In this article, we will explore the functions, evolution and why do we need toenails. We will also look at the causes of pain and treatments for ingrown toenails. Besides being ugly, toenails are also difficult to trim and can become infected. As a result, we are often faced with the dilemma of deciding whether or not to cut them off or not. Furthermore, women are generally more concerned with their toenails than men, and spend more time on them than their male counterparts.

Functions

Fingernails and toenails are intricate structures. Like the rest of the body, they contain an intricate network of nerves. Their delicate texture makes them useful for many tasks, from gripping objects to protecting the fingers from trauma. Fingernails have three main layers, which include the matrix, nail plate, and nail bed. They are also made of a protein called keratin, which is naturally present in hair and nails and also in the hooves of horses.

Human fingernails protect the distal phalanx and surrounding soft tissues, such as skin. They also enhance distal movements. They counter-force force created when the tip of the finger touches an object. Nails also increase sensitivity by preventing pain and enhancing distal movements. Unlike skin, fingernails have no nerve endings, which allows humans to use them to perform many tasks. They also allow us to perform cutting and scraping actions.

Evolution

The Evolution of Toenails: What do toenails do for us? The most basic explanation is that they help us do many things, from opening food containers to catching body lice. In the past, we may have even used them to strip the bark off trees to build structures. While it may not seem like we need them for all these tasks, they’re very useful. So, why do we need them?

Nails grow because of the way our cells divide. New cells are continually forming, so the older ones are pushed out and jostle for space behind the keratin cells. The older ones edge out from beneath the skin and flatten to create the tough shield of a nail plate. As we age, we divide more cells, and the nail plate moves forward over the nail bed. To understand how toenails are made, we should look at some of the evolutionary history of humans.

The human fingertip was widened around 2.5 million years ago, enabling the fingers to grasp stone tools. This allowed early people to carve useful things, such as flat-pack furniture. In the same way, the Evolution of toenails took the same route. They started out as claws, and a lack of these can be problematic. Therefore, nails evolved in response to the needs of humans. The first mammals to develop claw-like nails were the earliest simian species.

Treatments

There are several treatments for toenails, including topical gels and oral antifungal medications. A prescription-strength topical treatment is often necessary as well. Some medications are also available over the counter. Patients with severe infections should seek medical attention and a prescription if the condition is reoccurring. A pharmacist can advise patients on how to maintain their feet to prevent toenail fungus and recommend a treatment.

There are also a number of internal medications for toenail fungus. The FDA-approved drug Sporanox contains a fungus-inhibiting ingredient known as efinaconazole. Lamisil contains ciclopirox. Both medications require a daily application and should be prescribed by a healthcare professional. They may be expensive and require multiple applications. Patients should also consult a doctor before beginning any treatment.

A quick treatment will prevent bruising under the nail and the toenail from turning black. Home remedies such as crushed ice can be applied to the affected area to reduce pain and swelling. An ice pack should be applied for up to 15 minutes at a time, and the affected area should be elevated to reduce the risk of further damage to the toenail. This treatment should be repeated several times a day.

Pain

To alleviate pain caused by ingrown toenails, you should soak your feet in warm water. This will help the pus drain out and provide temporary relief. You can also try placing a cotton ball or waxed dental floss under the edge of the ingrown toenail. This will help the nail grow above the skin. You should avoid self-removing the infected toenail as this may lead to further injury or damage. You should seek medical advice if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned.

People suffering from diabetes are at a higher risk for ingrown toenails. Their feet do not receive adequate blood flow and are often not properly protected from infection. They should also take immediate action to prevent infection. First, soak your feet in warm water for fifteen to twenty minutes. Next, apply a topic antibiotic, and seek medical attention if the infection is severe. After 20 minutes, use a talcum powder or a cotton swab to apply pressure to the infected area.

Ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenails are painful and inconvenient growths on toenails that grow into the skin. They may produce redness, swelling, warmth, and pain. When left untreated, they can lead to infection and can spread to other parts of the body. Ingrown toenails are most common in children and teenagers, and they often result from wearing tight, narrow shoes and playing sports. However, older adults can also develop ingrown toenails because their toenails become thicker and are more difficult to cut. When these ingrown toenails are not properly treated, new tissue grows on the edges of the nail and pus develops.

Ingrown toenails can be treated with a variety of treatments. One option is to use a nail clipper to remove the skin that grows over the nail fold. Alternatively, you may use dental floss or cotton to lift the skin away from the nail. Surgical treatment for ingrown toenails may include an avulsion. This procedure is often done in the doctor’s office and involves the removal of a portion of the nail fold and nail root.

Injuries

Minor toenail injuries usually don’t need medical attention. You may be able to treat the wound on your own. Do not attempt to bend or cut your toe; this will likely lead to permanent damage. In cases of severe injuries, however, you should seek medical attention. The nail bed may be fractured and a new nail may not grow for four to six months. If the injury was a blunt trauma, it may need stitches and the nail may be permanently misshapen. Similarly, people with diabetes or peripheral artery disease may have toenail infections.

Various traumas can cause toenail injuries. Some of these incidents may occur while playing sports or running. Other traumas may include closing a door or shoe across a toe. Even wearing bare feet or wearing open toe shoes can cause trauma to the nails. Such injuries can cause severe infections, so it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Diabetics are particularly vulnerable to toenail trauma. Infections can develop under the toenail if you do not treat the injury.

Sensation

The sensation of toenails may seem a strange one. After all, your feet are full of nerves, so it is no wonder that your toenails feel so strange and painful. However, you may not even be aware of it. Here are some possible causes. If you’re feeling this pain or sensation, you might have a problem with your nerves. Here are a few ways to make sure that you’re not suffering from an underlying disease.

Growth

In warm weather, we tend to expose our toes more. This makes the growth of toenails slower than that of fingernails. The rate of nail growth varies, depending on the individual and age. Despite this difference, many people still have long and beautiful toenails. Fortunately, scientists have quantified the difference and discovered that fingernails grow twice as fast as toenails. While fingernails grow at an average of 1.62 mm per month, toenails only grow about one-third of that amount.

Toenails grow at a rate of approximately one millimeter per month and typically take five to six months to grow completely. However, some factors affect the rate of growth, including age, genetics, and climate. Young, active people, and men typically experience faster toenail growth than older individuals, and accelerated nail growth may be the result of exposure to sunlight. However, even with proper nutrition and proper care, toenails can take months to return to their original size.