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The Nails.In ichthyosis (fish skin disease) the nails are apt to be thickened and dull. In lichen they are also affected. In syphilis the nails are often deformed, and their beds become the site of inflammatory processes. In scrofula the nails are often marked with distinct lines, and maybe thickened ; in consumption they are often club-shaped and arched. A similar arched appearance is often presented by the nails in cases of heart disease. Another cause of difficulty in and around the bed of the nail is the occurrence of parasitic growths, like those which cause ringworm on the skin. In this affection the nail becomes somewhat thickened and raised. The cause of the difficulty is usually indicated by the occurrence of ringworm elsewhere on the skin. Ingrowing toe-nail is a troublesome affection, which is apt to follow the compression of the foot by tight boots. At times the nail is really not at fault, the flesh at the side being merely forced over and against it by the pressure from without. In these cases the nail retains its natural flat shape, and is not tender upon pressure. In other instances of ingrowing toe-nails the difficulty lies really in the nail itself. In these cases the bed of the nail has been irritated for a long time by pressure. As a result, the nail is thickened and its shape essentially changed ; for instead of being flat, with a simple depression at the sides, the nail is usually thickened and raised in the middle, while the sides are directed downward and grow deeply into the flesh. In these cases pressure upon the nail, especially upon the end, causes pain. After a time the constant irritation of the flesh, caused by the sharp edge of the nail, excites inflammation of the skin, which may proceed to ulceration. A considerable surface along the side of the nail may become raw and covered with matter. Under these cir cumstances the toe is very painful, and the shoe cannot be worn without extreme annoyance. Treatment.-The treatment of this condition must depend upon the degree to which the inflammation and ulceration have progressed. In the early stages, that is, when the skin alongside of the nail is merely red and tender, it will usually be sufficient to wear only shoes which afford ample room for t'he toe. It is important to see that the shoes are not simply wide enough, but that they also are made so as not to press upon the toe from above. If there be already some ulceration at the side of the nail, the skin should be gently pulled away from the edge of the nail and the groove should be washed out thoroughly with water ; it will often be possible to discover small fragments of the nail which have broken off and are lodged in the groove, where they keep up a constant irritation and provoke a profuse discharge of matter. These should, of course, be removed. A little vaseline should then be smeared upon a small piece of cotton wool and gently inserted between the edge of the nail and the skin. This dressing should be renewed at least once every day, the part being washed at the same time. If care be taken to avoid further pressure by the shoe, recovery will usually take place by this simple means. If not, narrow strips of adhesive plaster should be so applied around the toe as to hold the skin at the side of the nail away from the edge of the nail itself. If all these measures fail, the edge of the nail may be removed to such an extent as to afford the skin sufficien't room. This is an operation which should be performed only by a surgeon. But first, if you want to come back to this web site again, just add it to your bookmarks or favorites now! Then you'll find it easy! Also, please consider sharing our helpful website with your online friends.
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