Ingrown Toenails
Overview
When the toenail (and sometimes, fingernail) grows into the skin- curling or cutting into the soft tissue along the side of the nail, causing pain and inflammation. This leaves the toe especially prone to infection, as bacteria can easily enter the open wound. The big toe is the most common toe for an ingrown toenail.
Causes
Possible causes are the nail being improperly trimmed (being cut into a curved shape instead of straight across,) tight fitting shoes, or the hereditary shape of the nail.
Symptoms
- Swelling/ Inflamed skin
- Pain along the side of the nail
- Infection
- Redness in the area
Treatment
Most cases of an ingrown toenail can be treated at home (via soaking it in warm, soapy water; then gently placing a small bit of cotton between the skin and toenail to help it grow above the skin,) but in more severe cases where the toe is infected and home remedies are yielding no effect, see a healthcare provider. If the toe becomes too big of an issue to where it has to be removed, the healthcare provider will perform either a partial or total nail avulsion, which is the partial or total removal of the nail respectively.