Squeezed toenail inflammation, also known as backward nails or flesh-splitting nails, is a condition in which the nail edges are curved and pierce into the surrounding soft skin, causing swelling, pain, inflammation and possibly infection.
According to MSc.BS resident Nguyen Thuy Ai Chau - General Planning Department of Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital, when nails are improperly intervened, the natural growth direction of the nails is disrupted. When they grow back, the nails are often sharp, abnormally curved and easily poke into the skin, leading to inflammation. However, it should be noted that not all cases of stubborn nail inflammation are caused by nail augmentation. The disease is also related to genetic factors, congenital nail shape, living habits and accompanying health problems.
Notably, most patients only come for examination when nail inflammation is already at a moderate or severe level. In the mild stage, symptoms are usually only mild pain and swelling, so they are easily overlooked or self-treated at home. When the condition progresses with symptoms of swelling, pus, and granular tissue appearance, patients come to the hospital, making treatment more complicated.
Also according to Dr. Ai Chau, common risk factors include cutting nails too short, rounding both sides of the nails instead of straight cutting, deep cutting of nail cuticles, wearing tight or pointed shoes, getting nails often, prolonged soaking in damp feet or using unsanitary tools. In addition, people with congenital curved nails, family history of stubborn nail inflammation, overweight, excessive sweating, nail fungus infection or frequent sports that put pressure on the feet are also at high risk.
When there are signs of stubborn nail inflammation, patients need to immediately stop nail augmentation or self-handle their nails, keep the nail area clean and dry, absolutely do not self-pull pus or use drugs arbitrarily. Early examination at a specialized medical facility helps doctors assess the extent of the disease and choose appropriate treatments.
Currently, besides traditional methods, treatment of CO2 laser nail inflammation is highly appreciated for its ability to accurately treat inflamed nail and tissue, less bleeding, pain reduction after surgery, fast recovery time and reduced risk of recurrence.
Rotten toenail inflammation can recur if lifestyle habits are not adjusted or treatment is not thorough. People need to correctly cut their nails, do not take deep corners, wear shoes that fit their feet, control risk factors such as obesity, toenail fungus, foot sweating and comply with post-treatment care instructions to protect nail health for a long time," said Dr. Ai Chau.
