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Ingrown toenail - Symptom

Alternative Names

Onychocryptosis; Unguis incarnatus; Nail avlusion; Matrix excision

Signs and tests:

An examination of the foot will show the following:

  • Skin along the edge of the nail will appear to be growing over the nail, or the nail may seem to be growing underneath the skin.
  • Skin may be swollen, firm, red, or tender to touch. At times, there may be a small amount of pus present.

Tests or x-rays are usually not needed.

  • Reviewed last on: 4/27/2011
  • Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Heidelbaugh JJ, Lee H. Management of the ingrown toenail. Am Fam Physician. 2009;79(4):303-8.

Habif TP. Nail diseases. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 25.

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