The sides of the toenail curve downwards, resulting in inflammation of the skin next to the nail which spreads to the base of the nail. The skin and nail base may become painful and badly infected. If antibiotics and local dressing do not cure the condition, surgery to remove part of the nail will be required.
An uncomfortable ailment affecting a toe, often the big toe, where one or both sides of the nail dig into the nearby skin, resulting in infection and inflammation. Typically caused by improper nail trimming or wearing shoes that are too snug.
To alleviate pain, one can immerse the foot in a potent, warm salt solution once or twice a day, followed by applying a dry gauze dressing over the affected nail. Antibiotics might be recommended. In certain instances, the nail’s edge is removed, and the nail bed is treated to deter any future occurrences.
This occurs when the nail is cut too deeply into the skin. Toenails should be trimmed straight across, ensuring the sides of each nail fit comfortably within the natural groove of the skin.