From the Guidelines
The medical term for an ingrown toenail is onychocryptosis. This condition is characterized by the nail edge growing into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, swelling, and potential infection 1. Onychocryptosis can be managed with various treatments, including:
- Topical 2% povidone-iodine
- Daily dilute vinegar soaks to nail folds twice daily
- Mid to high potency topical steroid ointment to nail folds twice daily for edema and pain
- Dental floss nail for onychocryptosis
- Taping nail fold away from nail plate
- Splinting by flexible tube Treatment approaches may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the presence of infection or other complications 1. It is essential to address onychocryptosis promptly to prevent further complications and promote healing. In some cases, more invasive procedures like partial nail removal or matrixectomy may be necessary for recurring or severe cases 1.
From the Research
Medical Term for Ingrown Toenail
The medical term for an ingrown toenail is:
Definition and Description
Onychocryptosis or ingrown toenail is a common pathology of the toenail unit, chiefly affecting adolescents and young adults 2. It is characterized by pain, swelling, and discharge, and is often associated with poor trimming of the nails, local pressure due to ill-fitting footwear, hyperhidrosis, poor foot hygiene, and nail abnormalities 2, 3.
Clinical Features and Diagnosis
The clinical features of onychocryptosis include pain, swelling, and discharge 2, 3. Diagnosis is usually evident, but it should be differentiated from subungual exostosis and tumors of the nail bed 2. The condition is categorized into different stages, with four stages described in the literature 2.
Treatment Options
Treatment options for onychocryptosis include conservative and surgical approaches 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Conservative treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and promoting healing, while surgical treatment involves partial or complete nail avulsion, with or without phenolization 3, 6. The choice of treatment method depends on the stage of disease, with conservative measures effective in early stages and surgical procedures required in later stages 4.