An ingrown toenail is when the nail grows curved into the skin, in many cases the nail borders dig into the skin of the nail causing irritation of the skin, which creates discomfort, redness, swelling and many times warmth in the infected toe.
Ingrown toenails often cause a break in the epidermis (skin), bacteria can enter the subcutaneous tissue causing an infection. Signs of infection are but not limited to pain, drainage, foul odor, redness with swelling or warmth. A good rule of thumb is to have meticulous foot hygiene because It is possible to have an ingrown even when no symptoms are present.
What causes an Ingrown Toenail?
- Improper trimming. Cutting your nails too short or rounded. When trimming the nail look for the natural margin and use it as a guide.
- Ill-fitting footwear. Shoes and socks that are too snug can cause an ingrown toenail.
- Trauma. A toenail can become ingrown due to trauma. For example, dropping a heavy object on your toe, hitting it on a hard surface and even some sports like soccer or running can cause an ingrown
- Heredity. For many people ingrown toenails are inherited.
- Nail conditions. Nail problems like fungal infections or a damaged nail bed.
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