Ingrown nail
Ingrown Nail
An ingrown nail (pronunciation: /ˈɪnˌɡroʊn ˈneɪl/), also known as onychocryptosis or unguis incarnatus, is a common form of nail disease. It is an often painful condition in which the nail grows so that it cuts into one or both sides of the paronychial tissue. The condition has been found to be the result of a number of factors, but primarily occurs when excessive stress is applied to the nail.
Etymology
The term "ingrown nail" comes from the words "in", meaning within, and "grown", referring to the growth of the nail. The medical term "onychocryptosis" is derived from the Greek words "onycho", meaning nail, and "cryptosis", meaning hidden.
Causes
Ingrown nails can be caused by improper trimming of the nail, an injury, or tight shoes. Other factors can include nail conditions such as fungal infections, or certain medical conditions such as diabetes or obesity.
Treatment
Treatment for an ingrown nail can range from self-care strategies, such as soaking the foot in warm water and wearing loose-fitting shoes, to medical treatments, such as antibiotics, pain relievers, or surgical removal of the nail.
Related Terms
- Nail (anatomy): The hard, protective layer at the end of a human finger or toe.
- Paronychia: A skin infection that occurs around the nails.
- Podiatry: The medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ingrown nail
- Wikipedia's article - Ingrown nail
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