My five-year-old daughter has had a nail on her big toe for several years now that is thick, dark and growing very slowly.
We visited several dermatologists. Everyone took tests (some several times) of the nail plate, but the analysis showed nothing.
What could it be? Maybe we should try using some kind of universal remedy (if there is one)?
How can you use the remedy if the diagnosis is unknown? The main task is to find out the diagnosis, or the most correct guess about the reason for the growth of such a nail.
Better try posting a photo.
If a fungal infection is excluded (have you been tested - taken a scraping, a cut of the nail plate? The main thing is that before the analysis you cannot treat or process anything - otherwise a false negative result is possible), then what worries you is only a cosmetic defect or the nail contributes to the development of inflammation, an ingrown nail (in this case it is also necessary to show it to the surgeon and decide on its removal)
Only a cosmetic defect bothers me, the nail does not grow in (well, as far as I can tell), and does not cause any inflammation, itching, or anything else.
— if mycelium is not detected, treatment is not necessary; the diagnosis of mycosis of the feet is confirmed laboratory (in children it is mandatory), since antifungal treatment is “serious” in terms of drugs (side effects, etc.)
All the times we submitted sections of the nail plate and scraped material from under the nail, without first treating it with anything (if only because we don’t know WHAT to treat it with and have no way of finding out), without washing the foot (well, within 24 hours before the analysis).
- this is often preceded by injury
- it takes a long time for the thumbnail to fully grow, so don’t worry, watch for yourself, if anything (deterioration), complications appear (which is not shown in the photo now) - see a doctor, or maybe see a surgeon
There are several more photos, but they are not attached - it says that the limit has been exceeded
Tell me, is there still a possibility that the fungus has not been identified due to insufficient diagnosis? Maybe there is equipment somewhere that would 100% diagnose the absence or presence of fungus? The fact is that it would be calmer for me to wait for it to grow if I was sure that it was not a fungus. Or is this not necessary and will be a waste of time and money?
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- secondly, in children, nail mycosis is an uncommon occurrence (associated with serious concomitant diseases, for example, HIV infection, proven immunodeficiency conditions)
— thirdly, nothing prevents you from periodically submitting a cut of your nail for examination for complete peace of mind (this is one of the most accurate methods)
- no concomitant damage to other nails and skin of the feet
- Do you have family members with fungus?
— non-spread of infection, for a fungus to “sit” in one place is not enough :)
— in general, there are no signs of mycosis, but you did the right thing by submitting a nail cut
— if you took it repeatedly, did not process it with anything, did not “treat” it, then the reliability of the result is high
- don’t worry, watch, in any case, fungal infection is not a serious disease, despite all the difficulties of treatment
O.D. Myadelets, V.P. Adaskevich. “Morphofunctional dermatology”, Moscow, Medical literature, 2006.
“Childhood dystrophy of the big toe. Congenital or acquired in early childhood, presumably permanent, nail damage. It is observed in childhood and has a certain similarity with onychogryphosis. The nail plate of the thumb, not always on both sides, is grayish-yellow in color and is repeatedly curved both longitudinally and transversely, so that it appears thickened without actually being hypertrophic. The nail shape is not rectangular, but distally trapezoidal, rounded. Nails are shorter than normal, attached only in the proximal third of the nail bed in an area shaped like a triangle. The direction of growth, unlike onychogryphosis, is normal, but the nails almost do not grow. The cause of the violation is unknown. Surgical correction is recommended for treatment.”
Maria Yuryevna, your opinion.
As I understand it, a surgeon can help correct the situation. But I don’t quite understand—is this done by a regular surgeon during a routine appointment? At what age is it best to do this? Maybe you can recommend a good specialist in Moscow who could help us?
