The disease develops as a result of pathological changes in the nail, its matrix and surrounding soft tissues. It is accompanied by a complex of clinical symptoms and functional disorders. Before the age of 30, the disease is more common in men. An ingrown toenail occurs in 3-10% of the population and is one of the reasons for contacting a surgeon or podiatrist, as well as specialists in beauty salons. In an outpatient setting, they usually have to treat an ingrown toenail.
A chronic disease, prone to relapse even after surgical treatment, causes a lot of suffering and represents an important socio-medical problem, the relevance of which is confirmed by the presence of a large number of conservative and surgical treatment methods (more than 200), which are often ineffective. Even incomplete statistics indicate a trend towards constant growth. Ingrown nails rank second in the structure of inflammatory and purulent diseases after injuries complicated by infection.
The disease can affect any toes, but, as a rule, it affects the big toe of the right foot (in right-handed people), sometimes the big toes of both feet. More often, the outer edge of the nail plate grows into the soft tissue, less often - both edges. Localization on the thumbs of the hands is even less common. There are three degrees of severity of the disease after the nail grows into the finger:
When inflammation spreads to the soft tissues of the posterior ridge, paronychia (purulent inflammation of the transverse ridge, which is adjacent to the base of the nail), felon of the finger, phlegmon, lymphangitis (inflammation of the lymphatic vessels), erysipelas, osteomyelitis of the nail phalanx, addition of papillomavirus or fungal infection, hyperkeratosis may occur. , malignant formation. The severe course of the disease often leads to loss of ability to work.
This is what an ingrown toenail looks like
Some researchers consider the cause of ingrown nails to be a hereditary predisposition, which is expressed in the genetic determination of the size and shape of the fingers, the width of the nail plate and its relationship with the soft tissues of the nail apparatus of the finger. There have been many cases of ingrown toenails among members of the same family and the disease passing from one generation to another. Some experts consider this pathology as a polyetiological (multi-cause) disease, which is the result of the influence of many factors. The main ones:
Due to insufficient knowledge of the etiology and pathogenesis, the disease, the relapse (exacerbation) of which, according to various authors, ranges from 2 to 50%, is difficult to treat. An ingrown toenail is treated comprehensively, depending on the degree and severity of the pathological process, as well as the reasons that contributed to its occurrence. Existing methods are divided into:
Their main goal is to combat purulent-inflammatory processes and reduce the intensity of pain in the affected area of the finger, prevent its injury and create conditions for the unhindered growth of the nail plate. For this, lotions with antiseptic solutions, hot foot baths with potassium permanganate or anti-inflammatory infusions of plant origin (calendula), Levomikol, antimicrobial drugs, for example, Baneocin in the form of ointment or powder containing neomycin and batitracin are used. The drug penetrates deeply into the nail bed, has an effective antimicrobial effect in the absence of a negative effect on the processes of epithelization (healing) of the wound.
All this is combined with the displacement of inflamed soft tissues overhanging as a result of edema, the application of gauze rolls and/or placing under the sharp edge of the nail plate (if possible) gauze strips or thin rolls soaked in ointment or a solution containing antiseptic components. During the treatment process, it is necessary to periodically trim the nail correctly, observing antiseptic measures and using loose shoes.
Read about self-treatment for ingrown toenails here.
The use of conservative treatment is usually ineffective. After it, frequent relapses occur again. Therefore, it is justified only in the initial stages of the disease, as well as in cases where the patient refuses more radical methods or is unable to use them for some reason.
Basic rules for pedicure
Trim the nail correctly without rounding the edges
If inflammation occurs:
1. take a bath with antiseptic or herbs;
2. lift the edge of the ingrown nail with a gauze roller;
3. add a remedy.
They are characterized by great diversity and have been used in different versions for a long time. The principle of their action is to gradually extend and increase the radius of curvature of the nail plate by changing the direction of tension. As a result, the edges of the ingrown nail are raised and separated from the tissues of the nail fold, which helps reduce pressure on them and reduce the degree of ingrowth. Pre-hard areas of the nail are treated with a softening compound.
