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what is a nail spicule

by Sallie Kshlerin IV Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

The ingrown portion of the nail, which we call the nail spicule, is usually located quite deep down the side of the nail – often much deeper beneath the swollen skin than you can visibly see. Waiting for your nail to grow out then means driving this nail spicule deeper into an already tender toe.

Full Answer

How to remove an ingrown toenail painlessly?

If home remedies haven't helped your ingrown toenail, your health care provider may recommend:

  • Lifting the nail. For a slightly ingrown nail, your health care provider may carefully lift the ingrowing nail edge and place cotton, dental floss or a splint under it. ...
  • Taping the nail. ...
  • Placing a gutter splint under the nail. ...
  • Partially removing the nail. ...
  • Removing the nail and tissue. ...

What is the recovery time for an ingrown toenail?

What is the recovery period for an ingrown toenail surgery? The recovery period can last anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks. What kinds of salt can cure an ingrown toenail? Salts such as Epsom salt, table salt, and baking soda can be quite effective in curing an ingrown toenail as they have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

How to straighten crooked toenails?

How to straighten a crooked big toe. Use a bunion splint to pull the toe away from the other toes. Regularly stretch the toe away from the others. Don’t wear restrictive or pointed shoes. Use a toe spreader to stretch your toes out. We have covered big toe pain in a previous article, but as confirmed by the experts over at the excellent ...

Do ingrown toenails go away?

Ingrown nails do not usually go away without cutting the ingrown out. However, in some cases, an ingrown toenail can go away on its own if you trim a small piece out of the corner. This would be for a minor type of problem. Use a clean instrument. Then start soaking your foot twice daily with warm salt water.

What causes nail Spicule?

Improper cutting of the ingrown toenail may produce a spicule of nail, which can induce damage to the lateral nail fold when not completely removed [1]. With time, the spicule becomes embedded in the surrounding soft tissue where it may act like a "foreign body."

What is a toenail Spicule?

Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows or curls down the side of the nail and a sharp corner (spicule) penetrates the surrounding skin. If it is not treated properly and promptly, it can cause pain, redness, swelling and infection.

How do you remove a nail ingrowth?

Here are 10 common ingrown toenail remedies.Soak in warm, soapy water. ... Soak in apple cider vinegar. ... Pack the area with dental floss or cotton. ... Apply antibiotic ointment. ... Wear comfortable shoes and socks. ... Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. ... Use a toe protector. ... Try a toe brace.More items...

What happens if you leave an ingrown toenail for too long?

If the infected ingrown nail is left untreated the infection can spread to the bone beneath the nail or, in extreme cases, enter the blood stream and cause sepsis, gangrene or a flesh eating disorder. For those with diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, an ingrown toenail should never be left untreated.

How long does it take to heal after toenail extraction?

Taking good care of your wound at home will help it heal quickly and reduce your chance of infection. The wound should heal within a few weeks. If completely removed, fingernails may take 6 months to grow back. Toenails may take 12 to 18 months to grow back.

How do you drain pus from an ingrown toenail?

Soak your foot in warm water and Epsom salt or coarse salt to soften the area. This will help the pus to drain out and reduce pain. Apply antibiotic or antifungal lotion directly to the nail and to the skin under and around the nail.

Does hydrogen peroxide help ingrown toenails?

Hydrogen peroxide is another great option to treat ingrown toenails at home. It is a natural disinfectant, which is the reason why it is commonly used to clean wounds. Soak your infected foot in a bucket of water and hydrogen peroxide solution for 15 to 20 minutes.

How does Epsom salt work on ingrown toenails?

Soaking your toe The Epsom salt soak eases discomfort and draws pus out from the area around the toenail. It can also loosen the skin, so it can be pulled away from your ingrown toenail. When your ingrown toenail is most acute, soak several times per day. Make sure you dry your foot completely after each soak.

Can a pedicure fix an ingrown nail?

Can pedicures get rid of ingrown toenails? Many may believe that visiting a nail technician for a pedicure can rid or prevent ingrown toenails. However, this isn't the case. Pedicures aren't recommended by podiatrists and are actually believed to make the condition worse.

Does cutting an ingrown toenail make it worse?

Sometimes, an ingrown nail can break the skin. This makes it easier for bacteria and other microbes to enter the skin, potentially causing a painful infection. Attempting to cut an ingrown nail can further increase this risk, as it can damage the skin further — especially if the toenail is very embedded in the skin.

Why does my big toenail hurt when I press?

Ingrown toenail Ingrown toenails are a common condition in which the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh. The result is pain, inflamed skin, swelling and, sometimes, an infection. Ingrown toenails usually affect the big toe. Often you can take care of ingrown toenails on your own.

Should I let ingrown toenail grow out?

They will not go away without intervention, but people can usually treat them at home over a few days. A person should speak to a doctor if: the ingrown toenail does not improve with home care. they have an underlying health condition that affects the feet, such as diabetes.

What is the infection of the cuticles?

Infected cuticles. Paronychia is an infection of the skin around your cuticles. Symptoms may include: redness of the skin around the nail. tenderness. pus-filled blisters. changes in nail shape, color, or texture. nail detachment. Mild forms of paronychia can usually be treated at home.

What are the cuticles in human hair?

Hair cuticles. Human hair also contains cuticles. These are different from nail cuticles but have a similar function. Hair cuticles serve as a protective layer for the hair. They’re composed of dead, overlapping cells. When healthy, these cuticles give your hair shine and protect its inner layers from damage.

How to fix a cracked nail bed?

The area around the nail bed is very delicate. It’s common for cuticles to crack or peel. You can use cuticle oil or moisturizer to hydrat e them. It’s safe to apply daily. You can also apply Vaseline overnight to soothe damaged cuticles.

How to get rid of dry cuticles?

If your cuticles are dry, apply a moisturizer, too. Using a cuticle pusher, carefully push back the cuticle along the nail bed. Trim excess skin and hangnails but never cut off the entire cuticle. The idea is to remove excess skin and hangnails only. Cuticle pushers are made from various materials.

What is the difference between a cuticle and a lunula?

nail lunula. The cuticle is the transparent skin located above and around the nail base. The lunula is the half-moon shape seen at the base of the nail. The lunula is located above the cuticle.

How to soften cuticles?

You can do this by soaking your nails in warm water. Taking a bath or shower can also help soften them. Next, apply cuticle remover. If your cuticles are dry, apply a moisturizer, too.

Why is the cuticle important?

The area around the cuticle is delicate. It can get dry, damaged, and infected. It’s important to care for the entire nail area and keep it clean so that your nails stay healthy.

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