Ingrown nails

Ingrown toe nail also know as Onychocryptosis is a condition that most commonly affects young people. There are many causative factors such as mechanical damage, improper nail trimming, hereditary, involuted nails, fan nails to name a few.

Whatever the cause, this condition can cause extreme pain as there are lots of sensory nerves around the toes.

What exactly is an ingrown nail?

An ingrown toenail is where your nail plate grows into the skin surrounding you toe. The skin recognises the nail as a foreign body thus, initiating an inflammatory response.

The toe will become red, swollen and painful if left untreated the toe can become infected.

Management

There are several management options depending on the underlying cause- such as

• Removing a spicule from the nail fold
• Packing the nail fold
• Regular nail maintenance from a HCPC registered Podiatrist
• Nail surgery