An ingrown nail develops when the sharp edge of a
fingernail or toenail grows into the skin next to it. The big
toenail is most often affected. With proper care, the nail may
return to normal in 1 to 2 weeks.
Causes
The usual culprits are
tight-fitting shoes that force a nail into the skin.
Incorrectly trimmed toenails can also cause the
problem.
Signs/Symptoms
First, you may feel tenderness
and see swelling as the nail pushes on the skin. Once the nail
pierces the skin, you will see redness and more swelling, and
you may feel sharp pain. With time, skin will grow over the
nail.
Care
If a nail has been ingrown for a
long time, the doctor may have to burn away the overgrown skin.
If that does not work, you may require surgery; however, the
need for surgery is fairly rare.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
If the problem has developed recently, you can lift
the edge of the nail away from the sore skin by wedging a
small piece of cotton under the corner of the
nail.
Soak the whole foot or hand in warm water for 20
minutes every day, 2 to 3 times a day. If the nail is
infected you may need to soak it in an antibiotic
liquid.
Keep the nail area clean and
dry.
To prevent the problem in the future, cut nails
straight across. Do not round them with a file or cut them
in a semicircle.
Wear shoes that fit well.
Call Your Doctor If...
The toe or finger is not better in 7
days.
Pain, redness, or swelling gets worse, or the wound
feels warm.