Ingrown toenail is one of the most common conditions affecting the feet and can cause pain, inflammation, difficulty walking, and reduced quality of life. Although many people associate the problem only with improper nail trimming, various factors can contribute to its development, including anatomical characteristics, trauma, wearing inappropriate footwear, and fungal infections.
When not identified early, these changes can progressively worsen, leading to nail deformities, secondary infections, and recurrent ingrown nail episodes.
What is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis, occurs when one of the nail edges grows into or exerts excessive pressure on the side tissues of the toe.
This condition can cause:
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Pain;
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Redness;
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Inflammation;
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Swelling;
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Sensitivity to touch;
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Formation of inflamed tissue;
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Secondary infections.
The problem mainly affects the big toes but can occur in any nail.
What Causes an Ingrown Toenail?
Several factors can be involved in the development of onychocryptosis.
Improper Nail Trimming
One of the most frequent causes is trimming nails too short or with rounded corners. This habit encourages the nail to grow into the skin, increasing the risk of ingrown nails.
Inappropriate Footwear
Tight, narrow, or pointed shoes constantly compress the toes, altering the natural direction of nail growth and promoting inflammatory processes.
Trauma and Repetitive Impacts
Running, prolonged walking, sports activities, and toe injuries can cause changes in the nail plate and lead to recurrent ingrown nail episodes.
Natural Nail Shape
Some people have naturally more curved nails, a condition known as pincer nail. In these cases, the predisposition to ingrown nails tends to be higher.
Biomechanical Changes in the Feet
The way one walks, toe deformities, and postural changes can create pressure points that influence nail growth and increase the recurrence of the problem.
Fungal Infections (Nail Fungus)
Nail fungus, technically known as onychomycosis, is an infection caused by fungi that develop in and around the nail.
The main fungi involved belong to the groups of dermatophytes, yeasts, and non-dermatophytic molds, including:
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Trichophyton rubrum;
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Trichophyton interdigitale;
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Epidermophyton floccosum;
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Candida albicans;
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Candida parapsilosis;
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Fusarium spp.;
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Aspergillus spp.
These microorganisms find ideal conditions for proliferation in warm, humid, and poorly ventilated environments.
As the infection progresses, a white or yellowish mass often appears under the nail, a condition known as subungual hyperkeratosis.
This accumulation consists of keratin, cellular debris, and structures related to the infection itself. Over time, it exerts pressure on the nail plate, causing thickening, rigidity, and increased natural curvature of the nail.
As a result, the edges of the nail begin to press on the side tissues of the toes, promoting pain, inflammation, and recurrent ingrown nail episodes.
Main Signs of Nail Fungus
The most common symptoms include:
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Yellowish, whitish, or brownish nails;
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Thickening of the nail;
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Brittleness and flaking;
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Partial detachment of the nail plate;
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Irregular growth;
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Change in nail shape;
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Foul odor;
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Accumulation of material under the nail.
For this reason, seemingly simple changes in nail appearance should not be ignored and warrant professional evaluation.
How Does Fungal Contamination Occur?
Fungal transmission primarily occurs through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.
The most common forms of contagion include:
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Walking barefoot in swimming pools, gyms, saunas, and changing rooms;
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Sharing towels, socks, or shoes;
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Sharing nail clippers, scissors, and files;
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Using improperly sanitized or sterilized instruments;
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Staying for long periods with wet feet;
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Wearing closed shoes without adequate ventilation.
These factors emphasize the importance of biosecurity protocols in clinics, offices, beauty salons, and podiatry services.
Can Nail Fungus Spread Throughout the Body?
In most healthy individuals, nail fungus remains confined to the nails and surrounding skin.
However, if left untreated, the infection can affect other nails and promote the appearance of athlete's foot, cracks, permanent deformities, and secondary bacterial infections.
Diabetic, elderly, and immunosuppressed patients should pay special attention due to the higher risk of complications.
The Importance of Medical Diagnosis
The dermatologist is the professional responsible for diagnosing and treating diseases affecting the skin, hair, and nails.
In cases of onychomycosis, they can:
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Perform a clinical diagnosis;
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Order laboratory tests;
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Identify the causative agent of the infection;
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Prescribe topical treatments;
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Indicate oral antifungal medications when necessary;
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Monitor treatment progression.
Depending on the extent of the infection and the degree of nail involvement, systemic antifungal medications may be necessary.
Therefore, the earlier the diagnosis, the greater the chances of therapeutic success.
How Can Podiatry Help?
Podiatry works in conjunction with medical treatment, contributing to the prevention, early identification, and management of foot ailments.
Among the main areas of expertise are:
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Preventive assessment;
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Control of nail thickening;
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Technical removal of excess keratin;
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Care for calluses and corns;
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Guidance on proper nail trimming;
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Preventive education;
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Monitoring nail changes;
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Referral to a dermatologist when necessary.
Technologies Used in Conservative Treatment of Ingrown Toenails
Modern podiatry offers resources capable of gradually correcting nail curvature and reducing the recurrence of ingrown nail episodes.
Molecular Memory Fiber
Applied to the nail surface, it exerts a continuous and controlled force that helps in the gradual reduction of excessive curvature.
Metallic Orthoses
Made with special wires, they help redistribute the mechanical forces of the nail during its growth.
Nail Traction Systems
These use mechanisms composed of anchor points, corrective wires, and specific elastic bands to exert forces opposite to the excessive curvature of the nail.
Their biomechanical principle is similar to that used in orthodontics, promoting gradual and controlled correction of the deformity.
When correctly indicated, these resources can reduce pain, relieve pressure on the side tissues, and significantly decrease the recurrence of ingrown toenails.
Essential Oils as a Complement to Care
Some essential oils are frequently used in complementary foot care protocols.
Among the best known are:
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Tea Tree essential oil;
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Copaiba essential oil;
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Lavender essential oil;
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Peppermint essential oil;
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Eucalyptus essential oil.
These products can be part of foot hygiene and health maintenance routines but do not replace professional diagnosis or prescribed treatments when an infection is present.
How to Prevent Nail Fungus and Ingrown Toenails?
Prevention remains the best strategy.
Some simple measures can significantly reduce the risks:
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Wash and dry feet thoroughly daily;
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Carefully dry between the toes;
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Wear clean socks;
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Prefer ventilated footwear;
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Trim nails straight across;
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Do not excessively remove the corners of the nails;
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Avoid sharing personal instruments;
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Undergo periodic evaluations with qualified professionals;
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Seek establishments that adopt strict biosecurity protocols;
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Seek specialized evaluation at the first signs of alteration.
Conclusion
An ingrown toenail can have several causes, including improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, trauma, anatomical changes, and fungal infections. Among these causes, nail fungus deserves special attention due to its ability to cause thickening, increased nail curvature, and recurrence of ingrown nail episodes.
Early diagnosis, combined with dermatological and podiatric follow-up, is essential to prevent complications and preserve foot health. The combination of prevention, biosecurity, appropriate treatment, and modern nail correction technologies represents the best strategy for maintaining healthy, functional, and discomfort-free nails.
