails are trimmed too short or the edges are rounded rather than cut right across, the nail may curl downward and grow into the skin

• Picking or tearing at the corners of the nails can also cause an ingrown nail

• Deformities of the foot or toes that cause extra pressure on the nails

• Nature/Inheritance: Some people are just born with or inherit nails that are curved and tend to grow downwards. Others have toenails that are too large for their toes

• Certain nail injuries or bumping your toes against something can lead to ingrown toenails

 

TREATMENT/MANAGEMENT

• Wear better-fitting shoes or sandals. Or better still, avoid wearing shoes until the problem has been resolved. This will help remove the pressure from the nails
• Do not trim the corners of your toenails unless you can see it clearly. Its best you soak your foot in warm water to soften it before trimming
• Partial removal of a severely ingrown nail. Also, if the ingrown nail re-occur, permanent removal of the nail root at the ingrown side may be done so as to prevent it from growing back. All these should be done under the close supervision of a doctor
• If an infection is noticed, report to your doctor immediately for proper prescription of antibiotics
• For a slightly ingrown nail (presence of redness and pain but no discharge), a cotton wool or splint could be placed just under the edge of the nail to separate it from the underlying skin. This will help the nail to eventually grow above the edge of the skin
• Soaking your foot in warm water 3 to 4 times a day can help treat ingrown toenails

The nail root of the ingrown side is permanently removed to prevent the disorder from re-occurring

Acotton wool or splint could be placed just under the edge of the nail to separate it from the underlying skin. This will help the nail to eventually grow above the edge of the skin

People with diabetes, nerve damage in the leg or foot, poor blood circulation to the foot or infection around the nail should treat ingrown nails under the close supervision of a doctor because it could lead to serious complications including the risk of losing a limb

Thanks For Making This Possible! Kindly Bookmark and Share it.