Ainhum is a disease where one or more toes grow rings that constrict them. These constricting rings are made of tough, fibrous tissue. They can hurt the toe very badly or even cause the toe to fall off by itself. Ainhum affects many kinds of people worldwide including South Americans, Africans, White people, and Indians. More men suffer from this disease historically than women. The name “ainhum”, a Nago word was taken from an African language meaning “to cut” or “fissure.” A doctor named Silva Lima first used this name in 1867.
Epidemiology
Ainhum is a disease where one or more toes grow rings that constrict them. These constricting rings are made of tough, fibrous tissue. They can hurt the toe very badly or even cause the toe to fall off by itself. Ainhum affects many kinds of people worldwide including South Americans, Africans, White people, and Indians. More men suffer from this disease historically than women. The name “ainhum”, a Nago word was taken from an African language meaning “to cut” or “fissure.” A doctor named Silva Lima first used this name in 1867.
Anatomy
Pathophysiology
Ainhum is considered a rare disease with an unknown cause. People with ainhum develop a tight band around the base of a finger or, less often, a toe. The fifth toe is most affected, but in around 75% of cases, both feet are involved. The part of the digit past the tight band swells due to buildup of fluid. Over time, the bone starts to break down. After four to six years, the toe usually falls off by itself. Ainhum is thought to be linked to going on bareÂfoot in hot areas and wearing tight bands around the feet, which is common in rural parts of Africa and South America.
Etiology
The exact cause of ainhum is unclear. Its high rate in people of African descent suggests a genetic tendency to develop excess fibrous tissue from injury or infection. Pseudo ainhum stems from a fibrotic band forming due to an underlying skin condition or irritation. Possible causes include amniotic bands, hair/thread tangled around a finger, and the effects of hyperkeratosis in those with palmoplantar keratoderma.
Genetics
Prognostic Factors
Ainhum is a disease that progresses slowly. After around four to six years of the condition starting, the toe often falls off by itself.
Clinical History
The process to identify ainhum needs these 3 factors that is constriction of soft tissue, swollen toes, and bone damage or loss. As it gets worse, x-rays can confirm the problem.
There are four stages:
Stage I – a groove forms, with no swelling or bone issues.
Stage II – the end of the toe enlarges, rotating outward.
Stage III – bones are affected.
Stage IV – the toe self-amputates.
Physical Examination
Ainhum has different stages showing its development. As it progresses, the toe gets tighter at the base and swells up away from the body. While a first small crack under the toe may not confirm it, but that might be an indication of ainhum. The toe can twist, curl up, and bend back away from the body because of the joint. In the end, only a thin string of tissue attaches the toe before it falls off. Pseudo ainhum looks just like real ainhum in x-rays, tissue samples, and symptoms.
Initial diagnosis and confirmation of ainhum is a crucial process. Over time, blood vessels and bones get altered by the ring that is formed under the toe. It can lead to fractures or even the self-amputation of toe/finger. Treatment options include corticosteroids, topical steroids, pain relief, and surgery (Z-plasty). Since preventive measures are not yet established, people should seek proper care and avoid things that might make it worse.
Regular foot care: Regular foot care is important in the management of ainhum. The affected foot should be carefully washed and dried. This maintains good hygiene and prevents the occurrence of secondary infections.
Moisturization and protective padding: Creams that moisturize and soften can protect damaged skin. Putting soft pads or cushions on the sore toe reduces pressure and causes less friction while walking and wearing shoes.
Surgical intervention: Surgical methods include amputation of the affected finger or removing the tight band. Sometimes, reconstructive surgery restores function and appearance.
Regular foot care: Regular foot care is important in the management of ainhum. The affected foot should be carefully washed and dried. This maintains good hygiene and prevents the occurrence of secondary infections. Moisturization and protective padding: Creams that moisturize and soften can protect damaged skin. Putting soft pads or cushions on the sore toe reduces pressure and causes less friction while walking and wearing shoes. Surgical intervention: Surgical methods include amputation of the affected finger or removing the tight band. Sometimes, reconstructive surgery restores function and appearance.
There are no medical treatments available for ainhum currently. Use of corticosteroids (topical/ injectable), salicylates or retinoids may be employed in the treatment of early lesions.
intervention-with-a-procedure
Ainhum is treated surgically if the condition is classified under Grade I or early Grade II through Z-plasty. It involves the use of a Z-shape fix in the removal of constricting rings. Grade III typically needs amputation. The final treatment for advanced ainhum may involve surgical removal (if not self-amputation).
Early ainhum can get relief by splitting the fibrous band as per reports. Congenital bands in pseudo ainhum rarely require non-surgical care. One pseudo ainhum case linked to epidermolytic ichthyosis underwent successful full thickness skin grafting after a failed Z-plasty.
Assessment and diagnosis:Â Â To diagnose ainhum, examine the patient thoroughly. Use imaging studies like X-rays to assess the degree of damage to the toe or how much the toe is affected.
