Unguis incarnatus” is a Latin term that translates to “incarnate nail” in English. The term refers to the phenomenon of an ingrown toenail, which occurs when the nail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. This can cause pain, redness, swelling, and in severe cases, infection.
An ingrown toenail can affect any of the toes, but is most commonly seen in the big toe. The cause of an ingrown toenail is typically related to improper nail trimming, tight shoes, fungal infections, injury, or hereditary factors. People with flat feet, high arches, or other foot deformities are more susceptible to developing ingrown toenails.
Causes
This condition can affect people of all ages and is commonly seen in people who have conditions such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and autoimmune diseases.
There are several potential causes of unguis incarnatus, including:
- Trauma: Trauma to the nail bed or surrounding skin can cause the nail to grow into the surrounding tissue, leading to unguis incarnatus. This can occur from injury, such as a crush injury, or repetitive trauma, such as from tight shoes or continuous exposure to water.
- Fungal infections: Fungal infections of the nails, such as onychomycosis, can cause the nails to become thick and distorted, making it easier for them to grow into the surrounding skin.
- Chronic diseases: People with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and autoimmune diseases, are at increased risk of developing unguis incarnatus. This is because these conditions can impair the circulation to the nails, making it more difficult for the nails to heal if they are damaged.
- Nail disorders: Certain nail disorders, such as ingrown nails, can increase the risk of unguis incarnatus. An ingrown nail occurs when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain and inflammation.
- Poor nail hygiene: Poor nail hygiene, such as not trimming nails properly or not keeping the nails clean and dry, can increase the risk of unguis incarnatus.
- Age: As people age, their nails can become more brittle and prone to injury, increasing the risk of unguis incarnatus.
- Genetics: Some people are more susceptible to developing unguis incarnatus due to genetic factors.
Symptoms
The following are the main symptoms of unguis incarnatus:
- Thickening of the nail: One of the most common symptoms of unguis incarnatus is the thickening of the infected nail. The nail becomes distorted and abnormally thick, making it difficult to trim or maintain.
- Discoloration: Another common symptom of unguis incarnatus is discoloration of the nail. The nail may appear yellow, brown, or green, and may be opaque or cloudy in appearance.
- Separation from the nail bed: The infected nail may begin to separate from the nail bed, creating a space between the nail and the skin underneath. This can cause discomfort and pain, especially when wearing shoes or other footwear.
- Brittle or crumbly nails: The infected nail may become brittle and start to break or crumble, making it difficult to maintain the nail’s appearance.
- Foul odor: In some cases, unguis incarnatus can cause a foul odor to emit from the infected nail. This odor can be quite unpleasant and may be noticeable to others.
- Pain and discomfort: In severe cases of unguis incarnatus, the infected nail may cause pain and discomfort. The pain may be most noticeable when wearing shoes or other footwear, or when walking or standing for extended periods of time.
- Development of infections: In severe cases, unguis incarnatus can lead to the development of secondary infections, such as cellulitis (a skin infection) or paronychia (an infection of the skin around the nail). These infections can cause further discomfort, pain, and swelling.
Risk factors for unguis incarnatus include:
- Age: Older individuals are more likely to develop unguis incarnatus due to the gradual deterioration of the nails and decreased blood circulation to the feet.
- Poor hygiene: Individuals who do not practice good hygiene, such as regularly washing their feet and keeping their nails clean and trimmed, are more susceptible to unguis incarnatus.
- Sweaty feet: Individuals with excessively sweaty feet are more prone to developing unguis incarnatus due to the warm, moist environment that fungi thrive in.
- Immune system deficiencies: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, are more susceptible to unguis incarnatus and other fungal infections.
- Previous fungal infections: Individuals who have previously suffered from fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot or jock itch, are more likely to develop unguis incarnatus.
- Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes are more susceptible to unguis incarnatus due to decreased blood flow and a weakened immune system.
- Poor circulation: Individuals with poor circulation, such as those with peripheral artery disease, are more likely to develop unguis incarnatus.
- Wearing tight or closed-toe shoes: Individuals who regularly wear tight or closed-toe shoes are more susceptible to unguis incarnatus due to the warm, moist environment created by the shoes.
- Exposure to public showers or pool areas: Individuals who frequently use public showers or pool areas are more susceptible to unguis incarnatus due to the increased risk of exposure to fungal spores.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing a subungual hematoma involves a physical examination of the affected nail and a medical history review to determine the cause of the injury. The following are the main lists of diagnostic tests for unguis incarnatus:
- Physical Examination: A physical examination of the affected nail is the first step in diagnosing a subungual hematoma. During this exam, the healthcare provider will examine the nail for signs of swelling, discoloration, and tenderness. They will also check for any signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or drainage.
- X-rays: X-rays may be ordered to determine if there is a fracture or break in the bone beneath the affected nail. This is important to rule out any underlying bone injuries that may require further treatment.
- Nail Bed Pressure Test: The nail bed pressure test is used to determine the extent of the hematoma. During this test, the healthcare provider will apply gentle pressure to the affected nail to see if it causes pain or discomfort.
- Imaging Studies: Imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, may be ordered if the healthcare provider suspects that there is a more serious underlying condition, such as a tumor or an infection. These tests can help to provide a more detailed view of the affected area and can help to determine the best course of treatment.
- Laboratory Tests: Laboratory tests, such as blood tests, may be ordered to check for any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the formation of the hematoma. For example, if the healthcare provider suspects that there is an infection present, they may order a blood test to check for elevated white blood cell counts, which can indicate the presence of an infection.
It is important to note that a subungual hematoma can often be diagnosed based on a physical examination and medical history review alone. In some cases, additional tests may be needed to rule out other possible conditions or to determine the best course of treatment.
Treatment
The main goal of treatment for ingrown toenails is to relieve pain and prevent the condition from becoming infected. The following is a list of treatments for ingrown toenails:
- Nonsurgical treatments:
- Soaking the affected foot in warm, soapy water can help reduce pain and swelling. This can be done several times a day for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Wearing properly fitting shoes with a wide toe box can help prevent further irritation of the affected toenail.
- Applying an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to the affected area can help prevent infection.
- Using a cotton or foam wedge to lift the affected toenail can help reduce pressure and prevent the toenail from growing into the skin.
- Surgical treatments:
- Partial nail avulsion: In this procedure, the portion of the toenail that is causing the problem is removed. The remaining portion of the toenail is then lifted and secured with a small piece of cotton or foam to prevent it from growing into the skin again.
- Complete nail avulsion: In this procedure, the entire toenail is removed. This is typically recommended for severe cases of ingrown toenails or for those that have not responded to other treatments.
- Phenolization: This is a chemical treatment in which phenol is applied to the affected area to destroy the nail matrix, the part of the nail that produces new nail growth. This procedure is typically performed in cases where the toenail has become thick and deformed and is difficult to remove surgically.
It is important to note that surgical treatments for ingrown toenails should only be performed by a qualified medical professional. Improperly performed surgeries can lead to complications, such as infection or permanent damage to the toenail or surrounding tissue.
In addition to the above treatments, there are also several preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing ingrown toenails. These include:
- Wearing properly fitting shoes that provide enough room for the toes to move freely.
- Trimming toenails straight across and avoiding cutting them too short.
- Avoiding wearing tight hosiery or socks that can put pressure on the toes.
- Maintaining good hygiene by washing the feet regularly and keeping them dry.
In conclusion, ingrown toenails can be a painful and persistent problem. However, with proper treatment and preventive measures, most people are able to manage the condition and avoid serious complications. If you are experiencing symptoms of an ingrown toenail, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent the condition from becoming worse.