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Ingrown toenail
Definition:
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the skin of the toe. There may be pain, redness, and swelling around the nail. Alternative Names:
Onychocryptosis; Unguis incarnatus Text Continues Below
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
An ingrown toenail can result from curved toenails, poorly fitting shoes, toenails that are trimmed improperly, or a toe injury. The skin around the toenail may become red and infected. The great toe is usually affected, but any toenail can become ingrown. The condition may become serious in people with diabetes. References:
Information from your family doctor. Ingrown toenails. Am Fam Physician. 2004; 70(5): 927. Nandedkar T. An update on disorders of the nails. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005; 52(5): 877-887. DeLauro NM. Onychocryptosis.Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2004; 21(4): 617-630.
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