One of the more common ways to develop an ingrown is through frequent perspiration of the feet. Men and those who are athletic especially have this problem. The perspiration causes the skin to become moist and causes the nails to be able to more easily grown into the skin, thus causing an ingrown nail.

 

Ingrown nails affect the outer edges of the nail. More often than not this will usually occur on the big toes, however, it may still occur on other nails as well. Of the symptoms, the most common are redness, swelling, and pain at the surrounding skin of the nail.

Early on you will experience the pain and redness begin to develop. In the later stages, you will then begin to experience swelling where the excess skin will begin to grow around the edges of the nail. You may also notice a yellow pus or drainage occur. This yellow drainage does not necessarily mean that you have an infection, it is simply the bodies way of coping with the irritation. However, an infection still may occur following this stage. An infection usually occurs when you start to see the swelling worsen and a white/yellow pus will occur. Lastly, although uncommon, you may also develop a fever.

 

Improper trimming of the nail is a huge culprit. It is important to cut the nails straight across, not rounded or jagged edges. When they are cut improperly, the corners dig into the skin and cause the ingrown.

 

Fungal nail infections often go hand in hand with ingrown infections as well. If you have a nail fungus your chances of having an ingrown nail are increased. A fungal nail tends to thicken and widen the nail making it susceptible for an ingrown.

Injury to the nail is also a common cause. If trauma to the nail occurs, especially the edges, this can also allow for an ingrown to develop.

 

Also, ingrown nails can be hereditary. If someone in your family has one or has had one in the past, you are more likely to develop one as well if you are not cautious and pay attention to the signs.