Factors causing ingrown nails

An ingrown nail may cause painful nail splitting and infections. In case of a bacterial infection, a local infection will emerge that very often transforms into granulation tissue.

Granulation tissue, young connective tissue rich in capillaries that grows when wounds and other injuries heal. Usually, big toes are primarily affected by ingrown nails, while other nails are less commonly affected. 

One of the most common reasons for ingrown nails is a false technique for cutting nails, especially when nails are cut in a round shape or the nail is damaged (causes so-called mechanical forces on the nail). Likewise, wearing inappropriate shoes does also contribute to ingrown nails.