Causes & Diagnosis
Causes:
Ingrown toenails develop when a toenail (often the big toe) grows into the skin of the toe and pierces it. This causes inflammation of the toe and could lead to an infection.
One of the most common reasons why people develop an ingrown toenail is when they cut their nails too short. Cutting the toenail very short entices the skin beneath the nail to climb over the nail. As a result the nail grows into the skin causing pain and swelling.
Wearing shoes that fit very closely or tightly can cause an increased amount of pressure on the toes at the front which in turn causes the toenails to grow into the skin.
People with toenail fungal infections are also at a risk of developing ingrown toenails due to the thickening of the toenail caused by the fungal infection. A toenail infected by a fungus could also widen and eventually grow into the skin of the toe.
An ingrown toenail can also develop if it is stubbed, injured or damaged over and over again. Repeated damage to the toe while playing sports such as football or while running can cause an ingrown toenail to develop.
In some cases one may even develop an ingrown toenail as a result of family genetics. If a person in your family has developed one or if your family has a history of developing ingrown toenails, then there is always a chance that you might develop one as well.
Diagnosis:
A doctor will usually inquire about how your ingrown toenail developed (whether after a surgery , wearing tight shoes etc). and also if you have any other medical conditions. Your doctor may also conduct a physical examination of your feet, the affected toe and the lymph nodes in your groin region as well.
