Posted on July 14, 2007 in Latest News
Onychocryptosis occurs when part of the nail penetrates the skin often resulting in infection.
Appearance
The side/sides of the nail penetrates deep making it difficult to see the edge of the nail. If you notice, some people would naturally have nails deeply embedded down their toes. For some, a small spike of the nail may pierce through the skin resulting in an infection and the development of proud flesh(granulation tissue).
Causes
- The Shape of the nail is usually the primary cause behind onychocryptosis. The shape of the nail is usually inherited (congenital), but it can be influenced by trauma and/or shoe pressure..
- Poor cutting of the nails
- Footwear that is tighter is more likely to increase pressure between the skin in the nail fold and nail, increasing the risk on an ingrown nail
- Those who suffer from the problem of swollen feet may also be prone to Onychocryptosis.
Symptoms
The ingrown toe nail would normally start of with a minor discomfort resulting from the pressure exerted by the flesh over the sides of nail. Only when the nail cuts through the skin, there would be infection making the toe inflamed and red with a possibility of collection of pus.
Treatment
- At the very sight of the edge of the nail poking into the toe, you could clip your nail cutting it straight across without tapering the corners, so that they do not penetrate the skin.
- For nails curved down the side, clipping may be practically difficult. It is best to consult a podiatrist before things get worse.
- In case of infection and pus, see your doctor immediately, he might have to perform a minor surgery to solve your problem of Onychocryptosis.
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