Ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenails

An ingrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis or unguis incarnatus, is a common condition where the nail grows into the skin instead of over it. This condition most frequently affects the big toe and can cause significant pain, redness, and swelling.

Causes

Ingrown toenails can be caused by several factors, including:

• Improper trimming of the nails, such as cutting them too short or rounding the edges.
• Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes that exert pressure on the toes.
• Injury to the toe or nail.
• Genetic predisposition to having curved or thick nails.
• Poor foot hygiene.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail include:

• Pain and tenderness along one or both sides of the nail.
• Redness and swelling around the affected area.
• Infection of the surrounding skin, which may produce pus.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of an ingrown toenail is typically made through a physical examination by a healthcare professional. In some cases, an X-ray may be required to determine the extent of the condition and to check for any underlying bone abnormalities.

Treatment

Treatment options for ingrown toenails vary depending on the severity of the condition:

• Home care: Soaking the affected foot in warm water, keeping the area clean, and wearing comfortable shoes can help alleviate symptoms.
• Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers and topical antibiotics may be recommended to reduce pain and prevent infection.
• Surgical intervention: In severe cases, partial or complete removal of the affected nail may be necessary. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia.

Prevention

Preventing ingrown toenails involves:

• Properly trimming the nails straight across and avoiding cutting them too short.
• Wearing well-fitting shoes that do not compress the toes.
• Maintaining good foot hygiene.

Complications

If left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to more serious complications, such as:

• Chronic infection.
• Formation of an abscess.
• Spread of infection to the underlying bone, known as osteomyelitis.

Related Pages

• Nail (anatomy)
• Foot
• Podiatry
• Infection
• Pain management