An ingrown toenail is the discomfort that appears on the skin surrounding the nails due to inadequate nail growth. It appears more frequently on the feet, and causes pain, inflammation and, in some cases, an infection in the area. In general, the nail tends to incarnate on the side of the finger, although there are cases in which it incarnates on the front part.
Causes of the ingrown toenail
The appearance of an ingrown toenail is due to different reasons. Using inappropriate footwear or performing a bad manicure or pedicure can cause the nail to grow inward and lead to painful swelling.
Often the nail becomes ingrown after being injured or crushed. Osteoarthritis or premature birth may also be behind the origin of this discomfort.
Ingrown toenail treatment
The abnormal growth of the nail can be treated at home, soaking the affected finger in hot water to soften it and then cut it, always straight and without rounding the edges.
In the event that the discomfort continues, you should go to a specialist to remove the piece of nail that is stuck in the meat. If not treated properly, it can lead to an infection that affects the finger and bone.
Ingrown toenails and diabetes
Ingrown toenails should be given special attention in the case of diabetics. Patients with this pathology often suffer from peripheral neuropathy that causes loss of sensation in the feet. In addition, diabetes causes inadequate blood supply that hinders wound healing in these areas.
For this reason, diabetics should monitor and prevent the appearance of foot injuries, including ingrown toenails, since a mild problem like this can lead to amputation.