Nails growing inwards

The nails grow inwards, as if embedded in the flesh. This is a manifestation of ingrown nails, and it is also a symptom that can have a great impact on a person's nail health. When the problem of ingrown toenails occurs, it is necessary to receive treatment in the early stages, because only timely treatment can restore the health of the nails more effectively and better. Next, I will introduce you to some relevant knowledge about ingrown toenails!

1. Overview

Ingrown toenail is a common disease in which the side edge of the nail plate grows into the nearby soft tissue, inserting into the nail groove like a foreign body and causing pain.

2. Causes

There are many causes of ingrown toenails, the main ones being: ① Genetic factors. The curvature and axis of the nail are related to the occurrence of ingrown toenails. ② Mechanical damage, collision, extrusion, etc., cause the side edge of the nail plate to be closer to the soft tissue of the nail groove and form ingrown toenail, which is more common in young students. ③ Deformed nails caused by certain diseases, such as congenital hallux valgus, nail dystrophy, pachyonychia or onychomycosis. ④ Improper wearing of shoes or shoes that are too tight, which is mostly caused by wearing pointed high-heeled shoes that squeeze the toes. The side edge of the toenail is compressed and grows into the soft tissue of the nail groove, rubbing the soft tissue to cause it to swell, aggravating the ingrown toenail. ⑤ The most common cause of the disease is nail trimming that is too short or too deep. The side edge of the nail is not trimmed evenly, but is trimmed too short or too deep, causing the nail to pierce the soft tissue in the nail groove like a hard thorn. ⑥ Ingrown toenail is also related to occupation and is more common in service workers who work while standing.

3. Clinical manifestations

Ingrown toenail occurs when the side edge of the nail is embedded in the nail groove, which is prone to secondary infection and causes paronychia, accompanied by persistent pain. In severe cases, it can affect the patient's work and daily life. The vast majority of ingrown toenails occur on the big toes, especially on the outer side (about three times more common than on the inner side). Some patients have ingrown toenails on both sides of the big toe or both big toes.

IV. Treatment

The treatment is mainly to avoid nail trimming that is too short, too deep and nail trauma, and to wear looser shoes. Correct nail deformity promptly and try to avoid standing for long periods of time. For patients with mild inflammation and short course of illness, you can apply iodine tincture or alcohol wet compress to the nail groove area, or apply silver powder powder, hibiscus cream, or ichthyol ointment and then bandage it. For those with local suppuration, oral antibiotics can be taken appropriately. For most patients with ingrown toenails that do not respond well to conservative treatment, surgical treatment can be an option, such as partial or complete resection or removal of the nail plate.