The increased perspiration in adolescence leads to softened nails, which are prone to splitting, and thus cause nail spicules that can pierce the lateral skin.

These spicules may become a chronic issue in the elderly, due to reduced nail care, reduced mobility, and impaired vision. Moreover, nails thicken with age, so they are difficult to cut, and often become infected, painful and ingrown.

Yet, a toenail may become ingrown due to its natural thickness or shape.

In the case of diabetes or any other ailment which leads to poor blood flow in the feet, you should know that you are at increased risk of developing ingrown toenails. If not treated, the ingrown nail may cause an infection to the underlying bone and cause a severe bone infection.

Note that in the case of a difficult-to-heal open sore (foot ulcer), you should probably consider a surgery, in order to avoid decay and death of tissue (gangrene), which is a result of an interrupted blood flow in some body part.

Natural remedies

Fortunately, there are some natural ways to solve this problem without visiting a doctor, and this article will present the most effective of them. In the case of the second or third stage, many resort to surgery, but it is not necessary.

— Soak or Wash the Foot

In order to clean the area and get rid of bacteria, you should soak the foot in soapy, warm water 3-4 times a day. In order to enhance the effect, you can add Epsom salts in order to soften the skin and ease the drawing out the toenail from the skin.