An ingrown nail develops when the edge of one of your toenails grows into the skin surrounding it. It's a common condition that usually affects the big toe, although any toenail can become ingrown, according to MedlinePlus. Ingrown toenails frequently become infected, which can be painful.
Symptoms
You probably first will notice that a toenail has become ingrown because it looks different, according to the Mayo Clinic website. The skin around the toenail might look swollen, and it might seem as though your toenail is smaller because of how it has grown into the surrounding skin. When the skin around the ingrown toenail becomes infected, it will appear red and swollen and might be tender or painful to the touch.
Risk Factors
Anyone can develop an ingrown toenail, but the main causes are improperly fitting shoes and improperly trimmed toenails, according to the website FamilyDoctor. Shoes that are too tight on the sides can force nail edges to curl into the skin. You can exacerbate this problem d by cutting your toenails with edges that are rounded or tapered.
Treatment
You usually can treat ingrown toenails yourself, but if you have diabetes, poor circulation or nerve damage in the foot or leg you should see your doctor promptly to have the problem evaluated, according to MedlinePlus. To treat the nail at home, soak your foot in warm water three or four times a day and rub or massage the swollen skin. You should also put a piece of dental floss or a small piece of cotton under the affected nail to keep it from becoming more ingrown.
Prognosis
Home treatment is generally sufficient to treat the ingrown toenail and relieve any associated pain or tenderness. Complications rarely develop, but when an ingrown nail becomes infected, the infection can spread to the surrounding skin tissue and possibly to nearby bones. Ingrown toenails often be a recurring problem, especially if you do not take steps to prevent them.
Prevention
One of the simplest ways to prevent ingrown toenails is to wear shoes and socks that fit properly and do not squeeze your feet, according to the McKinley Health Center. You can also prevent ingrown nails by trimming them properly; cut straight across with a clipper, and do not round or taper the edges. Once a nail is ingrown, you can prevent an infection by cleaning the area regularly to prevent dirt and bacteria from entering.
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