Ingrown Toenail
Ingrown Toenail
Description
An ingrown toenail is caused when the hard nail plate cuts or punctures the flesh around the nail. This process can be painful, infection, where pus will be discharged, can also occur. Hypergranulation or an overgrowth of tissue will attempt to grow over the wound. This can occur for everyone and is usually on the big toe. Other contributing factors can also be due to tight footwear or poor toenail care.
How did this happen?
- Trauma from tight footwear
- Trauma from stubbing your toe
- Thickened or curved toenails can apply long term pressure into the surrounding flesh
- The wrong cutting technique of nails can lead to sharp edges leading to cut or puncture
- Sweaty feet can lead to excess moisture in the skin around the nail, making it softer causing injuries to easily occur
What should I do?
- Refrain from wearing footwear that applies pressure on the affected toe
- Disinfect the toe with antiseptics and salt bath before dressing the wound
- Trim the toenail as much as you can, but do not attempt to cut the affected side of the nail
- Seek help from a podiatrist
What kind of help can I get?
- Seek help from a podiatrist where the nail at fault can be removed conservatively
- A permanent solution is also available where the podiatrist can remove the affected side of the nail and prevent that part of the nail from regrowing
- Advice and guidance will be given from the podiatrist on how to manage your wound and how to prevent future cases from happening
Get in touch with us
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