Nail Problems
Barometers of Health
Conservatively treated with topical or oral
medications while others require partial or total removal of the nail.
Any discoloration or infection on or about the nail should be evaluated
by a podiatric physician.
Nail Ailments
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown nails, the most common nail impairment, are nails whose corners
or sides dig painfully into the soft tissue of nail grooves, often
leading to irritation, redness, and swelling. Usually, toenails grow
straight out. Sometimes, however, one or both corners or sides curve and
grow into the flesh. The big toe is usually the victim of this
condition but other toes can also become affected.
Ingrown toenails may be caused by:
- Improperly trimmed nails (Trim them straight across, not longer than the tip of the toes. Do
not round off corners. Use toenail clippers.)
- Heredity
- Shoe pressure; crowding of toes
- Repeated trauma to the feet from normal activities
If you suspect an infection due to an ingrown toenail, immerse the foot in a warm salt water soak, or
a basin of soapy water, then apply an antiseptic and bandage the area.
People with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or other circulatory disorders must avoid any
form of self treatment and seek podiatric medical care as soon as possible.
Other "do-it-yourself" treatments, including any attempt to remove any part of an infected nail or the
use of over-the-counter medications, should be avoided. Nail problems should be evaluated and
treated by your podiatrist, who can diagnose the ailment, and then prescribe medication or another
appropriate treatment.
A podiatrist will resect the ingrown portion of the nail and may prescribe a topical or oral medication
to treat the infection. If ingrown nails are a chronic problem, your podiatrist can perform a procedure
to permanently prevent ingrown nails. The corner of the nail that ingrows, along with the matrix or
root of that piece of nail, are removed by use of a chemical, a laser, or by other methods.
Prevention
Proper hygiene and regular inspection of the feet and toes are the first lines of defense against fungal nails.
- Clean and dry feet resist disease.
- Washing the feet with soap and water, remembering to dry thoroughly, is the best way to
prevent an infection.
- Shower shoes should be worn when possible in public areas.
- Shoes, socks, or hosiery should be changed more than once daily.
- Toenails should be clipped straight across so that the nail does not extend beyond the tip of
the toe.
- Wear shoes that fit well and are made of materials that breathe.
- Avoid wearing excessively tight hosiery, which promote moisture.
- Socks made of synthetic fiber tend to "wick" away moisture faster than cotton or wool socks.
- Disinfect instruments used to cut nails.
- Disinfect home pedicure tools.
- Don't apply polish to nails suspected of infection-those that are red, discolored, or swollen,
for example.
Nail Care Tips
Proper hygiene and regular inspection of the feet and toes are the first lines of defense against
fungal nails.
- Clean and dry feet resist disease.
- Washing the feet with soap and water, remembering to dry thoroughly, is the best way to
prevent an infection.
- Shower shoes should be worn when possible in public areas.
- Shoes, socks, or hosiery should be changed more than once daily.
- Toenails should be clipped straight across so that the nail does not extend beyond the tip of
the toe.
- Wear shoes that fit well and are made of materials that breathe.
- Avoid wearing excessively tight hosiery, which promote moisture.
- Socks made of synthetic fiber tend to "wick" away moisture faster than cotton or wool socks.
- Disinfect instruments used to cut nails.
- Disinfect home pedicure tools.
- Don't apply polish to nails suspected of infection-those that are red, discolored, or swollen,
for example.