Symptoms Of Ingrown Nails To Watch For

Ingrown nails, medically known as onychocryptosis, are a condition in which the edge or side of a nail grows into the surrounding skin. Toenails are much more likely to become ingrown than fingernails, and the nail of the big toe is particularly susceptible. Ingrown toenails can result from improper nail trimming methods or from wearing shoes that are too tight or too small. Ingrown nails can typically be treated with home care and often resolve within a few months. If there are complications, antibiotics may be needed to combat infection, and surgery to remove the entire nail is needed in severe cases. Some individuals may have more than one ingrown nail at a time, and many will have several ingrown nails in their lifetime. Diabetes patients and individuals with other foot or nail problems are at an increased risk of developing an ingrown nail. Primary care doctors, dermatologists, and podiatrists can all provide treatment for this condition. Let's examine the symptoms of ingrown nails more closely.

Pain And Tenderness

Pain and tenderness are some of the early symptoms of an ingrown nail. The pain may occur in the skin of the toe or finger and may be present on one or even both sides of the nail. Pain may cover a large area of the affected digit and can make tasks like walking, writing (for ingrown fingernails), and wearing shoes quite unpleasant. Some patients may be able to reduce their pain by changing their shoes, going barefoot, or wearing fluffy socks for a few days without shoes. Using a foot bath may be soothing as well. Over the counter gel and foam cushions are available to protect ingrown nails from further damage, particularly the squeezing and increased pressure placed on a nail inside of shoes. Patients who experience increasing or severe pain for several days may need to take pain relievers to control their symptoms, and they should consider seeing a doctor to rule out any potentially serious issues.

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