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WHAT IS AN INGROWN TOENAIL?
When a nail is ingrown, usually the edges of the nail (the sides of the nail) are bent and grow into the skin. This ‘excavation’ of the nail often disturbs the skin by creating pain, redness, swelling and warmth in the finger.
If the ingrown toenail has caused a cut on the skin, bacteria can enter and cause a noticeable foul-smelling and draining infection in the area. Despite this, even if the finger is not painful, red, swollen, or hot, the nail may sink into the skin and develop an infection.
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THE REASONS
Heredity: In many people, the tendency to ingrown toenails is passed on through heredity.
Trauma: Sometimes nail wrecks can be the result of trauma caused by hitting a finger on a stone, dropping an object on your finger, or doing activities that will put pressure on the finger, such as running and kicking.
Wrong nail cutting: The most common cause of ingrown toenails is that you cut your nail too short. This prepares the environment for the skin on the edge of the nail to curl over the nail.
Shoes and socks of the wrong size: Ingrown toenails can occur as a result of wearing tight or short socks and shoes.
Nail health: Ingrown toenails can be caused by nail problems such as losing a nail as a result of trauma or a fungal infection.
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TREATMENT
After examining your finger, your doctor will choose the most appropriate treatment for you. The nail removal process for ingrown toenails is a very old approach and is not of a therapeutic nature. If an infection has occurred, an antibiotic taken orally may be prescribed. Sometimes a small surgical intervention performed in the office will reduce the pain and eliminate the irritating nail. After applying local anesthesia, the doctor removes the edge of the nail. Following the nail procedure, a loose bandage is applied. Most people experience very little pain after surgery and can resume their normal activities the next day. If your doctor has prescribed an antibiotic taken orally, be sure to use all medications, even if your symptoms disappear.
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TO PREVENT INGROWN TOENAILS
Many cases of ingrown toenails can be prevented in the following ways:
1- The right cut. Cut your toenails in a neat line and without too shortening. There should be a nail insertion from the sides and under your toenails.
2- Shoes and socks suitable for your feet. Do not wear shoes with a nose that is too tight or narrow. Avoid baggy shoes that will cause pressure on your fingers, especially when running or walking briskly.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HOME TREATMENT
Do not cut the protrusion on the nail. Contrary to what some people believe, this does not reduce the tendency of the nail to become ingrown.
Do not cut the nail edges repeatedly. Cutting the nail continuously does not change the way it grows, it can make the situation worse.
Do not put cotton under the nail. This condition will not reduce the pain, but also provides an environment for the formation of harmful bacteria that can lead to infection.
Medications applied by rubbing over the skin can mask the pain, but cannot correct the underlying problem.
Op. Dr.
Adult and Pediatric Orthopedist, Samsun MedicalPark Hospital
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Turkey's world-renowned organ transplant specialist. Dr. Demirbaş has 104 international publications and 102 national publications.
Physician's Resume:
Born on August 7, 1963 in Çorum, Prof. Dr. Alper Demirbaş has been continuing his work as the President of MedicalPark Antalya Hospital Organ Transplantation Center since 2008.
Prof. who performed the first tissue incompatible kidney transplant in Turkey, the first blood type incompatible kidney transplant, the first kidney-pancreas transplant program and the first cadaveric donor and live donor liver transplant in Antalya. Dr. As of August 2016, Alper Demirbaş has performed 4900 kidney transplants, 500 liver transplants and 95 pancreas transplants.
In addition to being the chairman of 6 national congresses, he has also been an invited speaker at 12 international and 65 national scientific congresses. Dr. Alper Demirbaş was married and the father of 1 girl and 1 boy.
Awards:
Eczacibasi Medical Award of 2002, Akdeniz University Service Award of 2005, Izder Medical Man of the Year Award of 2006, BÖHAK Medical Man of the Year Award of 2007, Sabah Mediterranean Newspaper Scientist of the Year Award of 2007, ANTIKAD Scientist of the Year Award of 2009, Social Ethics Association Award of 2010, Işık University Medical Man of the Year Award of 2015, VTV Antalya's Brand Value Award of 2015.
Certificates:
Doctor of Medicine Degree Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine Ankara, General Surgeon Ministry of Health Turkey EKFMG (0-477-343-8), University of Miami School of Medicine Member of Multiple Organ Transplant, ASTS Multiorgan Transplant Scholarship. Lecturer at Kyoto University. Lecturer at University of Essen, Research assistant at the University of Cambridge .
Professional Members:
American Society of Transplant Surgeons, American Transplantation Society Nominated, Middle East and Southern Africa Council Transplantation Society 2007, International Liver Transplantation Association, Turkish Transplantation Association, Turkish Society of Surgery, Turkish Hepatobiliary Surgery Association.
Disclaimer:
Our website contents consist of articles approved by our Web and Medical Editorial Board with the contributions of our physicians. Our contents are prepared only for informational purposes for public benefit. Be sure to consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.