Ingrown toenail is a painful foot problem that occurs due to improper nail trimming, tight shoes and structural nail disorders.
What causes ingrown toenails is a question frequently asked especially by people who do not pay enough attention to foot care. Medically known as onychocryptosis, this condition is characterized by the side edge of the nail growing into the surrounding soft tissue, causing pain, inflammation and infection. In most cases, the main reasons are improper care habits, wrong shoe selection and structural predisposition. In particular, improper nail trimming, cutting the corners too deeply and disrupting the natural curve of the nail plate prepare the ground for the nail to embed into the skin over time. In addition, wearing tight shoes increases the pressure on the toes and alters the natural growth direction of the nail. This mechanical stress causes the nail edges to turn toward the skin and may lead to a chronic process.
Biological and environmental causes of ingrown toenails
The development of ingrown toenails is determined by the interaction of biological factors and environmental conditions. In some individuals, the nail structure is naturally more curved, which is defined as genetic predisposition. Curved nails tend to touch the skin even under normal circumstances, and as a result of minor trauma or care mistakes, they easily become ingrown. In addition, excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis, softens the skin of the feet and facilitates the nail embedding into the tissue. Feet that remain in closed shoes for long periods have increased moisture levels, which both raises the risk of ingrown nails and allows inflammation to progress more severely. The main causes of this condition can be listed as follows.
1- Cutting nail corners too short and rounded,
2- Wearing shoes that compress the tips of the toes for long periods,
3- Foot trauma and repeated minor injuries Each of these factors may be sufficient alone, but they are often seen together, ultimately disrupting the balance between the nail tissue and the surrounding skin.
Symptoms and consequences of neglect
In the early stages of an ingrown toenail, mild tenderness and redness may be observed, whereas in later stages severe pain, swelling and discharge due to infection occur. Especially when inflammation develops in the affected area, it may spread to the surrounding tissues if left untreated, significantly limiting daily life. Difficulty walking, inability to wear shoes and constant pain are the main consequences that reduce quality of life. In some cases, recurrent infections can cause permanent damage to the nail bed. Therefore, early intervention is of great importance. In mild cases, correct nail trimming, proper shoe selection and hygiene measures may be sufficient, while in advanced cases medical procedures may be required. In conclusion, an ingrown toenail is not merely a simple care problem, but a health condition that can turn into a chronic disorder if neglected. /
Acne scars occur because the skin is damaged after inflammation, and if you ask why acne scars do not heal or remain, it is because tissue repair is incomplete.
