What Are Ingrown Toenails? A ngrown nails, the most common nail impairment, are nails with corners or sides that dig painfully into the soft tissue of nail grooves, often leading to irritation, redness, and swelling. Usually, toenails grow straight out. Sometimes, however, one or both corners or sides curve and grow into the flesh. The big toe is the most common location for this condition, but other toes can also become affected.
Causes Ingrown toenails may be caused by the following: Improperly trimmed nails Heredity Shoe pressure; crowding of toes Repeated trauma to the feet from normal activities Symptoms The following symptoms may be present with ingrown toenails: Pain Redness and swelling Drainage Odor Prominent skin tissue (proud flesh) Home Treatment If you suspect an infection due to an ingrown toenail, immerse the foot in a warm epsom salt water soak, or a basin of soapy water, then apply an antiseptic and bandage the area.