— observation and consultation with a surgeon
— but in terms of whether to remove it or not, here, of course, the issue needs to be resolved both with the help of a surgeon and in terms of how the child tolerates such interventions (surgical removal, if necessary, according to the surgeon’s opinion); however, “surgical correction” does not mean removal, it is observation and in the event of complications that can occur with a healthy nail, for example, an ingrown nail, panaritium, etc., treatment
Maybe you can recommend a good specialist in Moscow who could help us?
— let’s call out, if colleagues give you a hint, they will write to you in your personal email; although here a good specialist in outpatient surgery (“minor surgery”) is more needed, i.e. in a regular clinic, which most often deals with such problems
We will look for a doctor (and maybe there will be someone here).
- “with the eye” you can always make a mistake, fungal infection also does not happen in the classical version, which is why a laboratory method is needed, but all together it allows us to exclude the fungus and confirm the diagnosis of dystrophy
— dystrophy of the big toe is still a risk factor for the development of fungal infection, so observation is necessary; You can use antifungal varnishes (batrafen/lotseryl, for example) for prevention
— with this diagnosis there is no single position in the surgical or dermatological community, i.e., if there are complications (ingrown nail, panaritium), appropriate treatment is required; cosmetic defect is disturbing - removal is possible
- in addition, in children, spontaneous regrowth of a completely healthy nail is possible over time; According to some studies, the disease may be hereditary
2. Aren’t these drugs prohibited for children?
3.4. Maybe it’s worth removing only the ungrown part of the nail? And it turns out that dirt and bacteria or some other nasty things accumulate under it?
- not used in young children; prohibition - this word does not really fit here, since it implies harm from the drug, and is not used, firstly, mycosis is an uncommon occurrence in children in principle, and secondly, if mycosis is confirmed, varnish is not the drug of choice for treatment in children , there are other alternatives
- especially since we are talking about the fact that if you do not remove the nail, but simply observe, it will take years (toenails take a long time to grow) - in the future this is possible as a means of prevention (visiting swimming pools, etc.)
- don’t worry, now you have information, think about the main thing, and periodically take nail sections for analysis (once every six months) for control - this is possible
- this is possible for discussion with the surgeon
One day you may notice that one of your toenails has become thick, rough and clumsy. Perhaps nothing bad happened. But in many cases, thickening of the toenails indicates the presence of some problems in the body. From this article you will learn why thickening of nails occurs, what treatment to carry out and what preventive measures can be taken.
The nail can thicken for various reasons. Let's look at the most common of them.
Treatment for thickened nails depends on what caused it. In some cases it is not necessary at all.
Thickening of the nail plates can be prevented by following recommended preventive measures.
As you can see, deformation of the nail plates can be caused by a variety of reasons. And the treatment in each case will be completely individual. And in conclusion, we have prepared a video for you in which an expert will tell you about the most common cause of thickening of the nail plate - fungal diseases.
Sometimes parents encounter such a problem as an ingrown toenail in a child. A sharp nail plate prevents the baby from moving normally, as it causes pain, and if the ingrown nail is not treated, over time the tissue around it can become inflamed and even fester, then the problem will take a different turn.
The peculiarity of the structure of the nail usually does not allow it to grow into the skin, since the nail plate grows in length from the base to the free edge, where it can be easily trimmed. But if you cut the nail plate incorrectly, it can become deformed and grow into the skin around it.
Many parents and children do not perceive an ingrown toenail as an important problem, but in vain, it can be a sign of more serious diseases and occur for the following reasons:
Ingrown toenails in infants in the early stages can be treated at home. But such treatment methods are only suitable if the finger is not yet inflamed and there is no open wound or pus. In any case, before starting treatment, you should consult your pediatrician.
If the above actions do not bring results, then it is necessary to urgently show the child to a doctor.
Drug treatment at the initial stage of the disease involves the use of tamponade (gauze plates) soaked in a special disinfecting solution. The doctor can also install a special staple on the nail, which forces it to return to its normal shape and no longer dig into the finger.
Thanks to these staples, pain and inflammation go away, and the nail plate begins to grow normally, without injuring the surrounding tissues. But an ingrown toenail on a child’s big toe can only be treated in this way from the age of 5.
