Ingrown Toenails

What is an Ingrown Toenail?
When a toenail is ingrown, the nail is curved downward and grows into the skin, usually at the nail borders (the sides of the nail). This "digging in" of the nail irritates the skin, often creating pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the toe. If an ingrown nail causes a break in the skin, bacteria may enter and cause an infection in the area, which is often marked by drainage and a foul odor. However, even if your toe isn't painful, red, swollen, or warm, a nail that curves downward into the skin can progress to an infection.

What causes an Ingrown Toenail?
Ingrown toenails can develop for various reasons. In many people, the tendency to have this common disorder is inherited. In other cases, an ingrown toenail is the result of trauma, such as stubbing your toe, having an object fall on your toe, or engaging in activities that involve repeated pressure on the toes, such as kicking or running. The most common cause of ingrown toenails is improper trimming. Cutting your nails too short encourages the skin next to the nail to fold over the nail. Another cause of ingrown toenails is wearing shoes that are too tight or too short. If you have a certain nail condition, such as toenail fungus, or have lost a toenail through trauma, you are at greater risk for developing an ingrown toenail.

Treatment for Ingrown Toenails.
Sometimes initial treatment for ingrown toenails can be safely performed at home. However, home treatment is strongly discouraged if you suspect you have an infection, or if you have a medical condition that puts your feet at high risk. Examples of conditions in which a person should not treat their ingrown toenail at home is Diabetes, Nerve damage in the foot, or poor circulation.

Preventing Ingrown Toenails.
*Trim your toenails properly. Cut your toenails in a fairly straight line, and don't cut them too short. You should be able to get your fingernail under the sides and end of your nail.
*Avoid poorly-fitting shoes. Don't wear shoes that are too short or too tight in the toe box. Also avoid shoes that are loose, because they too cause pressure on your toes when you walk briskly or run.