Onychocryptosis (pronounced on'i-kò-krip-tò'sis) is defined as an ingrown toenail or abnormally inward bending nail border without infection. Ingrown toenails are very common and painful experiences. An ingrown nail happens when skin on one or both side of a nail grows over the edges of the nail, or when the nail itself grows into the skin. They typically start as hard, swollen, and tender and may become red, infected, and painful. Sometimes a small amount of pus can be found.
Ingrown nails develop for many reasons. If you trim your toenails too short, especially at the sides of your big toes, you may be helping to start an ingrown toenail. Cutting the corners of a nail to allow the nail to curve with the shape of the toe may encourage the nail to grow into the toe's skin. An ingrown toenail may also occur if shoes are too tight or short. Other times congenital factors such as the nail being too large for the toe can cause onychocryptosis. Stubbing a toe or having a toe stepped on are examples of trauma that can also cause an ingrown nail. To prevent ingrown nails it is important to protect your feet from trauma and to wear shoes and socks that fit properly. Nails should be cut straight across with a clean, sharp nail trimmer without rounding the corners.
Ingrown toenails should be treated as soon as they are recognized. The following home care steps may be enough to avoid infection and prevent the need for further treatment.
1. Soak the foot in warm water 3-4 times a day.
2. Keep the foot dry during the rest of the day.
3. Wear comfortable shoes that fit properly.
4. Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for short-term pain relief.
If the area surrounding your nail remains inflamed, swollen, painful, and pus is present it is important to see your podiatrist. These are signs of infection or a more serious ingrown nail. Your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics for an infection. They may also need to remove some of the nail. Removing the troubling nail edge provides quick relief from pain caused by the inward growing nail. If the problem is recurrent, your doctor may advise a permanent removal of the nail border.