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Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown Toenails Overview

An ingrown toenail is a painful condition of the toe. It occurs when a sharp corner of the toenail digs into the skin at the end of or side of the toe. Pain and inflammation at the spot where the nail curls into the skin occurs first. Later, the inflamed area can begin to grow extra tissue or drain yellowish fluid.

  • If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can progress to an infection or even an abscess that requires surgical treatment.


  • Ingrown toenails are common in adults but uncommon in children and infants. They are more common in men than in women. Teenagers and young adults are most at risk.


  • Any toenail can become ingrown, but the condition is usually found in the big toe.


Next: Ingrown Toenail Causes »

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Ingrown Toenails - Effective Treatment

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Ingrown Toenails

Diabetic Foot Care »

Diabetic Foot Care Overview

Diabetes mellitus (DM) represents several diseases in which high blood glucose levels over time can damage the nerves, kidneys, eyes, and blood vessels. Diabetes can also decrease the body's ability to fight infection. When diabetes is not well controlled, damage to the organs and impairment of the immune system is likely. Foot problems commonly develop in people with diabetes and can quickly become serious.

  • With damage to the nervous system, a person with diabetes may not be able to feel his or her feet properly. Normal sweat secretion and oil production that lubricates the skin of the foot is impaired. These factors together can lead to abnormal pressure on the skin, bones, and joints of the foot during walking and can lead to breakdown of the skin of the foot. Sores may develop.

  • Damage to blood vessels and impairment of the immune system from diabetes make it difficult to heal these wounds. Bacterial i...

Read the Diabetic Foot Care article »



Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

Toenail, Ingrown »

Ingrown toenails (unguis incarnatus) are a common toenail problem of uncertain etiology.

Read More on eMedicine »

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