What is Onychocryptosis – Symptoms, Causes, Prevention and Treatment

Onychocryptosis or ingrown nail is a painful condition mostly affecting the feet. Here, a nail grows in such a manner that it cuts into the sides of the nail bed. It results in swelling of the flesh surrounding the embedded nail.

Symptoms of Onychocryptosis:

• Pain along the nail margins
• Wearing of tight foot wears worsening the pain
• Bumping of the effected toe
• Punctured tissues of the toe
• Sensitivity to pressure placed even by bed sheets
• Redness due to infection
• Swelling
• Drainage of pus
• Watery discharge with blood

Causes of Ingrown Nail:

• Wearing unsuitable footwear
• Wearing shoes without enough toe-box room
• Wearing tight stockings
• Softening of nail plates
• Toes being enclosed in shoes making them damp and wet
• Trauma or injury to the nail
• Inappropriate cutting of nail
• Bad nail care
• Too much skin around the nail

Prevention of Ingrown Nail:

• Cutting nail straight across
• Nail not being cut shorter than the flesh around it
• Avoiding foot wears which are short, narrow or with small toe box
• Toenail being stubbed
• Avoiding dropping of things in the toenail
• Wearing properly fitting shoes especially while working or playing

Treatment of Onychocryptosis:

• The treatment depends on the severity of the condition. It can range from soaking the nail and the surrounding flesh in an antibiotic to carrying out surgery.
• In most of the cases, complications arise due to the infection caused in the feet by the bacteria rather than the embedded nail.
• Applying iodine can prevent minor infections. However, they should not be used on deep wounds.
• Mild cases can be treated by dipping the affected region in warm water and epsom salt mixture. Antiseptics available over the counter should be applied on them later.
• Socks should be changed on daily basis and removed at night allowing the toes remain cool and dry.
• Shoes should be kept dry and treated with anti-bacterial products to keep the growth of bacteria to bare minimum.
• Serious cases require consultation with podiatrists, who are the specialists trained to diagnose and treat disorders of foot, ankle and lower leg.