User:Mr. Ibrahem/Ingrown nail

An ingrown nail is a nail disease in which the nail grows into the toe or finger. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and redness. More severe cases may present with skin breakdown, purulent drainage, and increased tissue build up. The big toe is most commonly involved. Complications can include infection of the nail fold.

The most common cause is improper cutting of the nails. Other risk factors include tight shows, excessive sweating, injury, and certain medications such as cetuximab. The underlying mechanism involves the edge of the nail growing into the skin of the toe resulting in inflammation and infection. Diagnosis is based on symptoms.

Treatments may include warm water soaks, wider shoes, and not cutting the nail short. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen may be used to help with the pain. A number of efforts such as placing a cotton wick under the corner or the nail or inserting a gutter splint around the nail edge may be used. A number of surgical procedures can also be done, such as a wedge resection or removal of the surrounding skin.

Ingrown toenails are common, affecting about 2.5% to 5% of people. Older children and younger adults are most commonly affected. Males are twice as frequently affected as females. Re-occurrence can occur.