| Alternative names |
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Onychocryptosis, Unguis incarnates
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| Causes and risk factors |
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The causes for an ingrown nail are:- - Improper footwear which crowd the toenails
- Injury or trauma received on the toenail
- Unusually curved toenails
- Improper cutting of any nail may cause the nail to cut into the side-fold skin
- Presence of excessive skin around the nail
- Softening of the nail plate & swelling of the epidermis keratin because of constant exposure to a wet or moist atmosphere inside the shoes / stockings
- Genetic inclination to nail problem.
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| Signs and symptoms |
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These may include the following:- - Painful nail margins
- Increased sensitivity to pressure
- Reddening and swelling of the area around the
- There may be pus or blood containing watery discharge
- Increase in pain on wearing shoes or any tight fitting footwear
- There is a swelling at the base of the nail on the side of the ingrown nail.
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| Tests and tools |
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Physical examination by a doctor and history of symptoms can diagnose ingrown toenail.
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| Treatment |
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Soaking the affected toe in warm water helps.
Epsom salt and application of any antiseptic cream is helpful in treating the milder form of ingrown toenail.
Cotton under nail – for mild ingrown toenail wherein a cotton gauge is placed underneath the edge of the nail, so that the nail eventually grows above the skin edge.
If these simple treatments do not work then surgery is the option. Surgery could be partial nail removal and nail and tissue removal.
The condition reoccurs if measures to prevent it are not taken. In recurrent situations it is possible to reshape the nail permanently using chemicals or lasers.
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| Expectations (Prognosis) |
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Prognosis of ingrown toenail is excellent after treatment.
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| Complications |
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Ingrown toe nails can get infections easily. If infection is not treated it can cause the infection of the bone of the affected digit. If not treated infection can lead to gangrene and may require amputation of the toe, foot or leg.
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| Calling your health care provider |
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If there is no relief by simple home cure techniques one must go to the podiatrist for further treatment.
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| Prevention |
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Nails should be cut straight, not curved and not too short. Footwear should not be too small and tight. It is important to keep the feet clean and dry.
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