Home > Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine > Ingrown Nail

Definition

Ingrown nail refers to the condition in which the edge of a nail cuts into the adjacent skin fold, causing pain, redness, and swelling.

Description

Ingrown nail (onychocryptosis) occurs when the nail plate (the horny covering) grows into and cuts the skin alongside the nail (lateral nail fold). Ingrown toenails make up 3–5% of all foot problems. Most cases of ingrown nail occur in men between the ages of 10–30 years. In this age group, males are affected twice as often as females. In older adults, the incidence is equal. There are three major types of ingrown nail: subcutaneous ingrown nail, in which the nail grows under the skin; over-curvature of the nail plate; and hypertrophy (overgrowth) of the lateral nail fold.

Ingrown nails occur most often on the big toe. Penetration of the nail into the skin causes...