All you need to know about ingrown nail problems

Ingrown toenails are one of the most common problems that we face. Anyone can suffer from ingrown toenails. However data shows that adults get them more than children. It generally starts with a tiny easily ignored discomfort; however, if not taken care of, then may transition to a painful, red, and swollen toe which may drain pus.

Below given are the facts, causes and treatments of the problem that will help you in case you are suffering from this.

Facts

• AKA onychocryptosis or unguis incarnates.
• It is a painful condition of the toe and occurs when a sharp corner or edge of the toenail digs into the skin at the end of or side of the toe.
• It is not uncommon for the in growths to recur unless treated appropriately.
• Ingrown toenails most commonly occur in the big toes. However, any of the toenails can be affected by this.
• Higher risk of complications from an ingrown toenail if you suffer from diabetes or obesity
• Increased chance of ingrown toenails among athletes & dancers due to constant foot injuries

Causes

• Improper foot wear – too large or too small harms the feet and may result in ingrown toe nails
• Poor foot hygiene
• Fungus infection or excessive sweating
• Foot or toe deformities, such as bunions, hammertoes & irregular toenails
• Cutting toenails incorrectly (cut straight across, since angling the sides of the nail can encourage the nail to grow into the skin)
• Toenail injuries
• Genetically predisposed

Home Remedies

• Soak your feet in warm water for 15 minutes 2 to 3 times each day.
• Do not use a needle or pin to drain the pus from your toe. This could make the infection worse.
• Do not pointy or sharp objects near the area during your pedicure sessions.
• Insert a small piece of wet cotton under the corner of the affected nail. This will help lift the nail off of the skin.
• Change the piece of cotton each day during the feet soaking until the nail grows out and can be trimmed.
• Practice good foot hygiene

Other treatments

If you do believe that none of these remedies are helping, please get yourself checked by a GP or a podiatrist at the earliest. Medical practitioner might suggest a partial removal of the nail wherein the part that is digging is removed after numbing the toe. He/she may also suggest total nail removal if the ingrown nail is caused by thickening. Local pain injection administered and the entire nail is removed. This procedure called a matrixectomy. Nails take a few months to recover in case of a partial nail removal or up to a year for a complete nail removal.

Prevention

• Trim your toenails straight and avoid cutting them too short.
• Wear proper footwear
• Take proper precautions if you work in a condition where toe injuries are common.
• Practice good foot hygiene
• Soak your feet in warm water and salt every day for 15 to 20 minutes.

Photo courtesy – http://diply.com/ http://www.medicinenet.com/ http://www.healthextremist.com/ http://www.footcareclinic.org/ (main image)