If the disease is complicated by the appearance of inflammation and suppuration, the doctor prescribes antibacterial drugs and antiseptics. Most often, ointments, levomekol, tetracycline and Vishnevsky liniment are used to treat this disease. In particularly severe cases, antibiotics in tablet form may be prescribed.
Several years ago, an ingrown toenail was treated exclusively surgically by removing it. This method is now considered ineffective and is used only in the most extreme cases, since the removed nail begins to grow and can cut into the finger again if its position is not corrected. Another disadvantage of this treatment is the long recovery period and pain.
Now the operation is carried out on part of the nail, carefully removing a piece from the desired side. For children the operation is performed under general anesthesia, and for children over 10 years old under local anesthesia. Rehabilitation after the intervention lasts no more than 3 weeks, by which time the wound has completely healed.
The operation can also be performed using a laser, cutting out the affected area. This method is considered the most gentle, since the laser cauterizes the vessels, reducing the risk of bleeding, and the recovery period after such an operation is faster. It was also noted that after laser removal of an ingrown toenail, relapses of the disease occur less frequently.
Prevention of the disease implies the following conditions:
Possible complications in the absence of timely treatment are panaritium, gangrene, sepsis and osteomyelitis. They rarely occur, since if you consult a doctor in a timely manner, therapy is carried out, which allows you to get rid of the problem painlessly and on an outpatient basis and preserve the integrity of the nail.
Improperly growing nail plates (onychocryptosis) are more often observed on the big toes of the lower extremities. This is a relapsing disease. If parents discover an ingrown toenail in a child, they should understand that the problem will constantly appear from time to time. The most dramatic treatment method, terminal phalanx plastic surgery, reduces recurrence to only 7%. Therapeutic, orthopedic, surgical methods - up to 90-50%.
Deepening of the nail into the periungual fold occurs in newborns. Although the plate has not yet become very keratinized, it can injure the skin on one or both sides. Older children and teenagers complain of sore, swollen fingers. If urgent measures are not taken, suppuration is likely to develop.
There are several reasons causing a defect in the horny plate:
The first signs that the nail is growing in are pain and slight swelling. Left unattended, these symptoms are aggravated by infection of the wound. The resulting abscess causes fever and general malaise. After some time, a benign neoplasm grows on the affected area - a dark red granuloma.
A late discovered defect in the nail on the big toe is fraught with serious complications:
There are about 200 drugs and methods for treating onychocryptosis. Drug therapy is more aimed at the disease that provoked the curvature of the nails. Local ointments relieve inflammation, bleeding, and disinfect .
Orthopedic methods involve the use of plates and staples. They are attached to the nail to lift and straighten the edges. Duration of wearing - 2-3 months. During this period, the nail is completely renewed, growing from the hole to the protruding edge. There is a chance that after removing the plates the deformation will not recur. But it is even more likely that the nail will grow back and injure the skin fold. Orthopedic methods are used from the age of 5.
Recurrent onychocryptosis in a child requires periodic medical examinations. All that can be done at home is to organize proper nutrition, maintain foot hygiene, and carry out antiseptic and anti-inflammatory procedures in the form of baths, compresses, and ointments.
The goal of home treatments is to soften the nail beds and surrounding skin. The elastic texture does not allow such deep wounds as when a hard nail edge comes into contact with a rough nail. At the same time, the affected area is disinfected.
Foot baths are taken for 20-30 minutes daily, preferably at night. The child’s feet are first washed with soap and rinsed. As the water cools, warm water is added to the basin.
After water procedures, it is necessary to apply an ointment made from natural ingredients. It will soften and create a film that temporarily retains moisture in the tissues.
