Ingrown toenails

Also called onychocryptosis, ingrown toenails are the result of nails growing into the skin and penetrating it. The appearance of an ingrown toenail can have a number of causes such as, for example, poor clipping of the nails, genetic predisposition, wearing shoes that are two narrow or too high-heeled, a fungal infection as well as trauma.

Depending on the stage of development of the ingrown toenail there are a number of treatment options available. First your podiatrist will offer as a first resort a simple clipping using a nail clipper. This procedure will limit the aggravation caused by the ingrown toenail and in some cases will be enough to resolve the problem. If you then present symptoms of a recurrent or more severe condition, then, a minor surgical procedure under local anaesthetic will be recommended. This procedure, designed to remove the edge of the nail, is followed by cauterization with phenol to prevent the area of the removed nail from continuing to grow and push.

Rely on your podiatrist to determine which solution is best suited for your toenail care. Contact our team today for an appointment at the clinic.

Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis, or toenail fungus is a relatively common fungal infection. Onychomycosis can appear as the result of a similar skin condition (athlete’s foot). When the conditions for the development of fungus, i.e. heat, darkness and humidity, appear, the spread of fungus from the skin to the nails may occur. As onychomycosis is liable to spread, it is best to avoid walking barefoot in public places. Certain factors such as age, diabetes, a weakened immune system or a malfunction of the bloodstream can make some individuals more likely to suffer from onychomycosis and would need proper toenail care.

Depending on what stage the condition is at, symptoms of onychomycosis can include discoloration, peeling of the nail plate, thickening and brittleness of the nail. However these symptoms can also be observed as the result of certain skin conditions or of repeated trauma to the nail. In case of ambiguity, a culture will be applied in the clinic to confirm the diagnosis and to ensure adequate treatment.

There are various solutions for treating onychomycosis such as debridement (surgical removal), topical treatment or oral treatment. Ask your podiatrist which toenail care is best suited for you by making an appointment now at our podiatry clinic in Saint-Leonard.

Toenail trauma

Nail trauma can refer to a number of different afflictions; injuries, breaks, sores, haematomas, tears etc.

When the nail suffers trauma, a blue-black discoloration due to the accumulation of blood under the ungual plate can occur, which can lead to a loss of all or part of the nail. It is a common condition amongst runners and those who frequently wear high-heeled shoes, and although these are usually caused by a major shock, repetitive microtrauma to the nails can generate the same damage. The latter may also cause a thickening of the nail, which can often be confused with onychomycosis (fungal).

It is therefore essential that after significant trauma to the nail, a podiatrist evaluates it as soon as possible, as it can result in a cut or pain under the nail. Moreover, as the nail protects and covers the underlying bone, any area that has suffered trauma is also susceptible to a larger trauma such as a fracture.

To prevent the aggravation of a trauma to the nails and evaluate the best toenail care you need, you should consult your podiatrist at the MMGR Podiatry Clinic.