Ingrown nail

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Ingrown nail
An ingrown toenail
Synonyms Onychocryptosis, unguis incarnatus
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Pain, redness, swelling around the nail
Complications Infection, abscess
Onset Any age, more common in adolescents and adults
Duration Varies, can be chronic if untreated
Types N/A
Causes Improper nail trimming, tight footwear, trauma
Risks Diabetes, poor foot hygiene
Diagnosis Clinical examination
Differential diagnosis Paronychia, onychomycosis
Prevention Proper nail trimming, wearing appropriate footwear
Treatment Soaking, lifting the nail, partial nail removal
Medication Antibiotics if infected
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Common
Deaths N/A


Ingrown nail in hallux toe
Diagram of onychocryptosis
Nagelspange treatment for ingrown nail
Post-operative view of ingrown nail

Ingrown nail is a common condition that occurs when the edge of a nail grows into the skin of the toe. It can cause pain, redness, and swelling, and if left untreated, it can lead to infection.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Ingrown nails are often caused by improper nail care, such as cutting the nails too short or rounding the edges. They can also be caused by wearing shoes that are too tight or by injuring the toe. Some people are more prone to ingrown nails due to the natural shape of their nails.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The most common symptoms of an ingrown nail include:

  • Pain and tenderness in your toe along one or both sides of the nail
  • Redness around your toenail
  • Swelling of your toe around the nail
  • Infection of the tissue around your toenail

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for an ingrown nail depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases can often be treated at home by soaking the foot in warm water, applying antibiotic ointment, and using a bandage to protect the area. In more severe cases, a doctor may need to remove part of the nail or prescribe antibiotics to treat an infection.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Preventing ingrown nails involves proper nail care and wearing shoes that fit properly. Nails should be cut straight across and not too short. Shoes should be wide enough to allow the toes to move freely.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD