Causes

Ingrown toenails can be caused by many conditions that include:

• Pressure. Pressure from tight-fitting shoes or high heels cause toe compression and lead to abnormal growth of the nail.

• Improper trimming. Improper trimming of toenails which causes the nails to dig into the skin.

• Nail disorders. Nail disorders, such as fungal infections can deform the nail making it thicker and wider causing the nail to irritate the skin.

• Repetitive trauma. Repetitive trauma to the nail also is a known culprit of ingrown nails.

• Genetic component. Unfortunately there is a genetic component. Some people have incurvated or rounded nails that irritate and dig into the skin which can increase the chances of developing ingrown nails as well as an infection.

If you think you have an ingrown toenail or if this runs in your family, call us for an evaluation. The sooner the better.