Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenail (also known as onychocryptosis- chronic and Paronichia - acute) is a condition in which the edge of the nail plate penetrates the soft tissue around the nail bed, causing irritation, inflammation and pain. It is a common problem that can affect any of the toes, but ingrown toenails are most common on the big toes.

The pain, inflammation, and discomfort can make it difficult to walk normally, wear shoes, play sports, and perform other daily tasks. Additionally, if the ingrown toenail becomes infected, it can lead to more serious problems, such as abscesses and sepsis. In such cases, minor surgery may be necessary to treat the ingrown toenail.

Types of Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are classified according to various features, including severity and location.

Classification by location

1. Superficial ingrowth: the edge of the nail plate begins to grow inside the nail shaft, causing discomfort and sometimes inflammation.
2. Deep ingrowth: this type of ingrown plate is more serious because the edge of the plate penetrates deeper into the tissue of the nail shaft, which can lead to more severe inflammation and infection.
3. Medial ingrown toenail: the ingrown edge of the nail plate is directed toward the midline of the body. This pathology can occur on both the big toe and the small toes of the foot.
4. Lateral ingrown toenail: the ingrown edge of the nail plate is directed toward the side of the toe. This type of onychocryptosis is most common on the big toes and can be particularly painful.
5. Bilateral ingrowth: a condition where the edges of the nail plate ingrow into the nail shaft on both sides of the toe.
6. Total ingrowth: ingrowth of the entire nail plate into the surrounding soft tissue.

In terms of severity

• Stage 1 (mild): mild pain and redness in the area of the nail shaft.
• Stage 2 (moderate): more severe pain, swelling and redness.
• Stage 3 (severe): severe pain, purulent discharge, possible abscess formation.

In some cases, onychocryptosis may show signs of several stages or types at the same time.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Many factors, both external and internal, can trigger the development of the condition

External factors

1. Improper nail cutting: cutting the nails too short, rounding the corners, and cutting off the lateral edges of the nail.
2. Tight shoes: which squeeze the toes, which increases the pressure on the nail plate.
3. Injuries to the nail: bumps, bruises, fractures of the toes.
4. Increased sweating of the feet: in a humid environment, the skin softens, which facilitates the ingrowth of the nail.

Internal factors:

• hereditary predisposition;
• flat feet;
• diabetes;
• arthritis;
• gout;
• fungal infections;
• psoriasis;
• obesity.

In most cases, a combination of several factors can be the trigger for the development of onychocryptosis. Addressing the underlying causes will help prevent the recurrence of ingrown toenails in the future.

Symptoms and Signs

The clinical picture of the disease may be manifested by:

• pain and discomfort (pain may be continuous or may occur when pressure is applied to the affected area);
• redness and inflammation around the ingrown toenail plate;
• swelling around the ingrown toenail;
• purulent discharge from under the skin around the nail plate;
• changes in the appearance of the nail plate;
• sensitivity when touching or pressing;
• scarring in the area of the damaged skin.

Sometimes, when the nail is infected, there are general signs of infection: fever, general malaise, or lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes).

These symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the pathology and the presence of infection. In cases of such signs, it is important to consult a specialist to assess the condition and prescribe appropriate treatment for ingrown toenails.

Diagnostics: Understanding the Condition

Diagnosing onychocryptosis involves the following steps:

1. Consultation with a specialist.
2. Physical examination.
3. Laboratory tests: tests for fungal infection and bacterial flora.
4. Radiography: to assess bone structure and identify possible changes in bone tissue.
5. Ultrasound: to assess the depth of the nail ingrowth and its impact on the surrounding tissue.

After all the necessary tests, the doctor will be able to make a final diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Treatment Options for Ingrown Toenails

Treatment for ingrown toenails can range from conservative methods to surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.

Medication:

Use of topical medications, such as antiseptic ointments or antibiotics, to reduce inflammation and prevent infection in the area of the affected tissue.

Surgical removal of an ingrown toenail on the foot

• Partial onychectomy is a surgical procedure in which a portion of the severely deformed nail plate or its ingrown edge is removed.
• Lunar or plastic resection protocol: a surgical procedure to remove part of the nail plate in order to reshape it and prevent further ingrowth.
• Laser correction and removal: vaporizing the affected area with laser light.

It is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and to determine the most appropriate treatment method. Attempting to pull out an ingrown toenail on your own can lead to serious complications, so it is important to seek help from qualified professionals. Check out the reviews of Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic, many people decided that it was the best choice for them.