Ingrown vs Impacted Toenail
Everyone who has pain on the tip of their toe usually assumes they have an ingrown toenail, but they most likely have an impacted toenail. An ingrown toenail is when part of the nail plate punctures the skin and causes an infection. An impacted toenail is when dirt, sock fuzz, perspiration, and soap bubbles get pressed down into the nail wall or groove. The body senses the irritation and forms layers of skin to protect the area. The skin and the material take up space and create pressure. When you walk, the pressure from the side of the nail pressing into the impacted material and then into your skin causes discomfort.