cle, causing INFLAMMATIONand INFECTION(FOLLICULI-
TIS). People who have curly or kinky hair are more
likely to develop ingrown hairs. Men may develop
ingrown hairs in the beard area as a consequence
of shaving, sometimes called shaving bumps or
shaving rash. ACNEand other inflammatory condi-
tions of the skin that block the follicles can cause
ingrown hairs. Moisturizing the skin helps open
the follicles, allowing the hair to grow outward.
Warm compresses can help release cells and
sebum clogging the follicles, releasing the hair.
Regular skin cleansing and mild exfoliants also
help keep the follicles clear.
See also CARBUNCLE; DANDRUFF; FURUNCLE;
PILONIDAL DISEASE; PSEUDOFOLLICULITIS BARBAE.
ingrown nail A toenail, or less commonly a fin-
gernail, that grows beneath the surrounding SKIN.
An ingrown nail, also called onychocryptosis, is
painful and easily become infected. Often the tissue
around the nail swells and grows over the nail
(hypertrophy), further aggravating the site.
Ingrown NAILSrequire medical attention and often
minor surgery done in the provider’s office. The
provider injects the involved finger or toe with an
anesthetic to numb it, then clips the corners of the
ingrown nail to release it from the skin and trims
away the excess tissue. Typically the doctor then
applies a caustic solution, usually an acid prepara-
tion, to prevent the portion of nail from regrowing.
Tight-fitting shoes are a common cause of
ingrown toenails. The shape of the toes also is a
factor, with nails that have a pronounced curve
being more likely to grow into the side of the toe.
A common but ineffective home remedy for
ingrown toenails is to cut a “V” into the top edge
of the nail with the presumption that doing so will
draw the edges of the nail away from the skin as
the nail grows. The shape of the nail bed deter-
mines the growth pattern of the nail, however.
The jagged edges that result at the top of the nail
from this method present the potential for tears
and snags that can separate the nail from the toe,
another painful problem.
In some people ingrown nails tend to recur and
may require more aggressive treatment such as
removal of additional nail or the entire nail. Most
people experience permanent relief after a single
treatment to remove the edges of the nail. Podia-
trists recommend trimming the nails straight
across, with a slight margin over the edge of
the toe. People who have DIABETES, PERIPHERAL VAS-
CULAR DISEASE (PVD), or other conditions that
impair blood circulation to the feet should inspect
their feet daily and see a doctor or podiatrist
regularly as well as at the first indication of irrita-
tion.
See also CORNS; PARONYCHIA.jock itch See TINEA INFECTIONS.jock itch 167