You can use aloe leaf as a compress. The leaves of the plant need to be kept in the cold for 10 days, washed, cut off the thorns, and remove the skin on one side. Tie it to the sore spot for 3 hours. During this time, the ingrown nail will become wet and it will be easy to trim it. After removing part of the nail plate, apply a fresh piece of aloe to the wound and leave it overnight. The plant will draw out the pus and speed up healing. It is necessary to change the compress until the swelling and redness (hyperemia) go away.
Regular use of simple homemade recipes, comfortable shoes, and compliance with hygiene rules will help rid your child of an ingrown toenail for a long time.
The condition of the toenails can serve as a fairly clear indicator of the internal state of the body and the functioning of the internal organs. That is why it is important to pay attention to the color and appearance of your nail plates, as well as their density and other factors. Any deviation from the norm in this area can be a symptom of serious health problems. Thickening of the toenails or fingernails is one such abnormality and can have a variety of causes.
One of the most common diseases, a symptom of which is thickening of the nail, is mycotic infection, or, more simply, nail fungus. Typically, thickening of the nail plate appears in the second stage of the disease. And although the first symptoms appear much earlier, they are so subtle and insignificant that many people consult a doctor precisely at the second stage of the infection.
At the first stage of the disease, redness and peeling of the skin around the plate appears. The nail itself becomes brittle and loose. Symptoms come and go and are often ignored. Thickening is a permanent symptom, followed by yellowing of the nail and its detachment from the nail bed.
The fungus is incredibly contagious and is spread from person to person on flakes of microscopic flakes of skin. They can be found in water and on surfaces that a sick person has walked on barefoot. These pathogens survive both in conditions of maximum heating and maximum cooling, and therefore only aggressive acids can kill them. The likelihood of infection increases if there are injuries and damage to your feet, since through them it is easier for bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
Only the body’s own immunity protects against this disease. Thus, people with a low immune status are at increased risk of infection - pregnant and lactating women, the elderly, teenagers and children, HIV-positive people, etc. The most likely places of infection are gyms (when using showers), swimming pools, saunas, solariums, etc. Slides are not able to protect against infection, since they do not completely cover the foot and nails from water containing pathogenic bacteria. If you have a thick toenail for this reason, then treatment must be started immediately.
Also often the reason why the nails on the toes and sometimes the hands become thicker is an incorrect or unbalanced diet. Not only a lack of vitamins can cause this problem, but also a sharp change in the usual diet to something else, even if it is balanced and healthy. Such disorders cause a general imbalance in the body, and therefore affect all its components, including the nails.
Both a deficiency and an excess of a particular vitamin or microelement can cause thickening. But most often, any deviations from the norm on the plates are observed precisely due to a lack of certain substances. Thus, in order for nails to be normal, it is very important to consume the required amount of calcium (along with vitamin D, since without it it is not absorbed), iron and zinc. These substances are found in red meat, cheese, dairy and dairy products. The most essential vitamins are group B, A, E and C.
Treatment of toenails in this case consists of normalizing the vitamin and mineral balance, then the thickening will disappear. During the period of seasonal vitamin deficiency, for example, in the spring, it is worth taking additional vitamins in the form of complexes from the pharmacy. However, it is better if these drugs are prescribed by a doctor, because an excess of vitamins for the body is just as harmful as their deficiency. When it comes to nails, it can be argued that an excess of, for example, vitamin C causes cracking and weakening of the nail.
Thickening of toenails like the one in the photo can be caused by stress. Any mental stress has a complex detrimental effect on the entire body. Nails are no exception. They can present a whole range of problems. This may include delamination, fragility, weakening, deformation, etc., including thickening. Lack of sleep, stress, strong emotions over a long period of time - all this can cause thickening of the plates.
It is worth getting rid of the problem not only symptomatically, but also comprehensively. Try to review your daily schedule, make time for sleep and rest. During these periods, the body will be able to recover and relieve tension. As for nails, in this case you can get rid of thickenings using coarse polishing buffs. If the thickening is local, then file only this area, but if the entire nail is thickened, then file it completely.
