Nail abnormalities

Nails can have an abnormal shape, such as a very domed nail, which can cause the nail to grow into the skin more easily. In addition, cutting the nails incorrectly – such as cutting away the corners of the nail – can cause the skin to grow into the open area where the nail used to be; the nail then continues to grow, causing it to grow into the skin and resulting in an ingrown nail. This can cause inflammation, often accompanied by a wound. This wound often heals poorly when diabetes patients.

It is particularly painful when there is an infection, if the nail is abnormally shaped, or if you find it difficult to cut the nail yourself. If you have reduced sensation, you will not feel any pain even if there is a ingrown toenail.

The treatment involves cleaning the nail and relieving pressure on it, as well as removing the ingrown part of the nail; this is also known as partial nail resection mentioned. In addition, a nail reconstruction may be carried out and/or a nail brace are fitted to guide the growth of the nail. The expected outcome is the recovery of the ingrown nail. If recovery is insufficient, patients are referred to a diabetes foot care team at the hospital or, for regular foot care, to a chiropodist specialising in diabetes.