Ingrown toenails

Overview

Ingrown toenails are a prevalent condition where the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh, resulting in pain, inflamed skin, swelling, and occasionally, infection. Typically, ingrown toenails impact the big toe.

Symptoms of an ingrown toenail include pain, inflamed skin, swelling, and potential infection around the affected toenail. In many cases, self-care measures can effectively address ingrown toenails. However, if the pain is intense or spreading, seeking assistance from a doctor is advisable to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications associated with ingrown toenails. Individuals with diabetes or other conditions leading to poor blood circulation to the feet should be particularly vigilant, as they are at an increased risk of complications related to ingrown toenails.

Symptoms

Indications of an ingrown toenail encompass:

• Skin inflammation
• Infection
• Swelling
• Pain
• Tenderness
• Swelling

Consult with your doctor if you:

• Encounter intense toe discomfort, observe pus, or notice spreading inflammation.
• Have diabetes or another condition leading to inadequate blood flow to the feet and develop a foot sore or infection.

Causes

Contributing factors to ingrown toenails consist of:

• Trimming toenails excessively short or in a non-straight manner
• Wearing shoes that compress the toenails
• Having highly curved toenails
• Nail infections
• Toenail injuries
• Specific medical condition

Risk factors

Risk factors associated with ingrown toenails comprise:

• Conditions like diabetes that lead to poor blood circulation
• During adolescence, feet often perspire more, which can lead to the softening of nails and skin.
• Limited ability to maintain nail care
• Nail care practices that promote nail growth into the skin, like cutting the nails too short or rounding the corners
• Engaging in activities, such as running and kicking, which expose toes to the risk of injury
• Footwear that squeezes the toes