Thickening of the fingernails and toenails that occurs for this reason may have a different appearance. These can be either local growths in the form of waves and tubercles, or complete thickening of the entire plate. There may even be several transverse grooves with depressions between them within one nail.
Various diseases of the body and internal organs can also cause the toenails to thicken. Psoriasis often manifests itself in this way in the initial stages. However, along with thickening, the nail will show a noticeable change in color, increased looseness, and various deformations.
Problems with blood circulation and the activity of the cardiovascular system can also cause thickening of the nail. In this case, the nails may not only become thickened, but also turn blue and become deformed. The presence of such problems in the body can be determined by visual inspection of the fingertips. If they are not sufficiently supplied with blood, there will be a lack of oxygen, which means their skin will turn bluish.
Polykeratosis is a fairly rare genetic disease of the nail plate that is inherited. It is characterized by excessive formation of keratin. Because of this, the nails thicken, but do not become deformed, and may also change color, turn yellow or gray. Sometimes the color reaches dark gray and even almost black.
Your nail plates can become thick and loose for another, quite rare reason. This may occur as a result of damage to the nerves of the peripheral nervous system. Of course, if they are connected to limbs. This fact may also cause any other deformations and changes in the condition of the nail plates.
Thus, if you notice thick toenails, then treatment should be started immediately. Consult a doctor, because such manifestations may be symptoms of a serious illness.
An ingrown toenail is a fairly common phenomenon that causes not only aesthetic and hygienic discomfort, but also causes quite severe pain. Most often, the big toe is affected in this case.
As a rule, first the nail plate is bent from the side and puts pressure on the nail fold. In this case, there is no particular pain, only mild discomfort, to which most do not pay any attention. And in vain, since at this stage it is much easier to eliminate such a problem than when the nail grows into the tissue, becomes deformed, and the finger swells and begins to hurt very much.
It should be noted that this pathology is not a consequence of any infectious disease, and most often its occurrence is preceded by the following reasons.
When trimming your toenails, you should not round the corners of the nail plate too much or cut it deeply. It is best to give your nails a square shape using a regular pedicure file, otherwise the nail will most likely grow into the skin.
Wearing narrow shoes with tapered toes can also cause ingrown toenails. Such styles of shoes constantly squeeze the toes, pressing them tightly together. In this position, the nail digs into the skin, forming a microtrauma, which becomes deeper and more painful over time, and if small particles of dust, dirt or infection get into the wound, the love of narrow shoes can result in serious consequences.
Some people have a congenital form of the nail that can grow into the skin of the finger. Timely proper pedicures, wearing comfortable wide shoes, and observing personal hygiene rules will help you cope with this problem.
Deformed feet, fingers and nails as a result of any injury can also cause an ingrown toenail. You should take this feature into account and provide the nail plates with proper care.
Additional stress on the legs caused by excess weight is another reason leading to nails growing into the skin of the finger. This problem is often encountered by pregnant women whose weight is rapidly growing, but after childbirth, when the extra pounds are gone, this problem goes away on its own.
Fungus of the nails and feet, which often leads to significant deformation of the nail plates and cracks in the skin of the fingers, can also provoke ingrown nails, so you should begin treatment for toenail fungus in a timely manner, as well as provide them with proper care.
In addition to the above reasons, an ingrown toenail may suddenly appear in people belonging to a certain risk group. Among them:
However, the problem of ingrown toenails can bother not only adults, but also children, and very young ones at that. Of course, such a phenomenon as an ingrown nail in a baby is much less common than in an adult, but it still happens. As a rule, in adults, it is mainly the nail plate of the big toes that is affected, while in newborns, the nail can grow into any toe. In this case, the tissues of the periungual fold become very red and swollen, which indicates inflammation.
What are the reasons for this pathology, because babies don’t get pedicures, they don’t wear tight shoes, and especially don’t have the opportunity to become infected with fungus in public places. First of all, this is a hereditary predisposition and genetic factor. If one of the family members has a similar problem, then it could well manifest itself in the child. In addition, reasons may be:
It is important for parents to know that the baby cannot talk about his pain, therefore, in case of any crying that seems unreasonable at first glance, be sure to examine the child, including for possible pathology of an ingrown toenail.
