What is the condition that commonly affects the big toes where the side of the nail plate grows into the flesh of the nail wall?

The condition that affects the big toes, where the side of the nail plate grows into the flesh of the nail wall, is known as onychocryptosis, commonly referred to as an ingrown toenail. This condition occurs when the edge of the toenail digs into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and potential infection.

Onychocryptosis typically manifests when the toenails are not cut properly or are too short, causing them to grow abnormally. This often involves the big toe, given its size and the amount of pressure it endures from footwear. Understanding this condition is crucial for beauty therapists, as proper nail care and client education on nail cutting techniques can help prevent its occurrence.

Other conditions mentioned, such as onychia, which involves inflammation of the nail matrix, tinea unguium, a fungal infection of the nails, and psoriasis, a skin condition that can affect the nails, are not specifically characterized by the ingrowth of the nail into the surrounding skin as seen in onychocryptosis.