A disappearing nail bed, or DNB, is a rare condition where the nail plate begins to shrink or detach from the nail bed, often leading to nail loss or deformation. DNB can be caused by trauma, fungal infections, poor circulation, or certain skin conditions like psoriasis. It is more common in people with underlying health issues, such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders. The symptoms of DNB include pain or discomfort surrounding he nail, thinning or ridged nails, and a visible gap between the nail and nail bed. The area may look discolored or flaky, and in severe cases, the nail may fall off completely. Treatment for DNB focuses on addressing the underlying cause. A podiatrist may recommend topical treatments, proper nail care, or antibiotics if an infection is present. If the condition is caused by trauma or circulation issues, they may discuss ways to promote healing and prevent further nail loss. If you are experiencing changes in your nails, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to get an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
- Bacterial infections
- Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
- Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
- Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
- Genetic predisposition
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Egg Harbor Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