For orthopedic treatment, custom-made metal springs or brackets, identical to braces, are used. In recent years, correction of ingrown toenails with plates has been used quite often . Flat leaf springs, made of polymer materials, are adapted to the curvature of the nail using a drill and glued to it with their entire surface using special glue. It is possible to apply nail polish on top of such plates. They are changed once a month. The entire treatment process takes 3-4 months.
After orthopedic treatment, frequent relapses of the disease are also possible. The optimal way to prevent them is a combination of surgical methods with plate correction.
1. Application of Goldspang Plate
2. Installation of the Fraser Bracket
3. Correction with Podofix Plate
This method has received the most recognition. There are many variations of it. The basic principle is a marginal wedge-shaped resection of a section of the nail or the entire nail plate with simultaneous electrocoagulation of the matrix (growth zone). Methods used:
In the first case, the operation is characterized by high trauma, a long healing period (for many weeks), persistent pain, increased tissue sensitivity even with slight pressure, which makes it difficult to use ordinary shoes. As a result of such seemingly radical treatment, relapses were noted in 47% of cases or more.
Wedge resection of an ingrown nail.
2. After healing
Laser use and radio wave therapy
The effectiveness of the surgical method is significantly increased when laser removal of an ingrown nail is performed, in which its evaporation and tissue dissection is less traumatic. Due to the photocoagulating effect, there is no bleeding, which facilitates the overview of the surgical field and, therefore, reduces the duration of the operation.
The laser allows you to accurately and carefully remove areas damaged by granulation, minimally damaging neighboring areas. In addition, the CO2 laser destroys fungal spores, has a pronounced bactericidal effect and minimal damaging effect. These properties contribute to faster (2 times) healing, reducing the frequency and risk of complications compared to classical surgery. Relapses occur much less frequently.
Removal of ingrown toenails using the radio wave method using the Surgitron device is also used. Some experts consider its advantages (compared to laser) to be higher accuracy and controllability of the effect, as well as the absence of thermal damage to neighboring tissues.
The most effective is the combined use of conservative, orthopedic and modern surgical treatment methods.
It mainly consists of choosing the right shoes and caring for your nails. Shoes should not restrict the movement of your toes. It is necessary to cut your nails not too short and without cutting off the corners, so that their edge forms a straight line and protrudes slightly above the soft tissues.
In addition, it is recommended not an ordinary, but a monthly medical pedicure for ingrown toenails using devices and tamponing. The duration of the procedure is about 1 hour. Its essence lies in the processing of nails and nail folds with tools and cutters, after which a special lint-free capolin fabric is placed between the nail and the side roller to cushion and lift the edge of the nail.
In some cases, for the purposes of prevention and after surgical treatment, the use of orthoses, i.e., special devices designed to correct the foot and toes and reduce the load on them, may be recommended.
Comprehensive treatment and proper use of preventive measures can permanently eliminate or completely cure ingrown toenails.
Ingrown nails cause a lot of inconvenience to a person. Lack of treatment can lead to serious consequences. In advanced cases, with severe suppuration and spread of the inflammatory process to neighboring tissues, only removal through surgery will help. What are the reasons and can you cope with this at home?
Causes of ingrown toenails
The problem occurs when the edge begins to grow into the soft tissue. Many experts consider heredity to be the culprit of this pathology. This is explained by some anatomical features. The main factors influencing the disease are:
1. High-heeled shoes that are too tight. It contributes to improper redistribution of the load on the feet. Shoes made of artificial material are also harmful. The skin does not breathe in it, which provokes the occurrence of fungal and other similar diseases. As a result, the plate is injured, changes its shape and ingrowth may occur.
