Ingrown toenails is where there is increased pressure from your nail pushing towards the flesh of your toe

What causes ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails can develop for a variety of reasons. In some people, they may be hereditary, with the natural shape or curvature of the nail making it more likely to grow into the surrounding skin and cause irritation.

Other common contributing factors include:

• Tight or ill-fitting footwear that places pressure on the toes.

• Incorrect nail trimming, such as cutting the corners too short or rounding the edges.

• Picking, tearing, or biting the toenails.

• Repetitive trauma from sport or physical activities.

• Poor foot hygiene.

• Excessive sweating, which can soften the skin around the nail.

• Injury to the toenail.

When a nail grows into the surrounding skin, it can cause pain, redness, swelling, and inflammation. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail may become infected, leading to increased pain, discharge, and recurrent infections.

Treatment

Most ingrown toenails can be managed successfully with conservative treatment. This often involves advice on appropriate footwear, correct nail-cutting techniques, and measures to reduce pressure and irritation around the affected nail.

Conservative treatment may include:

• Wearing footwear with adequate width and depth in the toe box.

• Learning proper nail-trimming techniques to help prevent recurrence.

• Managing any infection or inflammation around the nail.

• Regular podiatry care to monitor and treat ongoing problems.

• Advice on foot hygiene and nail care.

For persistent, recurrent, or severely ingrown toenails, a more permanent solution may be recommended. This may involve a minor surgical procedure to remove part of the nail and, prevent the affected section from regrowing.