At the very beginning of the development of such a problem in an adult, when the symptoms of an ingrown toenail are just beginning to appear until they create general discomfort and pain occurs only with certain movements, you can try to eliminate the ingrown toenail yourself at home.
Firstly , you need to avoid tight and narrow shoes and high-heeled shoes; it is also not recommended to tighten your feet with thick elastic tights or stockings.
Secondly , keep your feet clean and dry at all times, if possible, wash your feet and toes with warm water and soap 2-3 times a day, and then dry your skin.
Thirdly , if the nail has grown into the skin on the foot, try to lift its corner yourself and fix it in this position using a twisted small cotton roll, which must then be moved forward a little every day, thus leveling the deformed part of the nail plate. A similar manipulation should be carried out after steaming the legs in a bath of warm water, if there is no inflammation or suppuration on the skin. Usually the problem is resolved within 7-14 days.
The manipulation of lifting the nail yourself is quite painful, so you should first soften or steam the nail to partially relieve the pain.
It is not recommended to self-medicate if the ingrown toenail has become deformed, has become thicker or split, has changed color, wounds have formed on the edges of the skin, redness and suppuration are noted, accompanied by severe pain.
Such amateur activity can lead to the most unpredictable consequences; people suffering from diabetes mellitus and obliterating endarteritis, including the formation of gangrene and phlegmon of the foot, are especially at risk.
As for the child, having discovered an ingrown nail in a baby, many parents try to immediately remove it and cut off the sharp tip, but this is strictly forbidden. Such a procedure, firstly, can further injure the already inflamed area, and secondly, it will not be successful in the future. Most likely, the growing nail plate will begin to grow in again, causing the baby a lot of unpleasant and painful sensations.
In order for an ingrown toenail in a child to subsequently change its growth vector, it is necessary to act in almost the same way as in the case of eliminating a similar problem in an adult.
In most cases, if the patient does not experience acute inflammatory processes in the tissues of the toe, as a rule, treatment of an ingrown toenail is carried out using conservative methods. Here special splints can be used to help protect soft tissues from the sharp corner of the nail plate. Just like at home, the doctor can place a small cotton swab or use special adhesive resins.
In more complex situations, when the nail has grown into the finger, to change its growth, the nail plate is cut in the center, thereby correcting its shape. Also, special plates made of hard plastic are used to change the shape. It is glued to the nail itself, thus giving it the desired direction of growth. Such correction of ingrown toenails with plates is carried out quite often today and is considered an effective solution to solving this problem.
If the nail has grown into the finger and as a result of this, additional tissue has formed on the finger, causing both aesthetic discomfort and pain, it is recommended to remove it surgically for quick healing and elimination of the problem. In addition, clear surgical intervention is required in the presence of infectious infection and abscess formation, in very difficult situations. This procedure can be aimed at completely removing the nail plate.
As noted above, the problem of an ingrown nail into the soft tissue of the finger worries not only adults, but also children, and at a fairly young age. Despite the fact that a child’s nail plates are much thinner than those of an adult. This pathology can develop quite actively, causing severe inflammation and pain. Timely and correct treatment will help to avoid all this.
Treatment of an ingrown toenail in a child should begin with eliminating the symptoms of inflammation. To do this, it is necessary to take special warm baths every 10-12 hours with the addition of antiseptics, for example, furatsilin. You can also use decoctions of medicinal herbs such as chamomile or calendula for these purposes.
In addition, such water procedures should be used as auxiliary ones to soften soft tissues and nail plates, after which you can try to carefully lift the edges of the nails and place tiny rollers formed from sterile cotton wool under them.
Next, you should apply a soft fixing bandage to your finger, which will also help protect the vulnerable spot from painful touches.
