Ingrown Toenail

Description

An ingrown toenail is a condition in which the sharp edge of a toenail grows into the fleshy side of a toe, usually the big toe. The edge of the toe becomes inflamed and often infected, and this infection can spread to involve the whole toe.

Common signs and symptoms

Commonly, you will experience pain, tenderness, redness, swelling, warmth, and occasionally purulent drainage (pus) from the toe, where the sharp nail edge penetrates the neighboring fold of fleshy tissue. Once the tissue around the nail becomes inflamed, infection usually develops in the injured area.

Causes

The toenail grows into the neighboring fleshy nail fold as a result of poor trimming or pressure from shoes. The inflamed tissues may become infected.

Factors that increase risk

• Nail formation that is more curved than normal

• A toenail that is clipped too far back, especially on the sides, allowing tissue to grow over it

• Shoes that fit poorly, forcing the toe of the shoe against the nail and surrounding tissue

• Participation in sports that require sudden stops, causing the toe to jam into the shoe

Preventive measures

• Properly clip nails, taking care to clip the tip and not the sides.

• Wear shoes that fit properly and that are roomy at the toes.

• Avoid excessive pressure on the toes from shoes.

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