Ingrown Toenails

Medically termed as “onychocryptosis”, ingrown toe nails are a painful condition that occurs when skin on one or both sides of a nail grows over the edges of the nail, or when the nail itself grows into the skin. This condition is usually very common and can be associated with infection of the toe. Irritation, redness, an uncomfortable sensation of warmth, as well as swelling can result from an ingrown toenail.

The most common cause is cutting nails of the toe incorrectly, and allowing them to re-grow into the skin. Tight shoes with narrow toe boxes can aggravate it. If the skin is red, painful or swollen along the edges of the nail, an infection may be present. This occurs because the ingrown nail is moist and bacteria-rich environment. 

In some situation the condition is heredity, such as toenails that simply are too large or caused by conditions like arthritis. Traumatic injuries like stabbing a toe or having a toe stepped on can cause a piece of the nail to be jammed into the skin. Also, repeated injuries, such as the pounding to which runners typically subject their feet can cause ingrown nails.

In many instances, individuals with uninfected ingrown toenails can obtain relief with simple remedies like cutting toe nails correctly to prevent ingrowning. Using a clean nail clipper to trim the nails straight across, so that the nail corner is visible always helps.
If nails are cut too short, the nail corner can grow into the skin. When the edge of the nail starts to grow in, cut down at an angle at the nail edge, to alleviate the pain Soak the feet in luke-warm salt water. Then Dry them thoroughly with a clean towel. Apply a mild antiseptic solution to the area after that. When this is done Bandage the toe and wear shoes with broad toe-box. 
Visit a Physician If there presents excessive inflammation, swelling, pain or discharge the toenail certainly is infected and should be treated by a Physician. A Podiatrist can trim or remove the infected nail with a minor surgical procedure.