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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
An ingrown toenail is a common condition in which the corner or side of one of your toenails grows into the soft flesh of that toe. The result is pain, redness, swelling and, sometimes, an infection. An ingrown toenail usually affects your big toe.
Often, you can take care of ingrown toenails on your own. If the pain is severe or spreading, however, your doctor can take steps to relieve your discomfort and help you avoid complications of an ingrown toenail.
If you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor circulation to your feet, you're at greater risk of complications from an ingrown toenail.
- Richardson EG. Disorders of nails and skin. In: Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/115837490-3/0/1584/638.html?tocnode=55690799&fromURL=638.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03329-9..50087-8_4366. Accessed Jan. 7, 2009.
- Goldstein BG, et al. Paronychia, herpetic whitlow and ingrown toenails. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 6, 2009.
- Zuber TJ. Ingrown toenail removal. American Family Physician. 2002;65:2547.
- Foot care. American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/type-2-diabetes/foot-care.jsp. Accessed Jan 7, 2009.
- Prevent diabetes problems: Keep your feet and skin healthy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/complications_feet/index.htm. Accessed Jan. 7. 2009.
