An ingrowing toenail, which most commonly affects the big toe, is one that pierces the flesh of the toe. This painful condition generally occurs because the curvature of the nail is more acute than the natural curvature of the top of your toe (see photo above). Since your skin is your body’s first line of defence against bacteria, it is not unusual to develop an infection, with pus visible in the area. Don’t underestimate the importance of having this treated early and properly. This is particularly important for diabetics and others with poor circulation to the foot.
Click here to learn about proper treatment for ingrowing toenails.