Ingrown nail

It is the abnormal growth of the nail that sinks into the soft flesh of the finger. It can occur at the free end or at the side of the nail. It is common in the big toe but can affect any nail.

Cutting the nails too short, wearing tight shoes or suffering trauma to the nail are common causes. People with poor circulation, such as people with diabetes, may be more likely to suffer from it.

It manifests itself with pain and redness around the nail. Sometimes the end of the finger is inflamed, which may mean infection of the affected area.

The diagnosis is made by examination and a small interrogation.

The treatment will depend on the degree of sinking into the flesh, going from a slight lifting of the nail to the partial or total subtraction of the nail. If there are signs of infection, antibiotics should be taken early to prevent it from progressing.

Usually, it is not necessary to go to the doctor urgently, but it is necessary to have the area checked by a professional to prevent it from causing a serious infection affecting the bone.

Diabetic patients should be especially careful, since due to the affectation of the nerves caused by the poor circulation that accompanies the disease, the ingrown toenail may go unnoticed. The condition of the feet should be checked frequently.

It is advisable to cut the nails straight across and not following the curvature of the toe to avoid ingrown toenails. Nails should be of adequate length and footwear should not put excessive pressure on the toes. If their use involves trauma to the feet, it is advisable to use protective footwear with steel toes.