Ingrown toenails seem like a simple matter when you don’t suffer from the problem, but they can be more painful and serious than you imagine. Find out more about the topic
If you’ve never had an ingrown toenail, at least you’ve heard about it. The problem is very common and most often happens in the big toe. Although it may seem harmless, it can be very painful and uncomfortable.
Officially called onychocryptosis, it happens when the edge of the nail grows and enters the skin of the finger. Most often there is pain, redness and swelling around the nail.
Shoes that are too tight or even a nail cut done incorrectly can lead to an ingrown toenail. Despite being more common on the big toe, as already mentioned, it can affect any other nail, including the hand, depending on the case.
Causes
An ingrown toenail appears every time you put a lot of pressure on it. The best example is tight shoes, which generate above-normal pressure in the area, especially if you practice physical exercise with this condition.
Incorrectly cut nails also lead to the problem, such as when they are cut too short or the edges are rounded, so the nail can turn and grow into the skin.
Some people are more predisposed to the problem. Some people are born with curved nails that tend to grow downwards. Others have very large nails in relation to their fingers.
It is worth noting that any type of injury in the region can also trigger the problem.
Symptoms
The symptoms of an ingrown toenail do not go unnoticed, as they occur in the nail. They are:
- Dor
- Redness
- Swelling
If you are unable to cut your ingrown toenail due to severe pain, see a doctor immediately. Anyone with diabetes can take the condition to a more serious condition, such as damage to the nerve in the leg or foot, poor blood circulation in the foot and infection around the nail.
Treatment
When looking for a doctor, you can go to a general practitioner, dermatologist or orthopedist. Ingrown toenails tend to heal naturally over time. If this does not happen or you are diabetic, you should see a doctor immediately. If the infection is very severe, he will apply a nail cream and an antibiotic. Severe cases may lead to the removal of part of the nail.
To treat an ingrown toenail at home, you can take the following steps:
- Soak your foot in warm water three or four times a day, if possible;
- Carefully massage the inflamed skin;
- Place a small piece of cotton or dental floss under the nail. Soak the cotton with water or antiseptic.
Prevention
To prevent this problem, wear comfortable shoes. They offer space around the fingers. Shoes used for brisk walking or running should also have plenty of space, but without being baggy. Also, always cut your toenails to avoid possible new ingrown toenails.
Extra tips
Some extra tips are:
- Whenever you cut your nails, leave your foot in warm water to soften the nail;
- Use a clean, sharp nail clipper;
- Cut your nails straight;
- Consider wearing sandals until the ingrown toenail heals;
- Over-the-counter medications placed on the ingrown toenail may help relieve pain, but they do not treat the problem.
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Imagem: Achilles Foot Care Insider Her Health Line Zoom
