Ingrown Toenail

When the side of a toenail pushes into the skin around the nail, a painful condition known as onychocryptosis occurs. Although big toenails are most commonly affected, this illness can affect any toenail. Symptoms of an ingrown toenail include pain, redness, swelling, and, in severe cases, infection.
Some of the things that can lead to ingrown toenails are:
- Incorrect nail trimming: Cutting the toenails too short or not cutting them straight across will promote the nail to grow into the skin.
- Shoes that are too small might force the nail into the flesh by crowding the toes.
- Ingrown toenails are commonly caused by trauma, such as when someone stubs their toe or drops something heavy on it.
- Some people may be predisposed to ingrown toenails due to their genes.
- Ingrown nails are more common in those whose nails are abnormally shaped, such as those whose nails are naturally curved or uneven in shape.
The pain of an ingrown toenail can be made much worse if the infection that results from not treating it is allowed to spread. Soaking the foot in warm water, gently raising the ingrown edge of the nail, applying antibiotic ointment, or, in extreme situations, small surgical operations to remove the ingrown portion of the nail are all potential treatments for ingrown toenails. In order to avoid further difficulties and receive the appropriate treatment, an ingrown toenail that is particularly severe or infected should be evaluated by a medical professional.