1.          Involutes toenail, together with incorrect nail cutting technique could leave a small piece of nail in the nail sulcus.  As the nail grows forward, it cuts through the skin and causing ingrown toenail.

2.     Heridity

3.          Constrictive footwear will worsen the involuted toenail condition and a higher chance of developing ingrown toenail.  For those with thin nail plates and sweaty feet, the nails become highly moldable, and easier to develop ingrown toenail.  Thick fungal toenails may became ingrown as well.

4.          some sports will predispose the feet to develop ingrown toenail, e.g. soccer.

How to prevent Ingrown Toenail?

1. Proper Nail Cutting Technique - Cutting straight across and follow by appropriate filling to smooth out the corner. NEVER cut into the corners of the nail.

2. Good Shoes -  There should be half inch of space in front of the toes inside the shoes to stretch out forward. The toe box should be round and deep, the shoes should be wide enough and not squeezing the feet.              

What should I do if I have Ingrown Toenail?

If you suspect an infection due to an ingrown toenail, sock the foot in warm salt water twice a day, then apply an antiseptic and bandage the area; and see your podiatrist at your as soon as you can. 

People with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or other circulatory disorders must avoid any form of self treatment and seek podiatric medical care as soon as possible.

Other "do-it-youself" treatments, including any attempt to remove any part of an infected nail or the use of over-the-counter medications, should be AVOIDED to prevent the worsening of the condition.