Ingrown nail primary prevention
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Ingrown nail Microchapters |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Primary Prevention [1]
The most common place for ingrown nails is in the big toe but ingrowth can occur on any nail. Ingrown nails can be avoided by cutting nails straight across; nails should not be cut along a curve, nor should they be cut too short. Footwear which is too small, either in size or width, or those with too shallow a 'toe box' will exacerbate any underlying problem with a toenail.
Ingrown toe nails can be caused by injury, commonly concussion where the flesh is pressed against the nail causing a small cut that swells. Also, injury to the nail can cause it to grow abnormally, making it thicker or wider than normal or even bulged or crooked. Stubbing the toenail, dropping things on the toe and 'going through the end of your shoes' in sports are common injuries to the digits. Injuries to the toes can be prevented by wearing shoes most of the time, especially when working or playing.
One myth is that a V should be cut in the end of the ingrown nail; this myth is untrue. The reasoning of the myth is that if one cuts a V in the nail, the edge of the nail will grow together as the nail grows out. This does not happen - the shape of the nail is determined by the growing area at the base of the toe and not by the end of the nail.
References
- ↑ Aksakal AB, Ozsoy E, Gürer M (2003). "Silicone gel sheeting for the management and prevention of onychocryptosis". [[Dermatologic Surgery : Official Publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [Et Al.]]]. 29 (3): 261–4. PMID 12614420. Retrieved 2012-08-06. Unknown parameter
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