What is Nail Tamponade?
An ingrown toenail is when the nail plate begins to stick into the skin of the toe. Leaving it on can contribute to the development of inflammation and, later, even a bacterial infection. There are many reasons, but the most common are wearing tight shoes, improper (i.e. too short) trimming of the plate, overweight or untreated nail diseases, including mycosis. Pain while walking should be a signal to decide on the procedure. Nail tamponade is an activity recommended in the initial stage of the disease, when the soft tissues are swollen and reddened, but the plate has not had time to penetrate deep into the skin. The aim of the procedure is to stop this process while relieving the pain. The procedure is performed in a podiatry or independently at home. During a visit to the office, the podiatrist can teach the patient to apply the tamponade on their own.
Treatment
Tamponade is used to prevent the nail from growing into the skin. The procedure is performed when the plate is still suitable for removal from the soft tank without surgical intervention. The podiatrist applies a tamponade to the patient, i.e. a small sponge dressing soaked in a disinfectant liquid. It introduces it on one or both sides of the plate, separating it from the skin. The direction of growth of the plaque is thus changed and the pain is no longer so bothersome. Tamponade makes it easier to take further steps to correct the ingrown toenail. As a rule, it is not necessary as long as the patient reacted in time and consulted the podiatrist. However, if the plate grows too much into the soft tissue, the podiatrist will suggest using a special clamp or performing a reconstruction instead of a tamponade.
