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Taking care of our appearance means doing it in the round, without neglecting anything. We are in fact used to pamper face, hands, legs, but a little less feet (including nails). Perhaps because they are placed in the terminal part of the body, they are almost always forced into socks and shoes and therefore, they are shown less frequently.
However, feet need our attention. In fact, they allow us to walk, run, move from one side to the other. For this, infections or disorders such asingrown toenail, not only can they be painful, but they can compromise the appearance and functionality of the feet. There are also people who may be more vulnerable to the development of an ingrown toenail, due to medical conditions or a genetic predisposition. As in the case of those who suffer from diabetes or have a weak immune system.
What is that
Onychocryptosis, from the Greek onyx (nail) and crypto (hidden), is a disease that affects toenails and is known by the term ingrown nail. In reality, it is mostly the nail of the big toe that is affected. Specifically, the edge of the nail grows inside the skin causing, as you can imagine, pain and discomfort. It is a condition that can affect men, women, adolescents and the elderly without distinction. Older people are more at risk because they have thicker nails.
Causes
THE reasons that can lead to the development of the ingrown toenail are different, including:
- wearing socks and shoes that are tight or put pressure on the toes (especially the big toe);
- nails cut irregularly (this unfortunately facilitates the growth of the nail into the skin);
- bad posture;
- sweaty and slightly dry feet;
- trauma to the toenail, for example if you accidentally bump into something;
- genetic predisposition;
- sports activities that involve pressure on the feet or repeated kicking on them, such as soccer or ballet;
- presence of hallux valgus.
However, one of the main reasons remains how the nails are cut: for example if they are too short or on the edges.
How to recognize it
An ingrown toenail can be recognized by symptoms, often too quite painful. In a first phase, symptoms such as:
- pain when pressing on the nail;
- pus around the nail;
- widespread swelling, redness of the skin around the nail.
The pain and symptoms can get worse over time. Sometimes then, the nail can penetrate the skin causing infections for the entry of bacteria into it. In these cases, we are faced with an advanced stage of the ingrown toenail where symptoms such as:
- increased pain;
- swelling and redness around the nail;
- difficulty wearing shoes;
- bleeding;
- discharge of pus.
What to do
As we have seen, the ingrown toenail can degenerate, to the point of causing difficulty in walking and leading to development of infections. Although cutting it may seem like a simple and immediate remedy, in reality it is not the most suitable solution. In fact, this could cause further complications especially if you suffer from diabetes, not to mention that it could further increase the risk of ingrown toenails because it could damage the skin even more. Especially if the nail is very stuck in the foot.
In more serious cases then, it is good to contact a podiatrist who will be able to perform one precise diagnosis and indicate the therapy to be undertaken. In fact, there may be an infection taking place, so antibiotic treatment may be required. In other cases, the specialist might opt for one surgery which involves removing part or all of the nail (depending on the condition of the toenail).
Otherwise, in a very early stage, it is possible to treat the ingrown toenail:
- dipping the foot in warm water 3/4 times a day for several days, in order to soften the skin and prevent the nail from growing inside it. For greater relief, Epsom salts to be dissolved in water can help;
- taking on acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain on the advice of a family doctor or pharmacist;
- keeping your feet dry;
- using comfortable shoes.
How to prevent it
The most effective remedy for ingrown toenails, as well as in all other cases, is prevention, so put in place some good habits which can prevent the ingrown toenail from appearing. Here’s what to do:
- do not cut the nails beyond the fingertips;
- use a well cleaned nail clipper to avoid introducing bacteria and facilitate the onset of infections. Better if the nail clipper is specific for the feet because it helps to cut correctly;
- cut nails straight, avoiding irregular shapes. You can help yourself with a nail file;
- wear comfortable socks and shoes and the correct size;
- cleanse your feet thoroughly every day, taking care to dry them well (even between the toes);
- take a foot bath regularly and moisturize the skin of the feet.
Therefore, the ingrown toenail can be a big headache as it has different consequences that can affect everyday life itself. First, you can implement one preventive strategy to keep away the formation, while in the presence of symptoms such as those described above, it is best to consult a specialist as soon as possible.
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