Ingrown toenail, or onychocryptosis, is an inflammation caused by the growth of part of the nail towards the skin, causing damage to the same. It usually appears on the first finger, the well-known big toe. It can occur in any age group and in both sexes, but it is much more common between 10 and 30 years old, and in men. That's because they are more likely to play sports, such as running and football. Activities that cause trauma to the toenails and can contribute to the problem.

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The correct way to cut nails is the straight cut, without rounding the corners, but many people do just the opposite. In addition, other factors such as abnormalities in the shape of the nail can favor ingrown. Excessive sweat on the feet makes the environment even more humid and can hurt the skin around the nails, contributing to the emergence of the problem. Tight shoes and synthetic socks also help with the appearance of the frame.

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The treatment of ingrown toenails can be done without surgery, if the condition is very early. In the simplest cases, the application of orthoses or cotton pads to separate the nail spicule from the surrounding skin can solve the problem. In other cases, we can indicate the use of immersion baths of the foot involved in solutions containing antiseptics and drying agents, such as potassium permanganate. Hot water and salt can also help reduce inflammation.

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Pyogenic granuloma is a complication of ingrown toenails and is popularly known as "spongy flesh". In addition to causing pain, this injury bleeds easily. This type of problem should be treated by the dermatologist in the office, with applications of strong acids in the lesion or cryotherapy, and topical antibiotic therapy at home. If this does not resolve the condition, surgery is indicated.

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Complete extraction of the nail should be avoided, as it will certainly ingrown again when it grows. Surgical treatment aims to clear the nail passage, removing even its matrix and the corner that jams, which can then grow freely. There are several techniques, using phenol or not, with or without stitches to close the defect created. Each case must be studied in particular so that the best option for surgery is indicated. When the intervention is well indicated and performed under ideal conditions, recurrence rates are low, as long as the patient avoids the habits that led him to develop the problem.