2. Incorrectly performed pedicure with cutting out corners. Few people know that they need to be trimmed straight.
3. Transverse flatfoot with a strong deviation of the position of the big toe inward or outward.
4. Too wide fingers with convex rollers and plates, the side edges of which are bent inward.
5. Congenital pathologies of the structure of the feet, the big toe is too long.
6. Excessive load on the feet due to increased physical activity, heavy weight, functional underdevelopment of the ligaments and muscles of the lower extremities. The arch becomes flattened and valgus deformity develops.
7. Accelerated growth of nails after injury, fungal infection, frostbite, pathological changes due to psoriasis or foot hyperhidrosis.
8. Congenital onychia and crossed fingers.
9. Dysplasia caused by diseases of internal organs, metabolic disorders and diabetes. In this case, the nails resemble watch glass and take on a pincer-shaped or twisted shape.
Ingrowth most often occurs on the big toe, since it bears a significant part of the load. When walking, a person relies mainly on it.
This is a disease that has several degrees of severity:
In the first case, pain during walking is mild, since the nerve endings are not yet affected. Inflammation develops in the soft tissues, swelling appears, and the skin turns red.
At grade 2, the acute angle increases and subsequently grows into the bead. Redness on the skin intensifies, tissue swelling becomes more pronounced, a purulent-inflammatory process and ulceration develops.
At 3, a bloody-purulent granuloma begins to form on the finger, the nodules actively bleed. If treatment is not carried out, the inflammatory process continues for a long time and the disease becomes chronic. And under the influence of a granuloma and due to an increase in the size of the lateral cushion due to swelling, the plate may bend and become duller and thicker.
In the absence of adequate treatment, inflammation spreads and affects the soft tissues of the posterior nail fold, which provokes the following problems:
In severe cases of the disease, a person often loses his ability to work.
Traditional Treatments
It is best to consult a doctor and choose one of the traditional methods. The disease is prone to relapse and is difficult to treat. Therefore, the problem must be approached comprehensively, taking into account the cause of the pathology, the stage of development of the inflammatory process and associated infections.
All traditional methods are divided into 3 types:
The doctor will tell you what kind of therapy should be carried out, depending on the patient’s condition.
1. Conservative treatment.
The main goals are:
Lotions with antiseptic solutions are used. At home, make baths with hot water. Crystals of potassium permanganate are usually dissolved in it or herbal infusions, for example, from calendula, are added. This will help relieve inflammation, relieve pain, and speed up recovery. Levomekol and antimicrobial drugs such as Baneocin are used. The product is able to penetrate deeply into the nail bed, providing a strong disinfecting effect and healing wounds.
Rolls of gauze soaked in antiseptic solutions are applied to the inflamed tissue. In some cases, if possible, strips of tissue with medication are inserted under the edge of the plate. Throughout the entire treatment period, it must be trimmed regularly and evenly, following the rules of disinfection. Shoes should be soft, not tight. In summer, you should prefer open sandals that will not squeeze your big toe.
Conservative methods will be beneficial only in the early stages of the disease. They are also used if the patient refuses more radical methods - removal.
2. Orthopedic treatment.
The essence comes down to the gradual straightening of the plate. Over time, the edges rise, separating from the roller. The pressure on them is reduced, and the degree of ingrowth will be significantly reduced. Hard areas must be softened with the composition.
Metal staples or springs are used, which are made individually for each patient. Often plates are used for correction. They are adapted to the curved shape of the nail and glued to it. Constantly wearing such prostheses helps to straighten it. You can apply varnish over them. The plates must be replaced every 4 weeks. Treatment lasts 3-4 months. Despite sufficient effectiveness, relapses of the disease are possible. To prevent them, orthopedic methods are best combined with surgery.
3. Surgical intervention.
The principle of such an intervention is a marginal wedge-shaped resection of the affected area or the entire nail plate. Along with this, electrocoagulation of the growth zone is carried out. There are several surgical treatment options:
The traditional method is quite traumatic. Healing after surgery takes a long time. It takes several weeks to recover. In this case, the affected area is endowed with increased sensitivity and severe pain is observed even with minimal exposure. The person cannot wear regular shoes. The probability of secondary ingrown nails is up to 50%.
