Ava Monroe
Ingrown nails are a common condition that occurs when a nail grows into the skin. While ingrown nails can occur in both finger and toenails, they are more commonly found in toenails, especially the big toe. This condition can cause chronic inflammation, redness, pain, and discomfort, and, if left untreated, can lead to infection. Several factors contribute to ingrown nails, including improper nail trimming, tight-fitting or narrow shoes, trauma, and genetic predispositions. Treatment options range from conservative home remedies to surgical procedures, depending on the severity of the condition.
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What You'll Learn
Poor nail care
One common mistake is cutting nails too short, especially on the sides of the big toes. When nails are cut too short, the skin on the sides can cover the corners, causing the nail to grow back into the skin. Nails that are ripped or peeled instead of being cut straight across with a clean, sharp nail trimmer can also become ingrown as they don't have clear corners. As these nails grow, a new corner grows under the skin and gets stuck.
Incorrect nail shaping can also cause ingrown nails. Trimming nails so that they curve with the shape of the toe can encourage the nail to grow into the surrounding skin. It is recommended to cut nails straight across without tapering or rounding the corners. Cutting nails at a moderate length, so they are even with the tips of the toes, is also important to prevent ingrown nails.
In addition to improper nail cutting and shaping, tearing or peeling nails can also increase the risk of ingrown nails. This can happen when nails are ripped off accidentally, such as when removing tight stockings or socks, or when nails are bitten or picked at. Tearing the corner of a nail can lead to a similar outcome as cutting nails too short, with the torn corner becoming embedded in the skin.
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Ill-fitting shoes
Secondly, when the shoe is too short, the toes will jam up against the front of the shoe. This can cause the toenails to slam into the front of the shoe repeatedly, which can also lead to trauma to the nail and increase the risk of ingrown toenails. The higher the heel of the shoe, the more the weight is tipped forward and the more pressure is placed on the front of the foot. Therefore, wearing high heels can easily contribute to ingrown toenails, as the big toes are subjected to a lot of pressure and deforming forces.
Thirdly, when shoes are too loose, they can also cause problems with ingrown toenails, especially when playing sports or running. In this case, the foot slides around inside the shoe, and the toes can repeatedly slam into the front of the shoe, causing trauma to the nail.
Therefore, it is important to wear shoes that fit properly to prevent ingrown toenails. When trying on shoes, it is recommended to leave at least a half-inch between the end of the toes and the inside of the shoe. The toe box should be wide enough to allow the toes to lie flat, comfortable, and able to wiggle up and down and side to side. Additionally, the heel and midsection of the shoe should be supportive, preventing the foot from slipping and sliding inside the shoe.
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Trauma to the nail
Toenails are particularly susceptible to trauma due to the weight-bearing nature of the feet. Activities such as walking and running can cause excessive soft skin tissue on the sides of the nail, which then bulges up along the sides of the nail. The pressure on the skin around the nail can result in tissue damage, leading to swelling, redness, and infection. Tight-fitting shoes can exacerbate this problem by applying additional pressure to the nail and toe, further increasing the risk of trauma and subsequent ingrown nails.
Fingernails can also become ingrown due to trauma, although this is less common than with toenails. One cause of ingrown fingernails is occupation-related, with certain activities placing external pressure on the nail plate. These activities include writing, stitching, sewing, opening and shutting sliding windows, typing, and vegetable cutting. Ingrown fingernails are more commonly observed in the ring and middle fingers, possibly due to the more curved shape of the nails on these fingers compared to the index finger.
To prevent ingrown nails caused by trauma, it is important to protect the nails and toes from injury. This includes wearing properly fitted shoes and socks that provide adequate room for the toes and prevent excessive pressure on the nails. Avoiding ill-fitting shoes is crucial, as they can cause a bunching of the toes and lead to the nail curling and digging into the skin. Additionally, proper nail care is essential, including cutting nails straight across, not too short, and avoiding rounding or tapering the corners.
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Genetic predisposition
Ingrown nails, or onychocryptosis, are a common nail disease that can cause pain and discomfort. They occur when the nail grows and cuts into the sides of the nail bed or the paronychium. While ingrown nails can occur in both finger and toe nails, they are more commonly found in toenails, especially the big toe.
Ingrown nails can be caused by a genetic predisposition. This can be due to an individual's natural nail shape, such as having wider nail folds and thinner, flatter nails, which can increase the risk of ingrown nails. Additionally, some people may have a genetic trait that causes an overcurvature of the nail, known as pincer nails or unguis constringens. This trait can cause the nail to pinch the nail bed and grow into the surrounding skin.
Genetics can also play a role in nail and skin hygiene, which can impact the development of ingrown nails. For example, individuals with a genetic predisposition to hyperhidrosis, or sweaty feet, may have a higher risk of developing ingrown nails. This is because excessive sweating can soften the nails and skin, making them more susceptible to damage and infection.
Furthermore, certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and thyroid, cardiac, or renal disorders, may be influenced by genetic factors and can increase the likelihood of ingrown nails. These conditions can cause lower extremity edema, which can lead to swelling and pressure on the nails, resulting in ingrowth.
It is important to note that while genetics may predispose an individual to ingrown nails, external factors also play a significant role. Improper nail trimming, ill-fitting shoes, and trauma to the nail can trigger or exacerbate the condition. Therefore, it is recommended to practice proper nail care and wear comfortable footwear to help prevent ingrown nails, even for those with a genetic predisposition.
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Paronychia infection
Paronychia is an acute infection that results from an abscess in the fold of the nail. It is caused by bacteria or yeast entering the skin around the nail through an opening. This can be due to trauma to the nail, such as aggressive cutting of the cuticles or skin around the nails, or through some kind of tear or cut. It can also be caused by frequent manicures or pedicures, nail biting, or through irritation from water or chemicals.
The most common bacterial cause of paronychia is Staphylococcus aureus (“staph”), which can sometimes require special antibiotics. Streptococcus and Pseudomonas are other types of bacteria that can cause the infection. Yeast infections are usually caused by Candida and are more likely if the infection lasts for 6 weeks or longer. Chronic wet hands can make you more susceptible to yeast infections.
Symptoms of paronychia include pain, swelling, and tenderness around the nail. The skin will appear red and warm to the touch, and there may be pus that builds up under the skin. A white to yellow, pus-filled abscess may form. If left untreated, the nail can start to grow abnormally and may have ridges or waves. It may look yellow or green, and it can be dry and brittle. In rare cases, the infection can spread beyond the nail and lead to a deeper infection that may require a doctor's help.
Treatment for paronychia depends on the severity of the infection. Soaking the infected nail in warm water for 20 minutes a few times a day can help it heal on its own in a few days. Topical antibacterial ointments may also be recommended. If there is an abscess, a doctor may need to drain it and may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. For fungal paronychia, a doctor may prescribe antifungal creams, lotions, or oral medications.
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