Ingrown Toenail: Causes and Tips to Avoid the Problem

Nails are considered an altered form of the upper layer of skin tissue (epidermis) hardened by a protein called keratin, and have the important function of protecting the fingertips and toes.

Anyone of any age can eventually suffer from nail changes for a number of reasons throughout his or her life. Nails can, for example, become thicker, brittle, discolored, irregular. In some cases, they may even fall, eventually growing a new nail.

However, one of the most common problems of nail pathology is the well-known ingrown toenail, or onychocryptosis (technical name), which occurs when a fingernail penetrates the soft tissues surrounding it.

Ingrown toenails can bother women and men of all ages, causing pain, discomfort and even more severe inflammation. The nails get stuck more often in the foot, more specifically in the hallux (the famous big toe).

Cleide Trindade, podiatrist at Monde K salon, comments, however, that ingrown toenails can occur on both hands and feet (although they are more common in the latter). "That's because, in most cases, nails get stuck due to people getting the wrong cut."

Read also: 10 secrets that will change the way you do your nails at home

But anyway, why did the nail get stuck? Why do some people suffer more from this problem than others? How to prevent this from happening? Below you clarify your main questions on the subject.

What causes ingrown toenails?

Podiatrist José dos Santos, a professional at Walter? S Coiffeur, points out that the ingrown toenail usually occurs through the use of tight shoes, incorrect nail clipping and hereditary factors.

That is, those who have family members with a history of ingrown toenails may be more likely to develop the problem (sometimes even in the early years of life). But this is not a rule / a determining factor.

Cleide explains that, usually, the ingrown toenail is caused by the wrong cut. • When nails are cut too short or with rounded tips, which can cause the nail to turn and grow inward, for example; or when there is extra pressure on the toes (in the case of a tight shoe, for example).

It is worth noting that the ingrown toenail may occur due to the nail morphology itself (inwardly curved nails) and / or the anatomy of the fingers (chubby on the sides, for example).

Thus, in summary, can be highlighted as the main causes of nail jam:

• Incorrect cut
• Use of tight shoes;
• Nail and / or finger shape;
• Hereditary factors.

In this context, you give the top tips for taking care of nails in the best possible way, avoiding this unpleasant problem.

7 tips for beautiful, ingrown nails

The main guidelines to prevent nail clogging are:

1. Keep the nail always square;
2. Wear wide-toed shoes that do not press the toes;
3. Wear closed shoes only when necessary, leaving the nails free whenever possible (with the use of slippers, flat shoes);
4. Cut the nail every 15 days or at least once a month to maintain the correct cut;
5. Especially if you have a frequent ingrown toenail, it is essential to keep in touch with your podiatrist regularly, while not letting other inexperienced people cut their nails;
6. Do not try to cut your nails at home, especially if you have had an ingrown toenail problem;
7. Don't be poking? and / or trying to clear a nail that you think is ingrown.

How to treat ingrown nails

Check out the answers from professionals for those who often have or currently have ingrown nails:

1. Should I try to unlock? How to do it safely?

• Do not try to unlock it under any circumstances as this may lead to aggravation of the problem. The podiatrist is the professional qualified to treat the existing foot diseases. Through appropriate sterile instruments. Is the procedure done quickly and effectively?

Cleide comments that if it is not something that is really bothering you, you can cut this nail, soaking your foot in warm water to soften it; Always using a very clean and sharp nail clipper, not cutting the nail too short. "But the right thing is not to poke at the nail and seek help from a professional, preferably a podiatrist," he says.

If appropriate, the practitioner will begin a treatment with bracing, nail-removing braces, which are glued over the nail to unlock.The device is a type of button, wire or bracket, the same used on the teeth, it is glued over the nail pressing the corners and pulling the nail up ?, adds the podiatrist.

There are still other precautions that the podiatrist may take, in which an anesthetic is placed on the nail and the removal of the spike, corner of the nail is made; and once cleaned, a bandage is made. The treatment can reach up to 6 months ?, explains Cleide.

As each case is a case and the nail interlock may or may not be more serious, it is always best to seek professional help.

2. I have an ingrown toenail. Should I go to the podiatrist?

José comments that, usually, the person can only realize that his nail is ingrown when he feels a discomfort or severe pain, because there is no way to diagnose the problem. • When feeling uncomfortable, you should immediately seek a podiatrist.

Cleide emphasizes that whenever the nail is bothering, the person should seek a podiatrist, not to let the situation reach a critical state. "Maintenance treatment should be done once a month," he advises.

3. And when does the ingrown toenail have pus? What to do?

José explains that in this case, a procedure called spiculotomy, removal of the spike (nail) is performed. • Through scalpels this causative agent of inflammation is removed. An occlusive dressing is made, and the patient should be returned within 24 hours for evaluation. This being the deadline for case improvement.

In cases of ingrown toenails with pus, does it reinforce the importance of not moving the site, trying to unblock it and / or remove the pus? which would only aggravate the problem.

4. Is there any surgery to treat ingrown toenails?

"There is, is the nail cantoplasty, which is a surgery for removal of the corners of the nails," says Cleide.

In addition to the removal of the lateral portion of the nail plate where there is a wedge, the nail root is removed or cauterized at that location to prevent the problem from returning.

5. What should not be done in case of ingrown toenails?

The basic rule, according to Cleide, is not to move that nail so that it no longer ignites.

Look for a qualified nail care professional, as any mistake can make the problem worse.

6. Is there any medicine I can apply in case of pain and inflammation due to ingrown toenails?

"Yes, menthol, camphor and eucalyptus oil, very common in Vick Vaporub, as it relieves pain and helps against inflammation," says Cleide.

7. Is there any home remedy option?

Cleide suggests placing the foot in warm salt water to relieve pain and provide comfort.

It is noteworthy, however, that this measure, as well as the idea of ​​passing the ointment, may help alleviate the pain, but will not solve the problem. Therefore, the trip to the podiatrist is still indispensable.

The ingrown toenail, in addition to causing pain and discomfort if left untreated, can develop into a granuloma condition, also known as "spongy flesh". In this case, in addition to severe pain, the injury bleeds easily, the person can no longer put on shoes and sometimes finds it difficult to walk normally.

For all this, all care is little! Keep your clipped nails always square; If you already have a greater tendency to jam your nails, cut them only with a trusted professional; Avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes; and finally, in case of a jam, be careful not to make the condition worse and seek the help of a podiatrist immediately.

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