Ingrown toenails are known to Physicians as onychocryptosis.They are painful and common.
The condition occurs when the side of the toenail grows into the edge of the toenail skin ,or when the skin grows over the nail.

Causes

Ingrown toenails may develop due to many factors.
Trauma , after stubbing a toe, something dropping on it or someone stepping on the toenail may cause a splitting of the nail which may then grow into the skin.
İncorrect cutting of the nail ;cutting too low down the sides of the nail will cause the skin to grow over the nail.Or a piece of nail may be left behind thus causing a sharp piece of nail to grow into the skin.
Congenital reasons;toenails that curl may grow in.
Excessive tight stockings or shoes with narrow toe boxes.
Bedridden patients where the bedsheets have been tucked-in tightly.

Symptoms

When nails grow in they may start by being red in colour,swollen, there may be an infection.
İf left untreated the sliver of nail will grow in deeper and cause a serious infection.

Treatment

Uninfected toenails-soak the feet in warm salt water
-dry them thoughly with a clean towel
-apply a mild antiseptic to the area
-bandage the toe

Infected toenails- a Podiatrist can trim or remove the ingrowing nail.

Prevention

Protect feet from trauma,cut nails straight and file.Wear comfortable shoes that have a high toe box.