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Definition
Ingrown toenail, also known onychocryptosis, is the
condition in which the edge of a nail penetrates the skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling.
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Most cases occur in men between the ages of 10-30
years and the ingrown nails usually occur on the big toe.
There are three types of ingrown toenail: hypertrophy
(overgrowth) of the lateral nail, subcutaneous ingrown nail, in which the nail
grows under the skin and overcurvature of the nail plate.
Causes & Symptoms
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Ingrown nails are
caused by:
- Incorrect
cutting of the nails
- Wear pointed-toe
shoes or high-heeled shoes
- Abnormally long toes
- Poor foot hygiene
- Repeated trauma to the large toe
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Persons who are at increased risk of developing ingrown
toenails include people with arthritis, immune system deficiencies, neoplasms
(tumors), obesity, and circulatory disorders.
The symptoms of ingrown toenail include:
- Swelling around the nail
- Redness and pain in the lateral nail fold.
Nature Medicine and Home Remedies for Ingrown nails
Home remedy # 1 Put one piece of raw garlic or fresh onion on the nailand bandage for a night.
Home remedy # 2 Soak the affected nail with the juice of a lemon andput sock over foot all the night.
Home remedy # 3 Put your foot in a warm tub of salty water for 15minutes and the bandage loosely the affected nail. This will relieve the pain.
Home remedy # 4 Apply a solution of equal parts tea tree and neem oils under the nails.
Home remedy # 5 Push gently the skin away from the nail.
Home remedy # 6 Soak the affectednail with five drops of calendula tinctures
diluted in 1/2 pint of warm water for 15-30 minutes. Then, wrap the toe in linen and place it
between the fold and the nail.
Natural Cures Recommendations
Clip nails straight across not
down into the corners
Wearing shoes with ample toe space
Not pulling or tearing at the toenails
Consult a physician for a severe and/or infected ingrown nails
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