Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail (also known as onychocryptosis or paronychia) occurs when part of the nail penetrates the adjacent skin. This may lead to pain and inflammation, and infection. Ingrown toenails are not simply a result of poor nail cutting technique.

There are many other factors that predispose an individual to this type of problem. These include the inherent shape of the nail, footwear, trauma, fleshy (or ‘chubby’) toes, skin conditions, nail conditions, and the shape of the underlying bone. In some cases, the bone of the big toe may have become quite prominent, contributing to an ingrown toenail and creating discomfort from footwear pressure on the top of the toenail.

Surgical treatment is often necessary for persistent problems, and to obtain permanent relief. Surgery may take the form of a number of procedures. Most commonly it involves removing a portion of the offending nail and corresponding nail matrix, along with a small area of skin.