A painful condition of a toe (usually the big toe) in which 1 or both edges of the nail press into the adjacent skin, leading to infection and inflammation.
The cause is usually incorrect cutting of the nail or wearing tight-fitting shoes.
Temporary pain relief can be obtained by bathing the foot once or twice daily in a strong, warm, salt solution, then covering the nail with a dry gauze dressing.
Antibiotics may be prescribed.
In some cases, the edge of the nail is removed and the nail bed obliterated to prevent recurrence.
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