Ingrown Toenails - Causes and Some Prevention Tips to Prevent it from Occuring Further

Ingrown toenails are also known as onychocryptosis. It may result in pain, redness, swelling and an infection. It occurs when a sharp corner of the toenail digs into the skin at the end of or side of the toe. It is a condition of inflammation of toe, where the nail curls into the skin.

In case, when pain is severe or spreading, you may have the feeling of discomfortness. The ingrown nail can also apply pressure in the nail fold area without penetrating the skin, this is not an ingrown toe nail, but can also be painful. The condition usually affects your big toe. If left untreated, it may lead to an infection or an abscess.

Ingrown toenails are a common, painful condition, particularly among teenagers.

Causes of ingrown toenails:

The possible causes of ingrown toenails are as:-

• A diabetic condition causes poor circulation to your feet, which inturn increases the chances of ingrown toenails.
• If the shoes that you wear are too tight or too short, may lead to ingrown toenails.
• Trauma, such as stubbing the toe or having the toe stepped on, may also cause an ingrown nail.
• Injury to your toenails, is also the main cause of ingrown toenails.
• The shoes, that crowded your toenails, can lead to ingrown toenails.
• Cutting the nails abnormally, may cause pain and inflammation of your toes.
• A family history of ingrown toenails, increases the chances to get affected by it.
• A fleshy toe is more likely to have a nail grow into it. Those whose feet swell are a lot are more prone to having this happen.

How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails:

The ingrown toenails may be prevented by following important tips:

• The rheumatoid arthritis or gouty arthritis diseases are related with the ingrown toenails. So, it's important to take a treatment for these diseases firstly.
• Avoid trimming too close and cutting into or damaging the skin at the corners of the nail.
• Don't wear tight fitting shoes, because they too cause pressure on the toes, especially when you run or walk briskly.
• Always trim your nails neatly with nail clippers.
• Avoid to wear toot tight socks that push your nails into toes.
• If you already have an ingrown toenail, try soaking the affected feet to keep them clean and antiseptic.