Approximately one-third of all foot complaints today are related to ingrown toenails. It is estimated that five percent of the Central European population regularly suffer from inflammation caused by ingrown toenails.
Most often, the big toe is affected, with its outer corners or side edges growing into the lateral nail fold. The cause of this sometimes very painful dilemma is usually incorrectly applied pedicures. Toenails should be trimmed as straight as possible. Many people tend to cut their toenails in an oval, rounded arc, similar to their fingernails. However, the toenail, cut too short at the edges, then much more easily pushes sideways into the nail fold. This is especially true for deformed, curved toenails.
Another cause, often underestimated in its effect, is sweaty feet. Strong or constant sweating on the feet not only softens the toenails but also the surrounding skin. Even then, the risk of an ingrown toenail is greatly increased. And finally, the anatomical changes of age, such as crowded toes, can prove to be a factor of increased risk.
Very often, thoughtlessly adopted fashion trends are also responsible. They lead us to wear shoes that are too tight or too narrow. Orthopedic foot deformities can increase the pressure on a toenail in the shoe to such an extent that it grows into the nail fold. The same applies to injuries of a toenail that change its growth direction or poor foot hygiene.
Ingrown Toenails - Appearances and Course of the Disease
Once the toenail has slipped into the nail fold, it soon begins to draw attention to itself with very unpleasant pain by pressing on the surrounding tissue. It reddens, swells, and quickly becomes inflamed. The skin appears taut and shiny, and the pain from even slight local pressure is considerable. Bacteria or fungi enter more easily, and the inflammation worsens. In extreme cases, pus formation can even occur. In the healing process, granulation tissue or so-called "proud flesh" develops.
The often sharp pains are so unpleasant that many sufferers shorten the nail at the outer edges again. In this way, they want to relieve the pressure from the inflamed area, which initially brings apparent relief. From now on, however, the slightest pressure, which virtually any shoe could exert, is enough to cause the nail edge to grow into the surrounding nail edge tissue again.
Pincer Nails in Lateral Margin Folding, Brick-shaped, and Tube-shaped
This vicious circle can lead to a so-called pincer nail. Its most striking symptom is the extreme curvature of the lateral nail edges, which leads to an arching of the nail plate. Three different forms are distinguished. The pincer nail can appear in lateral margin folding, in brick shape, or in the so-called tube shape.
Thickened Nails (Holznägel) are Caused by a Fungal Nail Infection Under the Nail Plate
Another secondary disease of ingrown toenails can be the formation of a so-called thickened nail (Holznagel). It is caused by a fungal nail infection that forms under the nail plate. The infection initially manifests itself as smaller milky yellowish discolorations on the toenails, which, however, quickly grow larger. Typical for thickened nails is that they quickly thicken and lift from the nail bed. Trimming the toenails with conventional pedicure sets is hardly possible anymore. More seriously, thickened nails can also cause considerable pain because they significantly increase the pressure on the nail bed in shoes.
Brittle Toenails Can Have Many Causes
About twenty percent of the population have split or brittle toenails. The cause can be nutrient or mineral deficiencies or skin diseases. However, split toenails can also be a symptom of a metabolic disorder. As with all toenail deformities discussed here, it is important to note that they do not disappear on their own.
Treatment of Thickened Nails and Pincer Nails with Mosadal
In the treatment of *thickened nails, pincer nails, and split nails*, Mosadal Cosmetics provides invaluable services. The procedure is very simple: First, the affected areas on the toes must be softened with a cotton pad well soaked in Mosadal Lotion. In the next step, the toenail can be completely freed from the overgrown cuticle. Likewise, the now flexible nail can be trimmed as straight as possible without much effort. This ensures that the toenail no longer grows ingrown, but if necessary, can also be effectively treated with an antifungal nail treatment.
After treating *thickened nails, pincer nails, and split nails*, don't forget a final care with the rich Mosadal cosmetic products.
