Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of your toenail grows down and presses into the surrounding skin. Big toes are the most commonly affected. Ingrown toenails can occur on either one or both sides a nail.
Ingrown toenails are commonly caused by:
- Wearing ill fitting shoes, particularly tight shoes as they can force the nail into the surrounding skin.
- Trauma to a nail as it can leave the nail deformed and make it more likely to grow into your skin.
- Fungal nail infections can thicken and distort your toenails, making them more likely to become ingrown.
- If your sporty, active or perspire more as this will cause the skin to soften and make it easier for the nails to grow into.
- In many cases ingrown toenails are hereditary.
Ingrown toenails can often be treated by cutting the nail correctly and filing the nail. In more severe cases the nail may require a minor surgical procedure which can be arranged at short notice if required.