If suppuration has already formed in the corner of the nail, the finger should also be steamed in a warm bath and Vishnevsky ointment or any ointment with an antibiotic should be applied to it, but it is better to do this under the supervision of a doctor.
After a few weeks, the ingrown toenail should grow back and straighten with the help of cotton rolls. To avoid new similar problems, it is important to know that the baby’s nail plate should be cut only along a horizontal line, without making curves or cutting off the corners too much.
If the nail has grown into the skin, traditional medicine recipes will help to cope with such a problem, especially in the early stages.
Typically, the process of such an alternative treatment for an ingrown toenail at home lasts quite a long time, from 6 to 10 months, so you need to be patient and strictly follow all popular recommendations.
A solution of regular baking soda will help eliminate an ingrown toenail on a finger or toe. It should be prepared in the form of a bath at the rate of 3 liters of warm water, 1 tablespoon of soda and immerse the problematic finger in it, thus steaming the skin and nail for 20 minutes. Then you need to carefully try to lift the corner of the nail using a small piece of thick paper, a toothpick or a thin cotton swab and leave it in this position overnight, after putting a protective bandage on top.
Recipe No. 2. Butter compress.
If the nail has grown into the skin, you can try to eliminate the problem with a compress based on butter. To do this, you need to steam your foot well, and then put a piece of butter on the ingrown nail plate. Wrap it on top with plastic wrap and secure with a gauze bandage. You should wear such a compress for 24 hours, then remove it, steam your foot again and again take a piece of oil, only this time you need to try using it to lift the edge of the corner of the nail. Apply a bandage and keep it on for the next day. It is recommended to repeat this procedure for 2 weeks until the ingrown toenail problem is resolved.
Aloe can also tell you how to get rid of an ingrown toenail. To do this, you need to take a fresh leaf of the plant, wash it well and cut it lengthwise into two parts. Then one half with the fleshy part should be held over the fire for several minutes and applied warm to the area with the ingrown nail, secure on top with cling film and adhesive tape. It is better to leave such a compress on all night, and in the morning you can try to carefully lift the problem area.
Recipe No. 4. Application from plantain leaves.
Our great-grandmothers and great-grandfathers knew how to treat ingrown toenails with the help of plantain. This simple and affordable method is quite effective, especially during inflammation of the soft periungual tissues. First, you should steam the sore finger in a solution of potassium permanganate or furatsilin, and then you need to apply a previously well-mashed clean plantain leaf to the inflamed area, and place a second one on top of it. Secure everything with a tight bandage and put on a cotton sock. This dressing needs to be changed daily for a week.
Recipe No. 5. Onion-honey compress.
Another method that tells how to treat an ingrown toenail at home using traditional medicine is based on the use of onions and natural honey.
To prepare a compress, you need to take a medium-sized onion, peel it and chop it, you can grate it. Next, the resulting onion pulp must be mixed with 30 grams of honey and the resulting mixture must be applied to a piece of gauze or bandage folded several times. Before applying the product to the sore finger, you need to steam it well in a warm solution of water and baking soda. The compress should be left overnight, secured with a tight bandage, and in the morning, try to carefully remove the softened edge of the nail plate with an ordinary wooden toothpick.
To avoid such problems and never encounter them, you need to take care of your feet and nails in particular, carry out proper preventive procedures, and then you will never know what an ingrown toenail is.
Quite often, parents become confused, not knowing how to help their child when he is faced with the problem of an ingrown toenail. The disease causes pain both in a 2-month-old child and in older children. This disease cannot be ignored, because without the necessary treatment, recovery will not occur on your own. An ingrown toenail in a child must be treated, since an advanced form of the disease can lead to suppuration of the inflammation site and further spread of the infection.
