We pay little attention to our feet on a daily basis, and yet they are one of the areas of the body that we use the most, whether for walking, playing sports or simply standing. Among the most common concerns: ingrown toenails, which can become downright painful if nothing is done to treat it. Today, the wholesale nail supply distributors will tell you what is an ingrown toenail.
An ingrown toenail, also called onychocryptosis in the jargon, is characterized by a nail that grows into the flesh. There are three different stages:
- At stage 1, the problem is not yet visible, but your toe is sensitive, you feel the beginnings of inflammation. If nothing is done, the nail continues to grow by infiltrating the skin, which will create significant swelling, with redness around the edges of the nail.
- At stage 2, the infection becomes clearly visible: the area is swollen, red, painful on palpation and when walking – sometimes with the presence of pus.
- At stage 3, the infection is pronounced and takes the form of a small, very sensitive bud, which will bleed easily.
Several factors can promote the appearance of an ingrown toenail. We can cite :
- Poor nail cutting (too short or in a semi-circle): this is one of the most common causes.
- Unsuitable shoes, too tight, in which the toes will constantly bump into.
- A violent impact on the toe, or repeated microtrauma, common for example among runners or tennis enthusiasts.
- Excessive sweating, which will promote inflammation and fungal infections.
- A natural curvature of the nail which tends to penetrate the skin, or a foot presenting a pathology, such as hallux valgus.
- Certain illnesses, such as diabetes. Ingrown toenail is common and problematic among diabetics, because on the one hand this pathology slows down the healing of wounds, and on the other hand, it slows down blood circulation, which will lead to less sensitivity to pain.
Now that you know a little bit about ingrown toenails, you can no longer ignore your feet. It is recommended that you invest in some manicure and pedicure sets to take care of your feet on a daily basis.
Read also: How To Treat An Ingrown Toenail Without A Doctor?
