Ingrown toenails, usually affecting the big toe, occur when the nail grows into the skin causing pain, redness, and swelling. Tight shoes, improper nail trimming, genetics, and certain health conditions can contribute to their development, and they can become infected if left untreated. Prevention is important for those prone to them.
An ingrown toenail, medically called onychocryptosis, is a painful condition that affects any of the toenails. However, it most often occurs on the big toe. The side and/or front of the nail curls and grows into the skin of the toe, causing redness, swelling and, in some cases, bleeding or infection.
A slight pain or pressure in the toe is the first symptom of an ingrown toenail. If allowed to progress, the pain will intensify, followed by redness. When a large portion of the nail has become ingrown, it is visible, but in some cases a fragment of the nail is the only part that becomes ingrown. While less noticeable than a large ingrown toenail, it can be just as painful, if not more so. This type might look as if the skin is being pierced with a knife.
Sometimes, an ingrown toenail can become infected. Symptoms of infection may include warmth around the affected area, raised or bulging skin, and pus or oozing around the nail. Left untreated, an infection can spread, causing further complications.
An ingrown toenail can develop for a variety of reasons, and some people are more prone to this condition than others. The most common cause is shoes or socks that are too tight. Poorly fitting shoes can put pressure on the nail, preventing it from growing normally. Some nail trimming methods can also cause them to grow ingrown. Cutting the nails too short or angled in shape instead of straight can cause the problem.
Genetics also play a role in the likelihood of developing an ingrown toenail. Curved nails are nails that naturally curve from side to side rather than lying flat on the nail bed. This type of nail curves deep into the skin fold and can often grow inward. Although usually inherited, curved nails can also be the result of injury or trauma to the toe.
Certain health conditions can also contribute to ingrown toenails. People suffering from diabetes, poor circulation, or other diseases that cause edema are often prone to them. This is because fleshy or swollen feet protrude around the nail, causing it to grow into the skin. They have a tendency to recur even after treatment, so it’s important for people who have had one in the past to take preventative measures in the future.
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