Onychocryptosis is a fairly common problem that affects people of any gender and age. Indeed, many consult a doctor with complaints that a nail has grown. This is a very unpleasant phenomenon, which is accompanied by discomfort and pain. That is why you should not neglect medical care.
Why is a nail ingrown? Main reasons
In fact, nail ingrowth into the soft tissues of the finger can occur under the influence of various external factors. Here are just a few of them.
- It is believed that one of the main causes is improper nail cutting. For example, if you cut the edges too deep when cutting the nail plate, this can lead in the future to improper growth and ingrowth of the stratum corneum into soft tissues.
- Another very common reason is to wear narrow shoes. For example, when using shoes with a narrow toe, the nail plate often experiences constant pressure, as a result of which it cuts into the soft nail ridges of the skin.
- In addition, often people notice that the nail has grown after a previous injury.
- People with fungal diseases also belong to the risk group, as a result of which the nail plate thickens, and its edges cut into soft tissues.
- Sometimes ingrown nails are the result of flat feet. It is the deformation of the foot that often leads to improper growth of the nail plate.
How to determine that a nail has grown?
Many people are wondering how to determine if nail plate ingrowth really occurs. In fact, to notice such a problem is not difficult at all. Its main symptoms are pain, discomfort and a burning sensation in the finger, which are aggravated by walking and are aggravated by wearing shoes with narrow socks. With a careful examination, you can notice small sores in the place where the nail constantly injures the soft tissues of the finger. The course of the disease can be aggravated by the penetration of infection - in such cases, you can notice inflammation and even the release of a small amount of pus. In the absence of treatment, granulations begin to appear on the nail roll - these are skin growths, called “wild meat”.
Rised nail: what to do?
Depending on the severity of the patient’s condition, the doctor uses different methods for treatment.
- First you need to choose comfortable shoes with a wide toe or prefer sandals, where the fingers remain fully open.
- Do not also cut the edges of the nail plate.
- With an ingrown nail, daily foot baths with the addition of salt (softens the nail plate), soda or potassium permanganate (disinfect existing sores) are recommended.
- Often, the doctor places small gauze swabs moistened with an antiseptic solution between the edges of the nail and the skin rollers.
- Sometimes special plates are used that must be worn for several months. They lift the nail plate, correct the growth processes and relieve pressure from the nail roller.
- In the presence of granulations, surgical methods of treatment are used. During the operation, the doctor completely or partially removes the nail plate, after which he carries out the plastic of the nail roller.