Twisted nails: causes and treatments

Nail deformity is a phenomenon that can happen to anyone. Today we will talk about what to do if the nail is twisted, and whether we can prevent it.

Curled nails are a type of ingrown toenails, accompanied by excessive curvature of the nail plate, which creates pressure and digs into the soft tissues. This phenomenon can also be found with the names nails-mites and nails-tubes. Most often, the nails are curled on the legs, however, there are also cases that the nails are twisted into a tube and on the hands.

Why do nails curl?

The reasons why toenails roll up into a tubemay be hereditary or acquired.

Tube nails are more common with age. This is partly due to the occurrence of degenerative osteoporosis, but also due to the fact that as we grow older and lose mobility, it becomes increasingly difficult to carefully examine the nail and file it. Pregnant women are also susceptible to curling of the nails as it becomes difficult to reach the toes.

Sometimes the cause of excessive curvature is the natural way the nail grows, or it can be caused by a fungal infection that further makes the nail grow unnatural.

Although it is not uncommon for nail mites to be inherited, it is most often caused by environmental conditions. One of the reasons for curling nails is tight shoes. Women who wear shoes that leave no room for their toes are prime candidates for ingrown toenails.

Also, one of the main reasons for curling nails is their improper shortening. If the nail is filed below the free edge, there is a chance that the fleshy part of the skin will cover it. Then, as it grows, the nail will push into the skin.

Another problem with shortening is that after the nail has been trimmed, it may leave a small spur on it. The nail will continue to grow, pushing the spur into the skin. If one side of the nail is red, inflamed, infected, or sensitive to touch, it could be an early stage of curled nails.

How to treat curled nails

There is no consensus on which treatment for curled nails is the most appropriate. It depends on the severity of the condition, comorbidities, preferences and expectations of the individual.

If you notice the first stages of an ingrown toenail, take it seriously and don't let the situation get worse, because the problem is much easier to fix in the early stages.

First, wet your fingers and massage the skin around the problem nail. If the area is inflamed, be sure to wash it with an antiseptic solution. Next, clean the bottom of the nail, being sure to find its edge. Make sure the tip is smooth and file the nail straight across. Do not round the edges, as this will only increase the likelihood of the nail growing into the skin in the future. If your toenails are curled up, choose loose, properly sized shoes.

Shortening is not an effective treatment if a chronic problem develops and ingrown toenails bother you frequently. In such cases, surgery may be required.

Surgical treatments for curled nails include detachment of the nail, complete or partial removal of the nail bed, phenolic matrixectomy of the lateral matrix horns, destruction of the nail matrix by electrocautery, removal of osteophytes, grafting of the skin or mucosa of the nail bed, V-cutting of the nail, and others. Generally, surgical procedures are considered an aggressive measure for treating severe cases of nail curl or for patients with a deformity that does not respond to conservative approaches. The disadvantages of surgical treatment are pain and longer recovery time, as well as the possibility that the nail may look aesthetically unsightly after surgery. However, despite all these shortcomings, the surgical treatment of curled nails is carried out in order to achieve permanent results, and is indicated for severe forms of this condition.

I hope my information was useful to you. Be healthy and beautiful! :)