The effectiveness of the operation increases significantly with laser nail removal. In this case, it is evaporated with tissue dissection. The treatment is safe and less traumatic, due to the fact that when the photocoagulating effect is achieved during the operation, there is no bleeding, the surgeon has a better view of the area where the effect is performed. The duration of the intervention is significantly reduced. The method allows for precise tissue excision and careful extraction of damaged areas. Adjacent areas are minimally injured.
When using a CO2 laser, complete disinfection occurs. It allows you to destroy fungal spores and prevent the spread of infection and inflammation. It has a strong bactericidal effect and minimally damages the tissue around the plate. Thanks to this, healing and recovery occurs 2 times faster than when using a scalpel. Along with this, the likelihood of relapses and complications after surgery is reduced.
Experts believe that the Surgitron device has increased accuracy even compared to a laser. The radio wave method allows you to control the depth and strength of the impact. Adjacent tissues are not affected or injured.
Treatment of a nail that has grown into the skin must be carried out comprehensively, combining all of the above methods.
There are many ointments and solutions that are easy to pick up without a doctor. Experts believe that it is advisable to carry out independent procedures only if the nail does not fester.
1. Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic drugs: Furacilin, ethyl alcohol, various ointments. Before applying them, the skin and nails must be softened. The easiest way to do this is with baths. They are also necessary before removing a plate that has grown into the skin.
2. Early in the process, baths are the first remedy. They are made from a decoction of willow or oak bark, herbal infusions of string or chamomile. The solution with sea salt perfectly softens the skin and relieves pain.
3. Magnesium sulfate is often used as a first aid remedy. It helps free the area from under the skin. Baths are prepared based on this drug. Allows you to steam even very hard nails.
5. Local antibiotics in the form of cream or ointment must be used. They kill bacteria and stop the development of infection. Fingers are lubricated along the entire length 2 times a day, which will prevent them from festering. They do this at home so they don’t have to wear shoes for a while.
6. Levomekol has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, so the nail will not fester and the wound will cleanse. Apply to a napkin or gauze and apply to the affected area. You can also lubricate the sore area with it.
7. For home treatment, use ichthyol ointment. It relieves inflammation, relieves pain and removes pus. The ointment is applied to the affected area and covered with a gauze bandage.
8. Vishnevsky’s ointment has a similar effect - it anesthetizes and relieves inflammation, it accelerates the regeneration processes, and the wound heals faster. Treatment is carried out in the morning and evening. But if the nail festers, then use is strictly contraindicated.
To avoid having to treat an ingrown toenail again, you must follow these recommendations:
It is important to take timely measures so that the process does not go too far, then it will be possible to do without radical methods.
An ingrown toenail is a problem familiar to both adults and children. Unfortunately, no one is immune from this annoying cosmetic defect, which causes a lot of inconvenience. How to prevent ingrown nails, and what to do if trouble has already happened?
The reasons why the thumbnail grows into soft tissue are commonplace, but failure to follow the basic rules leads to the development of the disease:
At the initial stage, the problem may not be noticeable. Redness appears on the outer or inner edge of the thumb, discomfort when pressed. Symptoms can be attributed to uncomfortable shoes, swollen feet in the summer, or injury.
The edge of the nail, going deep into the skin and soft tissues, injures them, so the pain gradually increases. In turn, the body, perceiving the nail as a foreign body, tries to get rid of it with the help of phagocytes. Inflammation begins, the finger breaks out, festers, increasing in size.
Wearing any shoes and walking itself cause pain, the finger becomes burgundy, crimson, or bluish. Severe inflammation threatens blood poisoning, gangrene and finger amputation.
Conventionally, there are three stages of ingrown toenails:
The neglected process leads to extensive inflammation and proliferation of soft tissue around the nail. The finger festers, bleeds, and becomes deformed. Inflammation can affect deeper layers, including bone tissue.
How to treat an ingrown toenail at home? Home treatment at the initial stage consists of maintaining foot hygiene and creating comfortable, gentle conditions for the sore toe.
