Ingrown toenail occurs when the side or corner of your toenail grows into or pierces the skin of the toe. It usually affects the big toe.

This can result in an open wound where bacteria enters and infection can set in. It is important to manage ingrown toenail timely to reduce the risk of infections.

• Improper nail-cutting technique that leaves a spike of nail behind at the side of the nail or cutting the nail edge too deep in.

• As the nail plate grows forwards, the spike may be pushed forwards or sideways into the nail sulcus (the groove of flesh at the side of the nail) and pokes into the skin.

Examples:

• Pulling and picking at the side of the nails and a fleshy nail sulcus are factors predisposing to the development of ingrown toenail
  
  
  
• Pressure on the side of the nail from tight shoes, socks or stockings
  
  
  
• Unusual amount of pressure on the side of the nail due to presence of deformities (E.g. bunions, hammer toes) or abnormal gait (E.g. exerting excessive pressure over the big toes)
  
  
  
• Repeated injury to the side of the nail, for example, physical sports or wearing of tight safety shoes.
  
  
  
• Excessive perspiration causing the skin at the sides of the nails to be easily pierced by a sharp nail
• Certain medications to manage cancers, skin conditions and viral conditions may affect the nail and nail fold growth, predisposing to ingrown toenail formation

Pain, redness, swelling and sometimes infection where there is pus and bleeding. In severe or chronic cases, a small lump of tissue that bleeds easily can develop.