Frequently Asked Questions About Ingrown Nail 

Ingrown toenails are an uncomfortable foot health problem for people, but they are also a very common foot problem. If you have had an ingrown toenail before, you may have some questions about how this condition occurs and what can be done to prevent ingrown toenails in the future. In this blog post, we have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about ingrown toenails for you below.

How to recognize an ingrown nail?

If you are not sure whether you have an ingrown toenail, here are some common symptoms to look out for. 

-Pain and tenderness at the edge of the toenail
-Redness, swelling and inflammation in the affected area
-Difficulty wearing shoes or walking due to pain

What Causes Ingrown Nail?

Preference of narrow shoes that compress the nails and socks that squeeze the feet are important factors that cause ingrown nails. In addition, nail cutting also plays an important role in the formation of ingrown nails. To prevent the development of ingrown toenails, toenails should be cut straight and not too short. Ingrown toenails can be seen in curved toenails. Aggressive manicure and pedicure applications that are not done in accordance with foot health can also cause the formation of an ingrown nail. Fungal nails also cause ingrown toenails. Due to the fungus, the toenails thicken and the nails turn inward. This thickening can make it difficult to cut the nail and cause more pain in that area.

Can Ingrown Toenail be Prevented?

It is possible to prevent ingrown toenails, which is an extremely annoying foot health problem that many people encounter at some point in their lives, by making some changes in foot care. Let's briefly summarize the prominent points among the things you should pay attention to in order to prevent ingrown toenails; 

  • Cut your toenails straight and not too short. For example, cutting the nail too short or cutting the edges too rounded can cause the nail to curl downward and grow into the skin.
  • Make sure that the nail clippers are hygienic every time you use them. 
  • Keep your feet dry and clean throughout the day.
  • Choose comfortable shoes and socks in your daily life.
  • People with diabetes or persistent foot problems should have regular foot checks. 
  • If there is a problem with stepping on the foot, it should be corrected.