This treatment is appropriate at the first stage of an ingrown nail. The sooner measures are taken, the easier and faster it will be possible to solve the problem. Consultation with a surgeon even at this stage will be appropriate and timely.
Treatment with herbs is aimed at relieving pain, inflammation, and returning the nail to its previous state.
Aloe leaves and juice have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.
The course of treatment depends on the severity of the process.
Baths with the addition of softening and antiseptic substances are useful:
1 tbsp. l. onion pulp, 1 tbsp. l. chopped garlic, 1 tbsp. l ghee and 1 tbsp. l. mix aloe pulp, add 1 tbsp. l. natural beeswax.
Place on low heat. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spatula.
Apply the slightly cooled mixture to the nail and skin in a thick layer, wrap it with cling film on top and put on a woolen sock;
In 3 weeks the medicine will be ready. It must be strained and stored in the refrigerator.
Ingrown toenails should be treated with compresses; dilute 1 ml of tincture in 0.1 liters of water. This remedy is safe and suitable for treating ingrown toenails in children.
Instead of a bandage, a fairly rigid material that injures the wound surface, you can use capolin to tamponade an ingrown nail.
If symptoms worsen, pain and inflammation intensify, you should seek medical help.
There are different ways to surgically treat an ingrown toenail. The essence is the same: relieve inflammation, promote tissue healing and prevent subsequent relapse.
A modern method that is gaining increasing popularity. Using a laser, part of the ingrown nail and the edge of the area with germ cells are removed.
Foci of inflammation are cauterized locally. If a fungal infection occurs, the spores are destroyed at the same time.
Laser correction brings the desired result and significantly minimizes the risk of recurrence of the disease. However, the tissue around the nail is damaged during treatment, and healing is long and painful.
A staple is placed on the plate of the ingrown nail, tightening and lifting the edges. The tension of the staple is adjusted as the defect is corrected.
Gradually, the nail returns to the correct direction; while the plate is being installed, the pressure of the nail on the soft tissues of the finger is minimized. Titanium thread is used to make staples.
The ingrown nail is removed under the influence of radio waves, the matrix and growth zone are processed. Removal is carried out on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia.
The stage of the disease does not matter; pathologically overgrown soft tissues are also corrected during surgery.
Such operations are quite painful, and the disease often develops again, so surgeons are gradually abandoning this method.
Under local anesthesia, the ingrown nail is removed completely or partially, lifting with a curette and tearing off; the wound is treated and bandages are applied until the nail is completely renewed.
To properly organize a medical pedicure, you need to follow several rules:
At the first signs of ingrown toenails, you need to take care of the health of your feet, reduce the load, take softening baths, and treat your fingers. In case of inflammation and suppuration, the doctor will advise treatment methods.
People often face the unpleasant situation of an ingrown toenail. In this case, the foot takes on an unattractive appearance, and the person experiences pain when walking.
An ingrown toenail is a nail plate that has grown into the lateral area of the nail fold. Initially, the patient does not pay attention to this problem, but subsequently redness, swelling and pain occur.
As a rule, the nail plate grows into the thumb, less often into the little finger. The reasons for this phenomenon may be as follows:
If the disease is at the initial stage of development, treatment with folk remedies is advisable. So, ordinary potassium permanganate dissolved in warm water helps a lot. After the bath, you should wrap the sore finger with several plantain leaves (it is advisable to knead them first). Bandage your finger and change the bandage daily.
If the ingrown toenail does not require emergency removal, a decoction of chamomile and St. John's wort will help. You need to regularly keep your foot in this decoction, as a result of which the nail plate becomes softer. After a few days, you will be able to easily remove the ingrown part of the plate. Another effective folk remedy is a compress with butter. The compress should be left overnight, wearing a warm sock over the bandage.
Aloe juice mixed with water also helps with ingrown toenails. Tie gauze soaked in this liquid to the problem area and attach the bandage with food-grade polyethylene. The very next morning you can easily get rid of the ingrown toenail area.
