Ingrown toenails.

Ingrown toenails are common, especially in young patients. Several predisposing factors contribute to the formation of an irregular sharp edge (spicule) of the lateral nail plate that penetrates and injures the soft tissue of the lateral nail fold. Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment varies from simple disembedding of the spicule to phenolization of the lateral nail matrix. This article provides a step-by-step guide to the management of patients with ingrown toenails.