INGROWING NAIL Meaning and
Definition
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Ingrowing nail, also known as onychocryptosis, is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal growth of a toenail that curves and grows into the surrounding skin. It is a painful condition that primarily affects the big toe but can occur in any toenail. Ingrowing nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including improper trimming techniques, wearing tight shoes, trauma to the toe, hereditary factors, or underlying nail deformities.
Symptoms of an ingrowing nail often include pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness around the affected nail. In some cases, infection may develop, leading to additional symptoms such as drainage of pus, increased pain, and an unpleasant odor. If left untreated, ingrowing nails can become chronically infected and cause severe discomfort, difficulty walking, and potentially serious complications.
Treatment options for ingrowing nails usually involve conservative measures such as soaking the foot in warm water, applying antibiotic ointments, or using dental floss or cotton to separate the nail from the skin. In more severe cases or when conservative methods fail, a healthcare professional may need to perform a minor surgical procedure to remove or reshape the affected portion of the nail. In rare cases, complete removal of the nail or part of the nail may be necessary.
Preventive measures for ingrowing nails involve proper nail care, including trimming straight across the nail, wearing properly fitting shoes, avoiding trauma to the toes, and maintaining good foot hygiene. Regular foot examinations by a healthcare professional are recommended to identify and treat ingrowing nails early on, preventing complications and ensuring optimal foot health.
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A toenail one edge of which is overgrown by the nail-wall in the shape of a fungous mass.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for INGROWING NAIL
- ingrowing nain
- ingrowing naim
- ingrowingneil
- ingroeingnail
- i ngrowing nail
- in growing nail
- ing rowing nail
- ingr owing nail
- ingro wing nail
- ingrow ing nail
- ingrowi ng nail
- ingrowin g nail
- ingrowing n ail
- ingrowing na il
- ingrowing nai l
Etymology of INGROWING NAIL
The term "ingrowing nail" is composed of the noun "nail" and the adjective "ingrowing".
The noun "nail" has its origins in Old English, where it was spelled "nægl". It can be traced back further to the Proto-Germanic word "*naglaz".
The adjective "ingrowing" is formed by adding the prefix "in-" to the word "growing". The word "growing" comes from Old English "growan", which evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "*grōaną".
Therefore, the word "ingrowing nail" combines a descriptive adjective that emphasizes the inward growth of the nail ("ingrowing") with the noun referring to the hard covering on the tip of the finger or toe ("nail").
