In ingrown toenails, the nail edges (sides of the nail) usually bend and grow into the skin. This 'excavation' of the nail often irritates the skin by causing pain, redness, swelling and warmth in the finger.
If the ingrown nail has caused a cut in the skin, bacteria can enter and cause a noticeable foul-smelling and draining infection in the area. However, even if the finger is not painful, red, swollen, or hot, the nail may sink into the skin and develop an infection.
CAUSES
Heredity:
strong>In many people, the tendency to ingrown nails is inherited.Trauma:Sometimes, ingrown nails occur due to pressure on the finger, such as hitting the finger on a stone, dropping an object on your finger, or running and kicking. It may be the result of trauma caused by not engaging in activities that will apply the nail.
Improper nail cutting:The most common cause of ingrown nail is cutting your nail too short. This prepares the environment for the skin on the edge of the nail to curl over the nail.
Wrong size shoes and socks: Ingrown nails may occur as a result of wearing tight or short socks and shoes.
Nail health: Ingrown nails may be caused by nail problems such as losing the nail as a result of trauma or fungal infection.
TREATMENT
After examining your finger, your doctor will choose the most appropriate treatment for you. Nail pulling for ingrown toenails is a very old approach and is not therapeutic. If infection has occurred, an oral antibiotic may be prescribed. Sometimes a minor surgery performed in the office will reduce the pain and remove the offending nail. After applying local anesthesia, the doctor removes the edge of the nail. Following the nail procedure, a loose bandage is applied. Most people experience little pain after surgery and can resume normal activities the next day. If your doctor prescribed an oral antibiotic, be sure to use all medications even if your symptoms disappear.
PREVENTION OF INBORN NAILS
Many cases of ingrown nails are as follows: It can also be prevented:
Correct cutting. Cut your toenails in a smooth line and without shortening them too much. There should be room for nails to pass around the edges and under your toenails.
Shoes and socks that fit your feet. Do not wear shoes with too tight or narrow toes. Avoid loose shoes that will put pressure on your fingers, especially when running or walking briskly.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT HOME TREATMENT
Do not cut the protrusion of the nail. Contrary to what some people believe, this does not reduce the nail's tendency to become ingrown.
Do not cut the nail edges repeatedly. Cutting the nail repeatedly does not change the way it grows, it may make the situation worse.
Do not put cotton under the nail. This situation will not reduce the pain, but will provide an environment for the formation of harmful bacteria that may result in infection.
Drugs applied over the skin can mask the pain, but cannot correct the underlying problem.
Read: 0
