What is an Ingrown toenail?

When a toenail is in grown, it is curved and grows into the skin, usually at the nail borders (the sides of the nail). An ingrown nail causes a break in the skin, bacteria may enter and cause an infection in the area, which is often marked by drainage and a foul odor.

Causes

Common causes include trauma, tight shoe gear, genetic predisposition (Heredity) and trimming toenails too short, particularly on the sides of the big toes and nail disorders.

Symptoms

• Pain, swelling and redness
• Foul odor
• Curved nail borders