What causes ingrown nails and how do you prevent it?

What causes ingrown nails to appear and how do you prevent it?

In an episode of "Pinoy MD," resident dermatologist Dr. Jean Marquez said that ingrown nails appear when the nail or the nail plate doesn't grow properly.

"Instead of growing outward, it grows inward towards the nail bed, into the flesh," she said in Filipino.

Ingrown nails usually grow on fingers that usually experience "trauma," especially with people who use fit shoes. Those that are usually affected are the small and big toe nails.

Aside from trauma, another cause of ingrown nails is cutting the nails in a "sagad" manner.

"When you cut the nails right to the ends especially at the sides instead of just cutting straight, the nail plates might grow towards the flesh," she said.

Marquez said cuticle removers should also be used responsibly as it can also cause ingrown nails when not used properly.

"When you frequently manipulate by means of forcing when getting treated or having the cuticles removed, the skin grows thicker on the side of the nail plate," she said.

"As it grows thicker, it's like getting calluses, your nail plate or nail gets stuck. It doesn't automatically grow forward," she added.

To prevent ingrown nails from appearing, the dermatologist said wearing shoes that are not your size should be prevented.

"Don't force shoes that are too narrow because the drawback is you can have ingrown nails which can be really, really painful," she said.

"[Wear] shoes that fit, with the right size, length, and width," she added.

You may also wet your nails before cutting it so it will be easier to do so.

"It's better to use socks and clean shoes to prevent infection and you can always use stockings also to prevent direct trauma on the nails and on the skin," she said.

Meanwhile, Marquez suggests taking medicine such as anti-inflammatory drugs and pain killers to decrease pain and swelling if you have an ingrown nail.

Ingrown nails should also not be removed without guidance because cutting it wrongly may cause more damage.

"Don't pick on it, don't remove it forcibly because that can cause infection," she said.

"Of course, you will have to go to a dermatologist or a surgeon to have your ingrown nails examined if it really needs operation," she added.

—Franchesca Viernes/MGP, GMA News