This painful affliction affects many people. The causes are sometimes complex, but it most often affects people who abnormally shorten their toenails. An untreated ingrown toenail can lead to the development of abscesses or inflammation, so it should not be ignored. Problems of this type are dealt with by a specific group of specialists.
An ingrown toenail - when do we have to deal with it?
An ingrown nail is referred to when the lateral part of the plate begins to grow into the soft tissue - this usually occurs at the big toe. Initially, no symptoms are felt, but over time, especially when walking, there is a clearly perceptible pain that can radiate from the big toe towards the foot. Wearing tight shoes or socks further aggravates the discomfort. A plaque left like this, which penetrates deeper and deeper into the skin with each passing day, can lead to the appearance of inflammation or the development of inflammation. For this reason, do not underestimate the problem, but seek medical help.
What are the causes of ingrown nails in nail shafts?
Among the most common causes of the affliction is improper trimming of the plate. Leaving sharp edges or rounded sides leads, over time, to the nail growing in the wrong direction and starting to penetrate deeper and deeper into the soft tissue. Causes also include wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose. Nail ingrowth can be caused by improper care - for example, when cutting the plate with sharp scissors. It also happens that the condition is caused by the specific structure of the fingers or an inborn predisposition to ingrowing of the plate into the skin.
Who to go to for help?
The problem of an ingrown toenail can be dealt with by going to a specialist. Problems in the feet are dealt with by podiatrists. The proposed method of correction is usually the use of a special clamp, which changes the direction of growth of the plate, or the performance of reconstruction with acrylic. In more serious cases, podological methods are combined with soft tissue plastic surgery.
