Ingrown Nail (Onychocryptosis)

When a nail is said to be ingrown it means that the nail is curved down and is growing inside the skin, which is adjacent to the edge of the toenail. An ingrown nail can occur in both hands and feet but commonly affects toes, especially big toes. It is commonly seen in adults than in children but teenagers may also suffer from this problem.

The condition often leads to irritation, severe pain, swelling, redness, hardness and warmth in the toe. Even if these symptoms do not occur it can lead to infections. Ingrown nail makes a space between the nail and skin where bacteria gets a place to grow, which leads to infection, pus formation, bad odor and bloody discharge.

Most common reasons of ingrown toenails are wrong cutting of nail or wearing tight small fitting shoes and tight stockings. If nail is cut too short or peeled at the edge, the nail may curve with the shape of the toe and cause growth inside the skin. Shoes that are very tight press the nail and dig it inside the skin that starts the growth of the nail inside the skin.

Also, any injury to the toenail like dropping things on the toe or stepping on the toe may cause the nail to get jammed into the skin. Some hereditary factors also play a role in tendencies of having large nails. If you are diabetic or have any other health problem that causes poor circulation to your feet then you are at high risk of getting ingrown toenail.

To prevent its occurrence, you should cut the nails straight and avoid wearing ill-fitted shoes. As soon as you have the first symptom, you must start the treatment. Soak your feet in warm water with salt added to it for 15-20 minutes and dry it using a towel, apply an antiseptic over it and bandage it. A soft toecap (easily available in the market) can also be worn till the toenail gets healed.

Medical intervention may become necessary and unavoidable, when the problem gets worse. The treatment then comprises of antibiotics, water and blood drainage, surgery or even permanent removal. If left untreated, it might lead to more complicated infection, which may even spread to bones.