ainhum

Ainhum (from Portuguese, ), also known as dactylolysis spontanea, is a painful constriction of the base of the fifth toe frequently followed by bilateral spontaneous autoamputation a few years later.

==Signs and symptoms== The groove begins on the lower and internal side of the base of the fifth toe, usually according to the plantar-digital fold. The groove becomes gradually deeper and more circular. The rate of spread is variable, and the disease may progress to a full circle in a few months, or still be incomplete after years. In about 75 percent of cases both feet are affected, though not usually to the same degree. There is no case reported where it begins in any other toe than the fifth, while there is occasionally a groove on the fourth or third toe. The distal part of the toe swells and appears like a small potato. The swelling is due to lymphatic edema distal to the constriction. After a time crusts can appear in the groove which can be infected with staphylococcus.