Baths with the addition of soda or furatsilin will help eliminate the inflammatory process, as a result of which the pus will come out naturally. A compress with the addition of Vishnevsky ointment also has a softening effect on the affected plate.
If you notice that mild painful sensations have turned into a strong inflammatory process, it is better to immediately contact your doctor. The doctor may install a brace or prescribe surgery, depending on the severity of the ingrown toenail. If treatment is not started in time, the affected area can easily become infected. In this case, a course of antibiotic injections is prescribed.
Conservative treatment methods are aimed at eliminating inflammation. Your doctor may prescribe you regular lotions with solutions that have an antiseptic effect. It is possible to use various ointments. For example, Baneocin can penetrate deeply into the nail plate and skin. This ointment has a pronounced antimicrobial effect.
During the treatment period, the patient must regularly trim the growing nail. It is allowed to wear only loose shoes that do not restrict the foot. If an inflammatory process is observed, the specialist may recommend that the patient limit walking and keep the limb at rest. It is worth noting that the use of conservative treatment often does not bring the desired effect, since relapses occur after getting rid of the problem.
In order to get rid of ingrown toenails, orthopedic techniques are also used. They consist of measured extension of the nail plate. For these purposes, special brackets are used that resemble braces. In modern medicine, polymer plates that adapt to the curvature of the nail plate are also common. The plates are glued to the surface of the nail using a special compound. If desired, the patient can apply decorative varnish on top of this device, so the device will be almost invisible. The duration of use of the plates is three months. The orthopedic device must be changed every month.
If a positive effect cannot be achieved using conservative methods, surgical intervention is resorted to. The classic, albeit outdated, method of surgery involves the use of a scalpel. It is characterized by pain and a long recovery period. In addition, when using a scalpel, there is a high probability of re-ingrowth of the nail plate. In modern times, surgeons prefer to use more advanced techniques.
Today, removal of an ingrown plate using a laser is widespread. This is a painless manipulation that relieves the patient of suffering in the shortest possible time. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. The laser beam acts precisely on the affected area without affecting the healthy nail plate. The affected tissues are cauterized, so the likelihood of relapse is extremely low.
This operation takes 15 minutes. The rehabilitation period may take two weeks. This method is highly expensive compared to other traditional treatment methods.
The clinic may offer you the following solutions to the problem:
The cost of treating an injured limb depends on the technique used. So, if you decide to use alternative medicine, there will be virtually no expense required: you can prepare medicinal herbs yourself completely free of charge or purchase them at a pharmacy (this will cost no more than 100 rubles).
As for laser surgery, its cost can vary from 2,000 to 20,000 thousand rubles. The exact price depends on the specific region and the pricing policy of the medical center. The cost of surgical intervention is also affected by the complexity of a particular case. In this case, the patient will only have to pay once: the operation does not cause relapses. As for radio wave treatment, the cost can reach 3 thousand rubles. Installation of metal staples will cost the patient approximately 1,000 rubles. If an inflammatory process has begun, up to 1000 rubles will be spent on medications.
Prices for laser ingrown toenail removal services are here
Most experts come to the conclusion that the only effective treatment for all stages of ingrown toenails is laser correction. Conventional surgery and other techniques often lead to relapses and complications. As for the use of folk remedies, it is justified only in the early stages or in cases where the patient does not yet have the opportunity to see a doctor.
In life, a person has to deal with a considerable number of diseases and pathologies. One of the most unpleasant ones is the ingrown toenail, which causes a feeling of pain and discomfort.
It negatively affects the course of life and looks unaesthetic in appearance, forcing you to wear closed shoes even in summer. And in the absence of adequate therapy, such a nail can fester and cause serious complications. Therefore, all sources of information recommend starting the treatment process in a timely manner, which can be carried out in different ways.
Ingrown nails can significantly complicate life, negatively affecting its quality. Many articles and scientific works have been written about the reasons for the appearance of such nails, but they all fall into 3 main groups. You should understand them carefully.
