Ingrown Nail treatment in Dubai
What is an ingrown toenail?
This is a condition that mostly affects the big toe. This condition usually results due to pressure from improper shoe wear or improper toenail care. When the toenail is cut too short, or a sharp edge is left, this edge curls down and digs into the skin. This leads to swelling, hyper-granulation, and infection around the nail.
There are three types of ingrown toenails: mild, moderate, and severe.
- Mild cases are distinguished by nail-fold swelling, erythema, oedema, and pressure pain.
- Moderate cases are characterised by increased swelling, seropurulent drainage, infection, and nail fold ulceration.
- Chronic inflammation and granulation, as well as marked nail-fold hypertrophy, characterise the most severe cases of ingrown toenail.
What causes an ingrown toenail?
Heredity – In many cases, the reason for ingrown toenails is inherited.
Trauma, such as stubbing your toe, having some object fall on your toe, or engaging in activities that involve repetitive pressure on the toes, such as kicking or running, can cause an ingrown toenail.
Improper trimming – Cutting your nails too short is one of the most primary causes of ingrown toenails. This causes the skin next to the nail to fold over it.
Improperly sized footwear – Ingrown toenails can be caused by wearing socks and shoes that are too tight or too short.
Nail conditions – Ingrown toenails can be caused by problems such as fungal infections or the loss of a nail due to trauma.
What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?
The main symptom is pain. The toe becomes red and painful to touch, and it is difficult to wear shoes. If infection sets in, you will see some serous discharge or pus.
How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor takes the history and examines the foot. Usually, an x-ray is not necessary unless there are multiple infections. A blood test is advised to check for diabetes. A culture swab may be taken to establish the type of bug causing the infection in order to give appropriate antibiotics..
Your foot and ankle specialist in Dubai may also order X-rays or bone tomography to check the bone’s deformity in detail. If you receive numbness and tingling sensations in your feet, the doctor might demand an MRI scan to confirm the changes.
Ingrown nail treatment in Dubai
If diagnosed early, a change of shoe wear is advised to decrease the local pressure. It is recommended to let the nail grow out beyond the nail fold. Keeping good hygiene with simple soap and water is enough. You may need a course of antibiotics if there is persistent redness and a discharge.
Ingrown nail treatment Dubai may require surgery in some patients if the above methods fail or if you are getting recurrent infections. Wedge excision of the nail is recommended. Under a local anaesthetic, a small portion (3-4mm) of the toenail and its germinal matrix that produces the nail is removed. This is called nail ablation.
Dr KP Meda , is a highly experienced foot and ankle surgeon with more than 15 years of experience. He takes pride in listening to the patient, conducting appropriate investigations, and discussing treatment options with the patient and their family members at the centre. Dr. KP Meda is well-known for his non-invasive approach to foot and ankle conditions, and he only opts for surgery after all other reasonable alternatives have been exhausted.
Also Read- How to cut your toenails, and when to ask your podiatrist for help?
