Definition of Ingrown toenail
Ingrown toenail: A common disorder that occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the skin of the toe
particularly on the big (great) toe. The corner of the nail
curves down into the skin, often due to mis-trimming of the
nail, or due to shoes that are too tight. An ingrown
toenail can be painful and lead to infection.
Sometimes simply removing the corner of the nail from the skin is
enough to cure this problem, although you may need to have
this done by a doctor, podiatrist, or foot-care specialist.
If there is infection present, that also requires
treatment. In some cases the entire nail must be removed.
If ingrown toenails are caused by congenital nail
malformations, the nail bed can be treated to permanently
prevent regrowth. Known also as onychocryptosis and unguis incarnatus.
Last Editorial Review: 12/14/2003
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