INGROWN TOENAILS
An ingrown toenail, so called onychocryptosis, occurs when a sharp corner of toe nail digs into the skin and keep growing causing an infection and pain.It is more common between ages 20s-30s. Generally, this condition is found in big toe nail whereas any toenail can become ingrown.
CAUSES OF AN INGROWN TOENAIL
Improper trimming of nails, wearing of tight shoes, assisting other disorders such as infections and the acute nail traumas can be described.
SYMPTOMS OF INGROWN TOENAILS
In an ingrown toenail condition, the early sign is pain then redness and swelling comes.In the chronic stage the surrounding skin of toenail becomes thicker and gets bigger.An infection can occur meanwhile. In underestimated cases and diabeties infection could develop into the bone structure.
TREATMENT OF INGROWN TOENAILS
The main treatment protocol is the elimination of the improper growth. If infection assists , antibiotics is needed. If there is granulation in the surrounding skin the related tissues should be cleaned with antibacterial chemical agents.
INGROWN TOENAILS TREATMENT
1. The removal of the toenail; it was used to be performed frequently because of high possibility in recurrence. However, today this treatment is rarely used.
2. The removal of the toenail and its surrounding tissue which developped deep into the nail bed and the closure of the wound with stitches; today it is no longer performed due to cosmetic reasons and the complication.
3. The removal of the surrounding tissue and electric current of the tissue; this is the most common method which is easy and has low recurrence possibility in dermatology.
4. Splint application; this is the latest developped method which is easy, effective and does not cause a cosmetic complication on the toenail. Splint is placed underneat and the corner of
the toenail which leads a natural detach as nail grows. The treatment does not usually require anesthesia. After treatment patient will feel a dramatic decrease in pain.
In the early stage, ingrown toenail can be treated. Patient can prevent the development by soaking foot in warm water to free the ingrowth 4 times a day. Also, it is important to avoid wearing improper or tight shoes and traumas.