Additional factors that contribute to ingrown toenails include fungal infections of the feet, injuries, and improper care of the feet and toes. Certain anatomical features of the structure of the feet in the form of flat feet and club feet also contribute to pathology. The presence of arthritis or arthrosis can also contribute to gradual ingrowth.
Some types of professional activities also lead to problems with nails - ballet, gymnastics, running. A sudden change in weight can play a certain role, which often happens, for example, during pregnancy. In addition to all of the above, it should be noted that the problem of ingrown toenails is more typical for young people leading an active lifestyle.
The tips of the toes are equipped with a large number of nerve endings, so an ingrown toenail manifests itself almost immediately. And one of the first symptoms is always pain in the area of the affected nail, which intensifies when walking. Over time, inflammatory signs appear, as the deepening nail is recognized by the body as a foreign body that should be gotten rid of.
Gradually, the big toe may become swollen and red. It often becomes hot to the touch. And in the area of inflammation there is a feeling of pulsation, and even a slight touch to the finger (or nail) causes severe pain. Independent movement becomes difficult. In the absence of appropriate treatment, the infection continues to develop, leading to suppuration of the nail and finger.
Important! In people suffering from immune problems, diabetes, immunodeficiencies or circulatory pathologies, infectious processes develop rapidly and gradually invade surrounding joints, tissues and bones. As a result, inflammation can spread to the entire foot. And to the listed symptoms will be added an increase in body temperature, a feeling of weakness and poor health.
Ingrown nails always occur gradually and often take a long time. But you should pay attention to the problem at the very beginning of development. This will allow you to start the treatment process earlier and make it much easier. Direct ingrowth is usually divided into stages, each of which is characterized by certain signs and symptoms.
Any doctor will tell you that you should begin treatment for ingrown nail corners in the toenail area when the first signs and symptoms appear. In the future, this will help to avoid long-term serious therapy, which requires a lot of time, effort and patience. It is better to immediately go to a specialist and quickly solve the problem. You can contact a podiatrist or surgeon if you have an ingrown toenail.
Despite the characteristic clinical symptoms, any competent doctor, if an ingrown toenail is suspected, will prescribe additional studies. The very first and simplest is an external examination of the affected area. Here we can note a change in the appearance of the nail, which has a thickened and somewhat altered appearance. There are often signs of inflammation in the form of swelling and redness.
When trying to palpate, the pain intensifies. There is an inability to remove the corners of the nails and separate them from the underlying tissues. Laboratory tests (complete blood count and biochemistry) reveal an increase in the number of leukocytes, accelerated ESR and high C-reactive protein. In severe cases, there is a leukocyte shift to the left.
Finding out the history of the disease helps to clarify the clinical picture and establish the correct diagnosis. If necessary, additional research should be conducted to identify concomitant diseases (diabetes, arthrosis) and consultations with relevant specialists should be scheduled. A competent diagnosis will allow treatment to be carried out in a short time.
Differential diagnosis is carried out with cellulite and paronychia. In the first case, symptoms in the form of pain, redness and swelling are noted not in the area of the nail bed, but beyond it. In the second, inflammatory processes with the formation of suppuration occur in the periungual fold. When performing the specified algorithm, diagnostics should not cause any special problems. And upon completion, you need to move on to choosing the most effective method of therapy.
Regardless of the method chosen, any therapy for ingrown nails should begin with eliminating the factor leading to gradual deepening with subsequent ingrowth. Usually this means changing shoes to more comfortable ones and giving up the wrong pedicure. It is necessary to pay close attention to the underlying diseases and begin to treat them. Elimination of other factors is also necessary.
As an effective therapeutic treatment, in recent years, various staples have become widely used to straighten the nail and give it the correct direction of growth.
Staples and plates allow you to eliminate the problem of ingrowth painlessly and quickly enough. They help lift deepened edges and reduce pressure on the side ridges of the nail. In this case, you will not need to cut or open anything, and the nail plate will not only stop growing in, but will also restore its previous, smooth appearance.
