The hyponychium is the tough tissue that covers the nail bed and extends past the nail plate. Its job is to protect the nail from injury and infection. When this tissue gets too thick, it’s called an overgrown hyponychium.
An overgrown hyponychium can cause problems with your nails. It can make it difficult to trim your nails or even to wear shoes comfortably. In some cases, an overgrown hyponychium can lead to an infection under the nail.
If you have an overgrown hyponychium, there are a few things you can do to treat it. You can try soaking your nails in warm water for 10 minutes a day. This will help soften the tissue so you can trim it more easily. You can also use a file or emery board to gently file down the overgrowth.
Causes
There are many things that can cause an overgrown hyponychium. One of the most common causes is an injury to the nail. This can happen if you accidentally hit your nail or if you stub your toe. Another common cause is a fungal infection. This can happen if you don’t keep your feet clean and dry. If you have diabetes, you’re also at risk of developing an overgrown hyponychium. This is because diabetes can damage the nerves in your feet.
Risk Factors
There are several risk factors that can contribute to overgrown hyponychium. One of the most common is wearing shoes that are too tight. This can cause friction and irritation of the skin, which can lead to the formation of calluses. Calluses can then become overgrown and cause the hyponychium to become thicker. Other risk factors include diabetes, psoriasis, and fungal infections. Treatment for overgrown hyponychium usually involves removing the thickened tissue with a scalpel or laser.
Symptoms
The symptoms of overgrown hyponychium are often benign and painless. However, in some cases, the excess tissue can cause pain and discomfort. Overgrown hyponychium can also lead to nail deformities such as thickening, ridging, and brittleness. If left untreated, overgrown hyponychium can also cause infection.
Diagnosis
Overgrown hyponychium is a common nail disorder that can affect people of all ages. The condition is characterized by an abnormal growth of the tissue that covers the nail bed. This growth can be due to a variety of factors, including trauma, infection, and certain medical conditions. While the condition is usually not painful, it can cause cosmetic concerns and make it difficult to wear shoes or perform other activities.
There are several tests that can be used to diagnose overgrown hyponychium. A physical examination of the nails will often reveal the presence of the condition. Your doctor may also order a biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of tissue from the affected area for testing. In some cases, X-rays or other imaging tests may be necessary to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
Treatment
If your hyponychium (the skin surrounding the nail) is overgrown, you have a few options for treatment. You can try trimming the skin with a sharp knife or nail scissors. If this doesn’t work, you may need to see a dermatologist have the excess skin removed.
In some cases, an overgrown hyponychium can be caused by a fungal infection. If this is the case, you’ll need to treat the infection before it will go away. Your doctor may prescribe antifungal medication, which you’ll need to take for several weeks. You may also need to apply an antifungal cream or ointment to the affected area.
If your overgrown hyponychium is caused by psoriasis, you’ll need to treat the underlying condition.
Prevention
The hyponychium is the layer of skin that covers the nail bed. It is important to keep this area clean and free of debris to avoid an overgrown hyponychium.
To prevent an overgrown hyponychium, it is important to:
-Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, using soap and water. Be sure to scrub under the nails.
-Trim your nails regularly, keeping them short and filed smooth.
-Avoid injury to the nails or cuticles. Wear gloves when working with harsh chemicals or doing activities that could damage the nails.
-Keep your feet dry and clean. Change socks daily, and wear shoes that fit well and do not rub against the feet.
Complications
The complications of overgrown hyponychium can be serious. If the condition is left untreated, the overgrowth can spread to the nail bed and cause deformities in the nail. In severe cases, the overgrowth can cause nail loss. Treatment for overgrown hyponychium is typical with oral or topical antifungal medications. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the overgrowth.
When to see a doctor?
If you have an overgrown hyponychium, it is important to see a doctor. This is because the overgrowth can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If you have diabetes, for example, an overgrown hyponychium can be a sign of diabetic foot. In addition, if you have an infection, the overgrowth can be a sign of nail fungus. If you are unsure whether or not you should see a doctor, it is always best to err on the side of caution and make an appointment.
Conclusion
The hyponychium is the area of skin that lies beneath the fingernail. It can become overgrown, causing the nail to become thick and difficult to trim. Overgrown hyponychium can also lead to pain and inflammation.
Overall, overgrown hyponychium is a condition that should be treated by a medical professional. If left untreated, it can cause pain and difficulty with daily activities.
Published on September 15, 2022 and Last Updated on September 13, 2023 by: Mayank Pandey
