What condition is characterized by an ingrown nail?

The condition characterized by an ingrown nail is known as onychocryptosis. This occurs when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to discomfort, redness, and sometimes infection. It often affects the toenails, particularly the big toe, and can result from improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, or genetic factors.

Onychomycosis refers to a fungal infection of the nail, which is not related to the growth pattern of the nail. Onycholysis involves the separation of the nail from the nail bed, often due to trauma, fungal infections, or underlying health issues, but does not involve the nail growing into the skin. Paronychia is an infection of the skin surrounding the nail, which can occur alongside an ingrown nail but is not the condition itself that describes the ingrowth.

Understanding these definitions helps clarify why onychocryptosis is specifically the correct answer when it comes to identifying the condition associated with an ingrown nail.