Ingrown

An 'ingrown' describes something that is growing or embedded within surrounding tissue, often causing pain, inflammation, and discomfort. This typically applies to bodily features like hairs, nails, or teeth, where their natural growth path is obstructed, leading them to penetrate the skin or other tissues instead of growing outwards. The condition often stems from improper cutting, external pressure, or genetic predispositions. It can lead to infection if left untreated and requires careful management or medical intervention for resolution. Early detection and care, and often self-care and professional removal or intervention, are essential for managing ingrown conditions.

Ingrown meaning with examples

• The athlete's toenail became painfully ingrown after years of wearing tight athletic shoes. The constant pressure caused the nail to curve inward, digging into the skin and causing swelling and redness. He finally sought a podiatrist, who removed the ingrown portion and provided guidance on proper foot care and shoe selection to prevent recurrence, relieving the agonizing sensation and helping him return to training.
• After a few days of waxing, she noticed an ingrown hair on her bikini line. It was a small, red bump that was also tender to the touch, an obvious sign of inflammation. She carefully used sterile tweezers to try to release the hair but was unsuccessful in getting it out. She knew she would need to see a professional for this and other future instances.
• The dentist identified an ingrown wisdom tooth that had been causing significant pain and impacted her other teeth, a very bad situation! Its growth was blocked, and the tooth was angled sideways, pressing against the adjacent molar. The dentist recommended its removal, a common surgical procedure to alleviate the discomfort and prevent any further problems.
• My son frequently gets ingrown hairs in his neck, particularly after a close shave. These irritating bumps appear a day or two after shaving. To prevent infection, I always use a warm compress and try to encourage him not to scratch the areas of his neck, or any other place, that is affected to prevent scarring and any infections, with a bit of anti-bacterial soap and water.