An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail grows into the soft skin beside it. The area becomes tender, red and swollen, and it can become infected. Ingrown nails are common in adults and in teenagers and children, and the big toe is most often affected.
Why they happen
- Trimming nails too short or rounding the corners
- Shoes that are tight or narrow, or that squeeze the toes
- Injury to the toe, such as stubbing or repeated pressure from sports
- Naturally curved nails or a family tendency
- Other nail conditions, such as fungal thickening
Signs of an ingrown toenail
- Pain along the side of the nail, especially in shoes
- Redness and swelling
- A hard or tender edge where the nail meets the skin
- Drainage or pus, or overgrowth of skin over the nail, which suggest infection
What you can do at home
For a mild ingrown nail without signs of infection, soaking the foot in warm water and keeping the area clean and dry may ease discomfort. Wear roomy shoes or open footwear while it settles. Avoid cutting into the corner of the nail or digging at it, because that often makes things worse.
When to see a podiatrist
- Increasing pain, redness, warmth, swelling or drainage
- A nail that keeps coming back
- No improvement after a few days of gentle care
- Diabetes, nerve damage or poor circulation in the feet. People with these conditions should be seen promptly, because even a small problem can become serious.
How it is treated
For a painful or infected ingrown nail, treatment is often a quick in-office procedure. After numbing the toe with local anesthetic, the podiatrist removes the portion of the nail that is digging into the skin. If the nail keeps recurring, a chemical applied to the nail root can prevent that edge from growing back, which lowers the chance of repeat problems. Antibiotics may be added when there is infection. Most people return to normal activity quickly, and you receive instructions for caring for the toe as it heals.
Preventing recurrence
- Cut toenails straight across and not too short
- Choose shoes with enough room for the toes
- Protect the toes during sports and work
- Seek care early if the same toe flares up repeatedly
Pediatric patients are welcome, and ingrown nails in children and teens are treated routinely.
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for an examination and advice from a qualified clinician. Treatment recommendations depend on your individual situation. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.