Anyone who has never suffered from an ingrown toenail in their life doesn’t know how uncomfortable it is. But, after all, why do the nail get ingrown? And how to unjam it?
Most people in this world suffer from ingrown toenails. And we, women, are very susceptible to this happening.
Especially since we are always running, but with the wrong shoes. This rush results in carelessness, which consequently causes reactions, such as ingrown toenails.
If you are part of this group of people and don’t know what else to do, slow down and check out everything about the situation that is the terror of human beings.
Firstly, you will discover what ingrown toenails are, then you will have several tips on how to avoid them, the causes and when it is necessary to call a professional. So, check out the information that can basically save your life and that of your foot.
What is a deadlock?
Technically it can also be called onychocryptosis. Despite having a complicated name, the problem is well known.
The situation is, above all, the union of the nail with your skin. It happens when the sides of the nail grow excessively and end up entering the skin, causing redness, swelling and pain, in other words, inflammation. Generally, the ingrown toenail affects the big toe, it is the most common place to develop an ingrown toenail.
Causes of jamming
Often, the biggest cause of an ingrown toenail is excess pressure placed on your toe. Therefore, when you wear closed shoes that are too tight, it tends to leave you with nail inflammation.
In addition to this factor, we also have the question of how you cut your nails. If you cut them straight and square, the ends tend to go inwards, coming into contact with the skin, consequently causing an uncomfortable condition.
First, review the way you cut your nails. Therefore, avoid cutting them square and start using rounded ones. Therefore, cut off the ends that tend to go into the skin. This way, you greatly increase the chances of you not suffering from ingrown toenails.
Another important issue that you should not do is to detach or separate the corners of your nails. This can cause infection.
Remember that it doesn’t just depend on the methods mentioned above, we have different genetics for each person, and we can’t change them. If you tend to have your nails grow curved against your skin, there is no cure. Because the problem is genetic.
When should I look for a professional?
It’s time to look for a professional if you have more serious consequences. For example, a fever resulting from nail inflammation, if you are also unable to cut your nail, it is important to have professional assistance. In fact, if you have diabetes, you should see a doctor.
Even if it is just an ingrown toenail, it is necessary to check whether the problem is blocking blood circulation.
If it is interfering, see a doctor. Or if the infection is very severe, a doctor should be consulted.
Which professionals should I ask for help?
Above all, a general surgeon, and could also be a dermatologist, or even an orthopedist. It is also worth remembering the podiatrist.
It is important that you go prepared for the consultation knowing information, basically, about your symptoms and the number of days that they occur.
Generally, surgical cases are when the nails often get ingrown and no matter how much you cut them, they don’t stop getting ingrown.
They are also cases of surgery when the nail has a piece of spongy skin in place. However, anesthesia is local when surgery is needed and recovery is quick.
And during the consultation, doctors usually ask questions focused on the patient’s habits to discover the cause of their situation.
How to treat a stuck?
Basically, treatment depends on the level of severity of the case. For example, if you have diabetes or your circulation has been affected by the situation, you need to see a doctor immediately.
Now, if the nail does not heal or the episode repeats itself, know that part of your nail will be removed.
However, if the problem is very simple, just take a nail stick with gauze or cotton on the tip and insert it into the ingrown nail, causing it to come loose from the flesh.
Tips on how to treat ingrown toenails at home
Place your foot in hot or warm water, about 3 to 4 times a day, for about 20 minutes. Then, carefully massage the inflamed part. After the massage, wet cotton or dental floss with water or antiseptic and apply it to the area.
There is also a tactic of just leaving your foot in warm water to allow the nail to come loose. Another important detail is hygiene. Use a very clean and sharpened cutter. This way, you prevent the problem from getting worse.
And a super important part of the treatment, too, is that it is necessary to abandon closed shoes. So start wearing more open sandals, prefer flip flops.
Another question, this one goes to those who like to self-medicate. The medicine you use will provide momentary relief from the pain, but it will not cure the nail condition. So avoid self-medicating, as you will only be delaying the healing of your nail.
And remembering that if the nail has high inflammation, do not touch it or try to detach it from the skin, the suggestions mentioned above are for simpler cases. In extreme cases, therefore, seek a professional. Like, for example, the podiatrist.
Can the problem be prevented?
There’s no secret to avoiding it, just cut your nails frequently and change your socks every time, as this way we avoid the proliferation of microorganisms.
Always opt for shoes with space that don’t squeeze your toes. Especially if you are going to walk or run for a long period of time.
This way you avoid the high pressure that can cause a terrible ingrown toenail.
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