Onychocryptosis, commonly called as ingrown toenail, is a common condition in which the toenail grows inwards into the nail bed. The toenail pressures and sets in nail plate into the nail groove. An onychocryptosis is an uncomfortable condition which causes pain, inflammation and even infection. Though ingrowth can happen to any toenail, it frequently affects the big toe and can recur. Onchocryptosis begins with a disproportion on the size of the nail and the enlargement of the nail skin edge. It is worsened by trimming of the toenail unfittingly, improper shoe gear, having injured toenail, and an inborn condition like having toenails that usually curl inside (known as pincer nails).
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can be a cause of many complications. It could affect the bone beneath the toenail leading to a severe bone infection. It could also cause open sores or a foot ulcer, and even decay of tissue or gangrene. People with diabetes and other conditions that ground them with poor blood circulation are more likely to acquire complications of an ingrown toenail.
