What causes ingrown nails?

Nails normally serve a protective function for the fingers and toes. However, nails continuously grow over time—both fingernails and toenails—and therefore require regular trimming. In some individuals, nails grow outward normally, while in others, they grow inward into the surrounding skin. When a nail grows into the flesh, it causes significant pain. In fact, several factors can contribute to this condition, known as ingrown nails. Below is a detailed explanation of why nails grow into the skin.

Why Do Nails Grow Into the Skin?

1. Paronychia

Paronychia is an inflammatory condition caused by bacterial infection. Even mild cases present noticeable symptoms—including swelling and pain—which may impair walking. In moderate cases, debris accumulates within the nail fold, intensifying discomfort. Pus discharge occurs only in severe cases and significantly disrupts daily life.

2. Improper Nail-Trimming Technique

Cutting the nail edges too short encourages the nail to grow at an angle. Over time, the surrounding soft tissue may overgrow into the nail groove, leading to an ingrown nail. Similarly, leaving nail fragments at the edge—especially if not promptly cleaned—can cause the adjacent soft tissue to proliferate and further promote ingrown nail formation.

3. Ill-Fitting Footwear or Socks

Wearing narrow-toed or high-heeled shoes exerts pressure on the nail plate, causing it to bend abnormally. As a result, the nail may grow along the nail fold’s soft tissue instead of outward, worsening the ingrown condition. Therefore, selecting appropriate footwear and socks is essential—neglecting this can exacerbate the problem.

What to Do If a Toenail Grows Into the Skin

1. Soften the Nail

Begin by preparing a foot-soaking basin filled with warm water (approximately 40°C). Gently immerse the affected foot, ensuring the water level covers the dorsum of the foot. Soak for five to ten minutes. Since nail thickness and hardness vary among individuals, gently attempt to lift the nail edge with your fingers to assess whether it has softened sufficiently—if it lifts easily, the nail is adequately softened.

2. Trim Promptly

Many people wait until their nails become excessively long before trimming them. However, for those already experiencing ingrown nails, this practice is strongly discouraged. Once an ingrown nail is detected, prompt trimming is essential; delaying treatment allows the nail to penetrate deeper into the surrounding tissue, complicating subsequent management.

3. Regular Anti-Inflammatory Treatment

Individuals with ingrown nails are highly susceptible to paronychia or localized redness and swelling; some may even experience severe pain and purulent discharge. Thus, timely anti-inflammatory and antiseptic treatment is critical. Commonly recommended agents include medical-grade alcohol or povidone-iodine solution.

The above outlines the primary causes and management strategies for ingrown nails. We hope this information proves helpful to you.