Toe nail reconstruction - when nails need podiatrist support ?
Nails can reflect the state of human health. Changes in the nail plate are most often the result of pathological processes in the nail matrix, but they can also arise as a result of an unfortunate accident when we lose a nail.
In the podiatrist's room
A visit to the podiatrist begins with a thorough interview and palpation. Nails are assessed in terms of shape, thickness, color and type of plate damage. Sometimes additional tests, e.g. mycological tests, should be performed. The collected information and research results allow us to find out what is the cause of nail change, determine the course of action and determine the method of therapy.
The most common causes of nail problems
Various diseases, such as heart defects, respiratory failure, anemia, cirrhosis, circulatory disorders, skin diseases, as well as psoriasis, mycosis, lichen planus, and eczema may contribute to disturbing changes or deformations of the nails. Often, as a result of taking strong medications, the nails may take a different color: yellow, green, brown or gray-blue. In addition to disease changes, mechanical injuries are also often the cause of problems with the nail plate. Usually, a hematoma, damage to the nail matrix or exposure of the placenta may form after a hit, crush or crushing. As a result, the nail may separate from the bed. Then the reconstruction of the nail is essential. The exposed nail bed is very sensitive to any touch, which may hinder daily functioning. Such a place is also an ideal environment for the development of fungi. The treatment can also be recommended for people whose nails have been damaged as a result of contact with detergents, the use of varnishes, acetone or nail biting.
What does the nail reconstruction process look like?
The podiatrist chooses the correct nail reconstruction method for the patient, i.e. the reconstruction mass, gel, acrylic or the Greppmayer method (artificial nail prosthesis method).
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Regardless of the choice of the appropriate method, the procedure is similar. Before we start the nail reconstruction procedure itself, use appropriate cutters to grind the defective nail plate (e.g. remove a fragment of the nail plate detached from the placenta). Then, use the cutter to activate and stimulate the nail bed. To prepare the placenta well, it is worth applying a hydrogel dressing that maintains a moist environment. Due to the persistent humidity, a network of tiny vessels develops in the placenta that can nourish the new nail plate. A favorable microclimate is created for the proper growth of the nail plate.
After the nail bed has been prepared in this way, you can start to reconstruct the nail.
The procedure is painless. After the treatment, the nails can be painted.
How long does therapy last?
The reconstructed nail looks nice and aesthetic right away. On the other hand, the total effect can be observed after the nail is completely fused. The toenail plate grows slowly. It can go on for a year and sometimes longer. The duration of the therapy depends on the scale of the problem with which the patient reports. In the case of minor problems with the plate, one visit is enough. In more advanced cases, several visits to the podiatrist may be necessary.