Digging Up the Facts on Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are the most common cause of painful nails. The medical name for ingrown toenails is onychocryptosis and the first signs include swollen skin around the nail, tenderness to touch, and formation of granulation tissue, which can progress to become infected in some cases. They are very common among teenagers and young adults because the nails are thin and sharp and the skin is very soft and fragile.
What’s The Cause?
- Poor cutting technique – cut too short or in the wrong shape
- Ripping your nails- leads to jagged edges
- Poor footwear – tight shoes and ill-fitting toe box.
- Abnormal nail shape or nail fold- Broad nails, curved nails and increased skin bulk
- Odema, obesity and diabetes
- Trauma – kicking your toe or ongoing trauma
- Family history
- Hyperhydrosis – sweaty feet increases the risk of infections and skin is very soft and easily irritated
- Poor foot hygiene