The disappearance of pain and unpleasant symptoms is noted after the first procedure. Externally, the brackets or plates will be practically invisible and will not interfere with walking. At the same time, they are firmly attached and do not require special care. A specialist will help you choose the model that is suitable for size and indications.
Important! Correction of nails with the listed staples is possible only in the absence of malignant neoplasms and fungal infections in this area. They should not be used by people with diabetes. Staples are contraindicated if there are voids, various bruises and cracks under the nails.
A variety of gels and ointments sold in pharmacies can help soften the nail plate of the finger and release ingrown edges. As an example, we can cite the most well-known and effective means.
Helps with problems of ingrown nails and Ichthyol ointment, which allows you to remove suppuration and relieve pain. It is enough to apply it as a compress to the affected areas to evaluate the positive result after a few days. Another popular drug is Nogtivit, which allows you to quickly and effectively soften the nail plate and remove ingrown edges.
Important! A frivolous attitude towards the problem of ingrown nail plates can lead to quite sad consequences. Incorrect self-medication or attempts to remove ingrown edges mechanically (along with “meat”) often ends in severe suppuration, which can spread to the underlying structures and tissues.
In severe or advanced cases, when conservative therapy is powerless and the inflammation spreads and is accompanied by purulent processes, surgery is the only option. Thanks to unique developments in the field of medicine, this method of treatment no longer consists of the banal excision of pathological tissue with a scalpel. Although it is also used quite often in medical institutions.
In recent years, radio wave and laser surgery has been gaining popularity, making it possible to remove any growth using radio waves or a laser. Additionally, the surface is treated with antiseptic agents. There is no risk of re-infection or bleeding. During the procedure, the patient does not experience pain, and recovery takes very little time. The likelihood of relapse after such treatment is small, which cannot be said about simple excision of tissue with a scalpel.
If necessary, the nail matrix can be removed, after which its growth will be impossible. This drastic method is necessary in cases where it becomes impossible to restore the normal growth of a deformed nail on the big toe.
Radiosurgery and laser therapy can be performed according to indications in childhood. They do not cause fear in children and are performed quickly and painlessly. But the question of such treatment for people suffering from diabetes and problems with blood supply to the legs is always decided individually.
Home remedies for nail problems are often more effective than pharmaceutical ones, and their cost is more attractive. There is also a list of popular recipes that help cope with ingrown toenails on the first toe. But it is best to use them after consultation with a specialist and only at the beginning of ingrowth of the nail plate, when inflammatory processes have not yet begun or are minimal.
Each of the presented remedies helps free the nail, after which you should be patient and wait until its edge grows. After this you need to carefully cut it off. This should be done in a straight line and is best done by using special stainless steel medical grade ingrown toenail clippers. After this, you need to file the edges, giving the nails a square or rectangular shape. Under no circumstances should you round the edges of the nail. This will trigger re-growth.
Preventive measures are the final stage of any therapy. Regardless of whether ingrown toenails were treated at home, in a medical clinic or in a salon, prevention should always be observed. This will avoid unnecessary relapses and the need for re-treatment of problematic nails.
The most effective measures are:
Any injury to the big toe should be avoided and personal foot hygiene should be maintained. It is necessary to prevent excessive sweating of the feet with the help of deodorants, and also try to cure associated diseases. Regular examinations of fingers and nails by a podiatrist and dermatologist are helpful. You need to walk barefoot, treat your feet, fingers and nails with moisturizing creams. You should try to get rid of bad habits, eat well, play sports and walk more.
An ingrown toenail looks very unattractive in appearance and is accompanied by a lot of unpleasant manifestations. In the absence of proper therapy, such a nail can become inflamed, leading to serious consequences and the need for surgery. Therefore, in this situation, most experts recommend not delaying contacting a doctor. After all, it is in the early stages that therapy will be most effective, will not take much time and can be performed at home. And proper comprehensive prevention will help avoid possible relapses.