RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Onychocryptosis is one of the most common painful nail conditions. Conservative treatment may take a long time to obtain effective results. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to show the effectiveness of a conservative treatment of ingrown nails that shows rapid results. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients with painful Stage 1 to 2 onychocryptosis who were not candidates or refused surgery were treated with the cotton cast. The severity and cause of onychocryptosis was clinically evaluated during a 2-month period. A questionnaire was applied to all patients to evaluate pain, final treatment, and possible complications. RESULTS: All patients noticed results in less than 72 hours. Pain subsided in less than 24 hours in half of the patients and before 72 hours in 100% of the patients without the need of other treatments. The use of the cast prevented surgery and the accompanying morbidities in most of the patients (80%). CONCLUSION: The "cotton nail cast" is an effective conservative method for mild nail embedding. It is easy to apply, inexpensive, relieves pain rapidly, and avoids surgery in most patients.
