Ingrown toenail is a very common and annoying condition, and it actually can be serious in some cases.

Ingrown toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when the side of the toenail grows into the skin. This could affect any toe, but it mostly occurs in the big one.

An ingrown toenail is a widely common condition, and it’s typically a simple condition.

Causes of ingrown toenails

• Cutting the toenail in a curved or rounded way or cutting it very short.
• Wearing very tight shoes.
• Toe trauma or injury.
• If the toenail is naturally curved.
• Nail infections.
• The risk of ingrown toenails increases in people with diabetes and people who engage in activities that involve running and kicking.

Symptoms of ingrown toenails

• Pain and swelling.
• Skin inflammation.
• Pus or liquid discharges.
• The toe feels warm.
• Redness.
• In some cases, chronic cases of ingrown toenails might cause scarring and an infection that spreads into the bone.

Diagnosis of ingrown toenails

• Physical exam.

Treatment of ingrown toenails

Usually, a person can take care of an ingrown toenail by themselves through the following steps:

• Soaking the foot in warm water.
• Gently lifting the nail edge and placing a piece of cotton under it in order to make the nail grow outside of the skin.
• Changing the cotton every day while using an antibiotic cream.
• Sometimes, the patient will need a healthcare provider to apply these steps.
• In severe cases, the condition might require removing part of the nail surgically.

Prevention of ingrown toenails

• Trimming the nails straight across without removing the corners.
• Cut the nails after being soaked in warm water.
• The toenails must stay at a moderate length.
• Wear shoes that keep the feet in a comfortable situation.