Surgical intervention and long-term management: When other treatments fail or disease progresses, surgery may be helpful. Options involve removing affected finger/toe, loosening tight bands, or reconstructing for function. Develop long-term plan based on need of patient, including check-ups, symptom management, and preventive measures.
Monitoring of symptoms and surveillance: Educate people on foot care, regular cleaning, moisturizing, avoiding tight footwear to reduce risk of toe stress and harm. Set a routine check-up to watch the progression of the condition.
Ainhum is a disease where one or more toes grow rings that constrict them. These constricting rings are made of tough, fibrous tissue. They can hurt the toe very badly or even cause the toe to fall off by itself. Ainhum affects many kinds of people worldwide including South Americans, Africans, White people, and Indians. More men suffer from this disease historically than women. The name “ainhum”, a Nago word was taken from an African language meaning “to cut” or “fissure.” A doctor named Silva Lima first used this name in 1867.
Ainhum is a disease where one or more toes grow rings that constrict them. These constricting rings are made of tough, fibrous tissue. They can hurt the toe very badly or even cause the toe to fall off by itself. Ainhum affects many kinds of people worldwide including South Americans, Africans, White people, and Indians. More men suffer from this disease historically than women. The name “ainhum”, a Nago word was taken from an African language meaning “to cut” or “fissure.” A doctor named Silva Lima first used this name in 1867.
Ainhum is considered a rare disease with an unknown cause. People with ainhum develop a tight band around the base of a finger or, less often, a toe. The fifth toe is most affected, but in around 75% of cases, both feet are involved. The part of the digit past the tight band swells due to buildup of fluid. Over time, the bone starts to break down. After four to six years, the toe usually falls off by itself. Ainhum is thought to be linked to going on bareÂfoot in hot areas and wearing tight bands around the feet, which is common in rural parts of Africa and South America.
The exact cause of ainhum is unclear. Its high rate in people of African descent suggests a genetic tendency to develop excess fibrous tissue from injury or infection. Pseudo ainhum stems from a fibrotic band forming due to an underlying skin condition or irritation. Possible causes include amniotic bands, hair/thread tangled around a finger, and the effects of hyperkeratosis in those with palmoplantar keratoderma.
Ainhum is a disease that progresses slowly. After around four to six years of the condition starting, the toe often falls off by itself.
The process to identify ainhum needs these 3 factors that is constriction of soft tissue, swollen toes, and bone damage or loss. As it gets worse, x-rays can confirm the problem.
There are four stages:
Stage I – a groove forms, with no swelling or bone issues.
Stage II – the end of the toe enlarges, rotating outward.
Stage III – bones are affected.
Stage IV – the toe self-amputates.
Ainhum has different stages showing its development. As it progresses, the toe gets tighter at the base and swells up away from the body. While a first small crack under the toe may not confirm it, but that might be an indication of ainhum. The toe can twist, curl up, and bend back away from the body because of the joint. In the end, only a thin string of tissue attaches the toe before it falls off. Pseudo ainhum looks just like real ainhum in x-rays, tissue samples, and symptoms.
Initial diagnosis and confirmation of ainhum is a crucial process. Over time, blood vessels and bones get altered by the ring that is formed under the toe. It can lead to fractures or even the self-amputation of toe/finger. Treatment options include corticosteroids, topical steroids, pain relief, and surgery (Z-plasty). Since preventive measures are not yet established, people should seek proper care and avoid things that might make it worse.
Dermatology, General
Regular foot care: Regular foot care is important in the management of ainhum. The affected foot should be carefully washed and dried. This maintains good hygiene and prevents the occurrence of secondary infections.
Moisturization and protective padding: Creams that moisturize and soften can protect damaged skin. Putting soft pads or cushions on the sore toe reduces pressure and causes less friction while walking and wearing shoes.
Surgical intervention: Surgical methods include amputation of the affected finger or removing the tight band. Sometimes, reconstructive surgery restores function and appearance.
Dermatology, General
There are no medical treatments available for ainhum currently. Use of corticosteroids (topical/ injectable), salicylates or retinoids may be employed in the treatment of early lesions.
Dermatology, General
Ainhum is treated surgically if the condition is classified under Grade I or early Grade II through Z-plasty. It involves the use of a Z-shape fix in the removal of constricting rings. Grade III typically needs amputation. The final treatment for advanced ainhum may involve surgical removal (if not self-amputation).
Early ainhum can get relief by splitting the fibrous band as per reports. Congenital bands in pseudo ainhum rarely require non-surgical care. One pseudo ainhum case linked to epidermolytic ichthyosis underwent successful full thickness skin grafting after a failed Z-plasty.
Dermatology, General
Assessment and diagnosis:Â Â To diagnose ainhum, examine the patient thoroughly. Use imaging studies like X-rays to assess the degree of damage to the toe or how much the toe is affected.
Surgical intervention and long-term management: When other treatments fail or disease progresses, surgery may be helpful. Options involve removing affected finger/toe, loosening tight bands, or reconstructing for function. Develop long-term plan based on need of patient, including check-ups, symptom management, and preventive measures.
