By Monda Ang’awa
Toenails, especially the big toe nails, may sometimes grow into the skin instead of over it, resulting in ingrown toenails. Anyone can get an ingrown toenail, but adults get them more than children do. People with curved or thick nails, especially older adults, are also more prone to this.
An ingrown toenail may be caused by cutting your toenail too short or rounding the edge of the nail, wearing ill fitting shoes or socks that are too tight and press the nail into the toe causing it to grow into the skin and stubbing and injuring your toe while kicking a football, for example.
You can prevent ingrown toenails developing by wearing roomy and comfortable shoes and socks that do not press on your toes. The tight, pointed, high-heeled shoes and tight stockings that women wear can cause ingrown nails by putting pressure on the toes.
Wear sturdy shoes such as steel-toed boots to protect your toes if you work in a place where your toe might get hurt. Trim your toenails properly by cutting them straight across, not curved. Don’t cut them too short. You should leave your toenail a little longer at the corners to help it grow over the skin. Smooth sharp edges with an emery board.
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An ingrown toenail causes a lot of pain around it and if infected, will be swollen, red, and might drain pus. If the toe is not too painful, swollen and is not draining pus, try these home remedies to treat discomfort:
