Introduction
The ingrown nail, Latin also called Unguis incarnatus, belongs to the mechanically caused changes of the nail. These occur more frequently at the big toe, more rarely at the fingers. Recurring inflammations often cause a vicious circle, which should be broken by a good and consistent treatment.
Definition
The ingrowth of the nail plate into the surrounding nail wall, i.e. the laterally situated skin, is called Unguis incarnatus (“ingrown nail”). The damage caused by the pressure creates an entry port for bacteria, which can cause local inflammation. The pressure of the nail on the skin and the inflammatory reactions cause changes in the surrounding tissue, which begins to grow. One speaks of granulation tissue.
Causes and risk factors
The most common cause of an ingrown toenail is wearing shoes that are too tight. Here the nail is bent by the lateral pressure. Likewise, orthopedic malpositioning of the feet can lead to and cause this pressure load.
Since the big toe is more often exposed to mechanical conditions than the fingernails, ingrown toes are more often affected. However, an incorrect technique of nail cutting can also lead to this. Cutting the corners of the nails too rounded can lead to ingrowth of the nail into the nail wall and the skin, which leads to local inflammation.
Airtight shoes, wearing airtight gloves and other causes of increased sweating on the hands or feet soften the skin and provide good conditions for recurring inflammation. Circulatory disorders of any cause and trauma are also causes for the development of an ingrown nail. The combination of a young patient who sweats more and bears the problem of an ingrown nail should make one think of diabetes mellitus. Another risk factor, which is however less frequent, is a certain drug used in cancer therapy, the so-called EGFR receptor antagonist.
Symptoms of an ingrown toenail
An ingrown toenail is very uncomfortable for those affected and causes local stabbing pain, which can be made worse by external pressure. The pain is accompanied by redness and swelling of the toe. Advanced inflammation leads to pus formation.
Further you might be interested: Pain in the toenail. The inflammation caused by an ingrown toenail causes the skin around the nail to appear taut and shiny. This is typical for the occurrence of pus.
Pus can be emptied from the swollen area under pressure. This is usually white to light yellowish. The cause of pus is often a bacterial infection, which can develop in the course of an ingrown nail.
The inflamed tissue can also bleed, so that blood can be mixed with the pus. However, one should not try to squeeze or cut the pus on one’s own. An ingrown nail leads to an inflammation in the surrounding tissue.
This inflammation causes the tissue to swell and redden. The strong inflammatory stimulus leads to a reaction in the tissue. This tries to close the wound and forms granulation tissue to an excessive degree, a kind of “transitional tissue” that develops during the course of wound healing.
It covers the nail and does not look particularly pleasant for the person affected. In the vernacular it is often called “wild meat”. You should refrain from removing it yourself or manipulating it in any way. In the course of the disease it can also bleed easily.
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