Monitoring of symptoms and surveillance: Educate people on foot care, regular cleaning, moisturizing, avoiding tight footwear to reduce risk of toe stress and harm. Set a routine check-up to watch the progression of the condition.
Ainhum is a disease where one or more toes grow rings that constrict them. These constricting rings are made of tough, fibrous tissue. They can hurt the toe very badly or even cause the toe to fall off by itself. Ainhum affects many kinds of people worldwide including South Americans, Africans, White people, and Indians. More men suffer from this disease historically than women. The name “ainhum”, a Nago word was taken from an African language meaning “to cut” or “fissure.” A doctor named Silva Lima first used this name in 1867.
Ainhum is a disease where one or more toes grow rings that constrict them. These constricting rings are made of tough, fibrous tissue. They can hurt the toe very badly or even cause the toe to fall off by itself. Ainhum affects many kinds of people worldwide including South Americans, Africans, White people, and Indians. More men suffer from this disease historically than women. The name “ainhum”, a Nago word was taken from an African language meaning “to cut” or “fissure.” A doctor named Silva Lima first used this name in 1867.
Ainhum is considered a rare disease with an unknown cause. People with ainhum develop a tight band around the base of a finger or, less often, a toe. The fifth toe is most affected, but in around 75% of cases, both feet are involved. The part of the digit past the tight band swells due to buildup of fluid. Over time, the bone starts to break down. After four to six years, the toe usually falls off by itself. Ainhum is thought to be linked to going on bareÂfoot in hot areas and wearing tight bands around the feet, which is common in rural parts of Africa and South America.
The exact cause of ainhum is unclear. Its high rate in people of African descent suggests a genetic tendency to develop excess fibrous tissue from injury or infection. Pseudo ainhum stems from a fibrotic band forming due to an underlying skin condition or irritation. Possible causes include amniotic bands, hair/thread tangled around a finger, and the effects of hyperkeratosis in those with palmoplantar keratoderma.
Ainhum is a disease that progresses slowly. After around four to six years of the condition starting, the toe often falls off by itself.
The process to identify ainhum needs these 3 factors that is constriction of soft tissue, swollen toes, and bone damage or loss. As it gets worse, x-rays can confirm the problem.
There are four stages:
Stage I – a groove forms, with no swelling or bone issues.
Stage II – the end of the toe enlarges, rotating outward.
Stage III – bones are affected.
Stage IV – the toe self-amputates.
Ainhum has different stages showing its development. As it progresses, the toe gets tighter at the base and swells up away from the body. While a first small crack under the toe may not confirm it, but that might be an indication of ainhum. The toe can twist, curl up, and bend back away from the body because of the joint. In the end, only a thin string of tissue attaches the toe before it falls off. Pseudo ainhum looks just like real ainhum in x-rays, tissue samples, and symptoms.
Initial diagnosis and confirmation of ainhum is a crucial process. Over time, blood vessels and bones get altered by the ring that is formed under the toe. It can lead to fractures or even the self-amputation of toe/finger. Treatment options include corticosteroids, topical steroids, pain relief, and surgery (Z-plasty). Since preventive measures are not yet established, people should seek proper care and avoid things that might make it worse.
Dermatology, General
Regular foot care: Regular foot care is important in the management of ainhum. The affected foot should be carefully washed and dried. This maintains good hygiene and prevents the occurrence of secondary infections.
Moisturization and protective padding: Creams that moisturize and soften can protect damaged skin. Putting soft pads or cushions on the sore toe reduces pressure and causes less friction while walking and wearing shoes.
Surgical intervention: Surgical methods include amputation of the affected finger or removing the tight band. Sometimes, reconstructive surgery restores function and appearance.
Dermatology, General
There are no medical treatments available for ainhum currently. Use of corticosteroids (topical/ injectable), salicylates or retinoids may be employed in the treatment of early lesions.
Dermatology, General
Ainhum is treated surgically if the condition is classified under Grade I or early Grade II through Z-plasty. It involves the use of a Z-shape fix in the removal of constricting rings. Grade III typically needs amputation. The final treatment for advanced ainhum may involve surgical removal (if not self-amputation).
Early ainhum can get relief by splitting the fibrous band as per reports. Congenital bands in pseudo ainhum rarely require non-surgical care. One pseudo ainhum case linked to epidermolytic ichthyosis underwent successful full thickness skin grafting after a failed Z-plasty.
Dermatology, General
Assessment and diagnosis:Â Â To diagnose ainhum, examine the patient thoroughly. Use imaging studies like X-rays to assess the degree of damage to the toe or how much the toe is affected.
Surgical intervention and long-term management: When other treatments fail or disease progresses, surgery may be helpful. Options involve removing affected finger/toe, loosening tight bands, or reconstructing for function. Develop long-term plan based on need of patient, including check-ups, symptom management, and preventive measures.
Monitoring of symptoms and surveillance: Educate people on foot care, regular cleaning, moisturizing, avoiding tight footwear to reduce risk of toe stress and harm. Set a routine check-up to watch the progression of the condition.
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