It is called ingrown nail to the toenail whose edges grow by burying themselves in the skin. This “burying” of the nail irritates the skin. It often causes pain, swelling, and redness. If the ingrown nail makes a crack in the skin, bacteria can enter and cause an infection. It usually occurs in the big toe. It can also happen to other toes. causes an ingrown toenail
What causes an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown nail can have several causes:
– Cut the nails very short or trimming the corners.
– Wear inappropriate footwear. A very narrow or short shoe can compress the toenails. A very long shoe makes the foot “dance” and can cause repeated small bumps on the nail that cause it to dig into the toe.
– Hereditary factors. There are people with a tendency to have ingrown nails. There are also foot or toe deformities that cause it.
– Trauma. Sometimes the ingrown nail occurs from a direct blow to a finger. It can also appear from running or kicking a ball. They are exercises that compress the toes many times.
How does it manifest?
Many times there is pain in a toe when touching the edge of the nail or when walking.
The skin is usually swollen and sometimes there is redness, pain and a small amount of pus. When a long time passes, a large growth of the meat can be noticed above the edge of the nail.
What tests will they do to diagnose it?
The diagnosis is made by the appearance of the finger. In general, no tests or x-rays are needed.
How is it treated?
It is very important to clean your nails very well and buy a good shoe.
In milder cases, the finger is soaked in warm salt water for 10-20 minutes, 2-3 times a day, for 1-2 weeks. You should gently massage outward on the inflamed skin.
When there is an infection, an antibiotic ointment is given . If it is more serious, an oral antibiotic will be taken.
When it does not improve or there are frequent relapses, you may need a small surgery with local anesthesia. It consists of removing, using pliers or a scalpel, part of the lateral edge of the nail. In case of frequent relapses, it may be necessary to remove the nail from the root.
What can I do at home to improve it?
When it is mild, the foot should be soaked in warm water with a handful of salt for about 20 minutes 2-3 times a day.
You should not trim the ingrown part of the nail yourself. It could make the situation worse.
What can I do to prevent it?
– Do not trim the toenails too much and cut them straight. Expose the corners of the nail so that they do not dig into the skin.
– Wear appropriate footwear .
When should I see the pediatrician?
When it seems that it has been infected: severe pain, redness, swelling or fever. Also if there is a mass of meat that overflows from the edges of the nail.
What consequences can it have?
Treatment usually stops the infection and relieves pain. Sometimes it can come back if not prevented.
A sustained infection can cause a fleshy mass to grow above the edge of the nail.
In the most severe cases, the infection can reach the toe bone.
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