Ingrown nail ? the phenomenon is absolutely not random. The disease does not occur by itself. A nail cannot grow in unnoticed if you take care of your baby’s hygiene. The following factors can lead to the development of this disease in a child:
Ingrown toenails are most often treated on the toenails; in this case, the hands are rarely affected. To avoid negative complications, it is necessary to complete the entire course of treatment. It is worth making sure that the toenail does not grow in again, and take all necessary measures to achieve this.
If a problem nail is detected in a timely manner, treatment can be carried out at home. If, when examining the leg, you notice that the ingrowth has occurred very deeply, it is best to seek help from the hospital.
When treating ingrown toenails in children, the main thing is to take all necessary measures in a timely manner to prevent changes in the shape of the nail plate and further detrimental effects on the nail tissue. Timely treatment will help protect the child and will not allow the infection to penetrate further throughout the body, which can significantly complicate the overall picture of the disease. You can take the first measures without leaving home, however, if the parents themselves are not able to help the child, it is better to seek the help of specialists.
Home treatments include warm foot baths, usually done before bed. The composition of the bath is prepared on the basis of water and salt, observing the proportions. You can also add herbal infusions, essential oils, bergamot or tea tree to the bath. They will help soften the baby's foot. Even children who are just a few months old can make foot baths.
Another treatment option is night compresses made from cow's milk butter. After the baths, in the morning it is recommended to remove the excess part of the nail, and if a wound appears at the cut site, treat it with a disinfectant. If possible, try to trim the edges of your nails with a nail file. But such manipulations are advised to be carried out until the problem is eliminated.
When treating at home, parents must remember that they take full responsibility for the health and life of the child exclusively. That is why you should not ignore inflammation or other symptoms that a child may experience. In case of any complications of the disease, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Ingrown toenails in children can be treated with special medications. Such procedures involve the introduction between the skin and the nail part of a substance called Capolin, which has excellent antiseptic properties. At the initial stage of ingrown nails, the attending physician may advise parents to use corrective staples or plates. They are installed directly on the ingrown nail. The procedure is lengthy and can sometimes take several months. The effect of the therapy is that such plates lift the nails and make it impossible for them to grow in further. After the procedure, the child will immediately feel relief, as the devices relieve swelling and pain. Such braces can only be used from the age of 5, and of course after consultation with a doctor.
In more advanced cases, in the presence of inflammation and suppuration, experts recommend starting antibacterial therapy. Among the drugs used in such cases, ointments are the most popular.
Most often, Levomekol and tetracycline ointment are used, and for better effect, systemic antibiotics can also be added to them. You can also add antiseptics to the treatment.
Previously, this method was considered the only possible way to get rid of the problem. Today, such manipulations are not so popular, since after removal of the nail a relapse may occur, and it will again cause discomfort. Removal of a nail is inextricably linked with a long period of rehabilitation, which negatively affects the general condition of the child. Nowadays, surgical intervention is used only in special cases or for congenital nail pathologies.
The surgical operation is performed in the most gentle way. If possible, the operating surgeon does not remove the entire nail plate, but only the edge of the nail. Full recovery occurs 15-20 days after surgery. For children under ten years of age, such manipulations are performed under general anesthesia; for older patients, local anesthesia is used.
A fairly common option is laser treatment. Thus, you can both remove and evaporate the nail plate. In this case, the laser beam heals the blood vessels, which leads to the absence of blood loss. Another advantage of this procedure is the reduction of the healing and recovery period. Other advantages include a low likelihood of injury, no relapse and absolute painlessness of therapy. The rehabilitation period will be only three to four days from the moment of laser therapy. After the procedure, it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the child’s nail, because he may again approach the soft roller and the situation will repeat.
Experts recommend periodically taking warm baths after the wound has healed. Thus, you steam the nail and move the skin away from it. After the baths, you should carefully trim the edge of the nail and make it slightly rounded. With proper nail care? the problem will not happen again.
Timely therapy will not only ease your child’s overall well-being, but will also solve his problem in a matter of days. In order to figure out how to treat an ingrown toenail in a child, you should find out the factors that influence the occurrence of this problem.