In childhood, we all face various diseases and problems. Parents have to make every possible effort for the recovery of their child. An ingrown toenail on a child's foot can cause a lot of anxiety.
Why do pathologies occur?
Let's take a closer look at this. Many people suffer from various nail pathologies. These include, among other things, the problem of ingrowth. It can affect all fingers, from the thumb to the little finger. However, not everyone knows that the structure of the nail plate plays a decisive role in the development of this pathology. This statement is also true for children. They are even more than adults, subject to various pathological influences. Their nail plates are not yet able to withstand adverse environmental factors.
Why does a child's nail grow in? According to statistics, the edges of the pasura can grow even inbabies. Therefore, it is best to start studying issues related to the formation of plates, even when the baby is in the womb. The size and structure of future nails in a child directly depends on the mother's diet during pregnancy. The length of the plate depends on the size of the bed. It is determined by the size of the baby's finger. The stratum corneum changes completely over a period ranging from 3 to 6 months.
Nail structure
What is her speci alty? Specialists distinguish the following components of the nail structure:
- Cuticle: It looks like a dense roll of leather. In fact, it is a continuation of the matrix. It is one of the most sticky tissues in the human body. The cuticle acts as a barrier that stops fungi and infections from entering nearby tissues.
- Nail bed: the value of this component determines the shape of the nail. The bed is the part that is located directly behind the nail plate. A huge number of blood vessels and nerve endings are concentrated here. The bed is formed from the epithelium. This tissue is responsible for the direction of nail growth in relation to the phalanges. It also includes the papillary dermis. It is he who gives the surface of the nails a unique pattern.
- Eponychium: the layer of the epidermis located in the area of the nail fold. Responsible for the formation of a thin film behind the matrix. As the plate grows, it gradually tightens.
- The surface of the nail: consists of a number of keratinized layers that fit snugly together. If you look at this fabric undermagnifying glass, it looks more like a tile of tiny scales. The nail plate is characterized by a porous structure. It can absorb various substances that fall on its surface. The strength of the layers of the nail plate is directly related to the protein creatine. Shine and elasticity give it water and fats, which are part of.
- Root: visually this part of the nail cannot be seen. It is located directly behind the rear roller. This element is responsible for the formation, strength and growth of the nail plates. It also produces creatine.
- Lunula: This part of the nail is located at the base and looks like a light crescent. It is formed by those cells that have not yet unglued. This area is particularly susceptible to injury. Damage to it may threaten to change the shape of the pazu.
- Paronychia or nail fold: formed from dead skin. Forms burrs when thinned.
For all people, the listed components of the structure of the nail will be the same. The plates differ mainly in shape, width and length.
Children's nails
What is the peculiarity of their structure? Many parents immediately begin to worry when they notice an ingrown nail on the thumb of a child. In children, they are characterized by rapid growth, flexibility and elasticity. In fact, it is a natural extension of the skin that protects the most vulnerable parts of the fingers. Finally, all elements of the nail will be formed only after reaching the age of 15 years.
Causes of ingrown pasura in children
The baby's nails are too delicate. They are easily affected by negative environmental factors. Every parent should know that if a child has an ingrown toenail, it's not just that.
Most likely, the reasons for this phenomenon are as follows:
- Vitamin deficiencies: With a lack of calcium, phosphorus or zinc, the edges of the nail can change and become uneven. As a result, they start to cut into the skin and grow in.
- Lack of proper care: Nails can become ingrown if they are misshaped when trimmed. If this procedure is performed too infrequently, an ingrown nail on the thumb of the child may also appear. Therefore, it should be done at least once a week.
- Congenital disorders: In rare cases, the cause of ingrown nails is a genetic feature. In this case, the nails do not grow forward, but into the inside of the finger. As a result, they begin to cut into the skin and deliver extremely unpleasant sensations.
- Anatomical features: It is not uncommon for children with flat feet or clubfoot to develop ingrown toenails.
- Incorrectly selected shoes: children, due to age characteristics, are not always able to understand whether their shoes are the right size or not. In this case, too tight shoes will put pressure on the toes, which will lead to ingrown nails.
- Foot injuries, fungus.
As already mentioned, children's nails are too delicate and not always able to withstand the negative effects of the external environment. Therefore, the main task of parents is to carefully monitorcondition of the child in order to detect the problem in a timely manner. If the baby complains that he is uncomfortable walking or has other signs, all possible measures must be taken urgently.
Signs
How to understand what a child's nail grows? There are a number of signs by which parents can always identify the presence of this problem.
Here are the main ones:
- redness in the area of the periungual roller;
- appearance of pain when touching or pressing on the nail plate.
- swelling in the nail area.
If one of the above signs appears, you should immediately start treating an ingrown pimple.
Problem Solving
This issue should be given special attention. Treatment of an ingrown nail in a child can be carried out in two ways: surgical and conservative. Surgical intervention is considered an extreme method, which is resorted to only if conservative therapy has not yielded results. There is a high risk of recurrence after surgery. In addition, in the future, there may be abnormal growth of the nail.
It is better to start with conservative methods of treatment. For this purpose, the means available in every home are quite suitable. However, it is worth remembering that any treatment should begin with a consultation with a qualified doctor and be carried out only in strict accordance with the recommendations of doctors. Only in this case, you can count on a quick recovery.
Fight inflammation
If a child's nail grows in, the first thing that should never be done is to cut off the corners that have cut into the skin. This can only aggravate the situation, and the problem will appear again. Therefore, it is necessary to act consistently. First, you need to remove the signs of inflammation. This step should be taken, both to prevent the development of the inflammatory process, and in its presence.
The best for this are foot baths with antiseptics, such as a decoction of chamomile, oak bark or sage. Such procedures will help remove swelling and inflammation, and also help soften the tissues that surround the ingrown nail. Additionally, glycerin or aloe can be used to soften the skin. Ingrown corners should be completely freed in a few procedures. If necessary, gentamicin or tetracycline ointment is applied to the affected area. You can also use an ichthyol mixture or Vishnevsky's liniment.
Fixing the problem
The next step to take after releasing the corners of the nail is fixing them. It consists in laying a small piece of cotton wool. To achieve maximum sterility, it is recommended to treat the cotton swab with a small amount of an antibacterial agent. After that, a bandage is applied to the finger or simply sealed with adhesive tape.
Some time later, over the softened tissues, the grown corners will appear. After that, they can be cut. This must be done horizontally, the tip of the nail should protrudeoutward about 2 mm. So that the ingrown area is not exposed to external stimuli, the child should not walk around the house barefoot. In the future, try to choose shoes according to your foot size. It is best to buy special orthopedic models.
Medicines
Home remedies are not always effective. How to cure an ingrown toenail in a child in this case? What to do? You can try using medication. It consists in the use of Vishnevsky Ointment, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antipyretics and painkillers, namely Analgin. Antibiotics can only be prescribed by a qualified doctor in case of infection. Dimexide should be used as an antibacterial solution.
Treatment of an ingrown toenail in a child on the thumb with burnt alum is sometimes very effective. The drug is in the form of a powder. It has an antiseptic effect on the affected area, and also accelerates tissue regeneration.
Conclusion
In this review, we examined why a child's nail grows in, how this condition can be treated. In order not to worsen the situation, try to carefully monitor the condition of your child. Make sure he doesn't wear tight shoes. If there are signs of an ingrown nail, you should consult a specialist.
