An ingrown toenail is an unpleasant disease that causes discomfort and unbearable pain to a person, and, in case of refusal of treatment or with self-medication, can lead to serious complications, up to amputation. In most cases, an ingrown toenail is found on the outside or inside of the thumbs, but it can also occur on any other toe. Both men and women are susceptible to this disease. It happens that children also suffer from this.
The causes of the disease
There are several reasons for this ailment.
1. Heredity. Quite a common reason. Hereditary predisposition is expressed in the fact that in humans, by nature, the leg has the shape of the so-called “bear paw”. Large, voluminous fingers, wide, very strong nail plate. This is often passed down from generation to generation. Thus, several family members are exposed to the disease. Excess weight can also aggravate the situation.
2. Incorrectly performed pedicure. Avoid trimming the corners of the nails to avoid further ingrowing them into soft tissue. This can also include a cut, deformation of the nail.
3. Incorrectly fitted shoes. Too tight, tight, and the shoe squeezes toes. When wearing such shoes for a long time, especially when it comes to high heels, nails begin to grow into the soft tissues of the fingers.
4. You can also highlight such a reason as some diseases , orthopedic and fungal, which can provoke this ailment.
Disease stages
There are three stages of the disease:
1. Onset of the disease. There is a slight swelling and mild soreness. Usually, discomfort occurs when walking and when pressing on the pad of the finger. At this stage, coping with the disease is quite easy. You can insert a cotton swab (flagellum) between the nail plate and the soft tissue of your finger to lift the sharp tip of the nail. It should not be cut. This can hurt even more. Better to just use a nail file. However, this must be done with great care so as not to infect the infection. It is best to seek help from a specialist at the clinic at this stage. Then you can definitely avoid further development of the disease.
2. The occurrence of a purulent-inflammatory process. The swelling increases, the pain becomes excruciating, and suppuration appears. This is due to the fact that the nail plate grows and more strongly rests against the soft tissues. At this stage, you must immediately consult a doctor. To relieve pain at least a little, you can hold your foot in warm water with salt or soda. This will help reduce inflammation a little. Pain relievers can be taken if the pain is severe. After this procedure, you must make a bandage with antibacterial ointment. There are many ways to treat folk remedies. However, as practice shows, self-medication, one way or another, leads to a surgeon.
3. Transition of the disease into a chronic form. Suppuration intensifies, which can provoke the attachment of a fungal infection, the transition of inflammation to the bone and even amputation. At this stage, a person is not able to move freely. You need to immediately seek help from a doctor. Baths are powerless at this stage, hot water can only do much harm.
Treatment methods
Previously, there was only one method of treatment – surgery. The nail plate was removed completely or partially, depending on the stage of the disease. There is also such a method of nail removal as laser. This is definitely a more gentle way. However, at this stage, when medicine does not stand still, such a specialist has appeared as a doctor for a long time. Podiatrists cope with this problem without surgery, at almost any stage of the disease. Just do not forget about the above causes of the disease in the future. It is necessary to do a pedicure correctly, wear comfortable shoes. Disease is better prevented than cured.