An ingrown nail is usually referred to any condition whereby inflammation of the surrounding skin of the toenail is present.  A “true” ingrown nail occurs when the nail does ingrow into the surrounding nail fold.  This may result after the individual has lost the nail and the nail regrows abnormal.  A chronically bruised and lost nail may result in an ingrown nail.  This occurs because the nail root, nail matrix, has been injured and the nail is now “programmed” to ingrow abnormally.

However, the majority of the time, the “ingrown nail” results after the nail is cut too short within the nail grooves.  Bleeding will occur resulting in a granuloma.  A granuloma appears as reddish tissue within the nail groove.  Granulomas attract bacteria and thus a bacterial infection can develop.  The granuloma grows and covers the nail border, thus appearing as an “ingrown nail”.

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