On this page, you will find everything you need to know about ingrown toenails.
What is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin instead of outward. It usually affects the big toe and usually does not pose a health risk to otherwise healthy individuals.
What are the Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail most often occurs on the big toe, but it may affect any toe. Symptoms include:
- Redness, pain, and swelling
- Penetration of the toenail edge into the surrounding skin
- Possible infection, with symptoms such as:
- Pus
- or
What Causes an Ingrown Toenail?
- Improper toenail trimming: cutting toenails too short or rounding the edges may cause the nail to grow into the skin.
- Wearing poorly fitting shoes.
- Cutting into the nail corner.
- Toe injury from external trauma.
Congenital factors (foot shape), for example:
- If your toenail is relatively large in proportion to your toe.
- If the tissue around the nail naturally grows over it.
How is an Ingrown Toenail Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider will most likely diagnose an ingrown toenail through a physical exam. No tests or X-rays are usually required. In rare cases, when the toenail is severely infected, your provider may order:
- A culture (sampling) to identify the infection
- An X-ray in cases of severe infection
How is an Ingrown Toenail Treated?
- Soak the foot in warm water twice daily.
- Keep the foot dry the rest of the time.
- Gently lift the edge of the nail and place cotton between the nail and the skin.
- use an antibiotic cream and a bandage.
- Wear wide shoes or sandals.
- Use pain relievers if needed.
If symptoms do not improve within a few days or worsen, you should see a doctor. In some cases, the ingrown nail may need to be surgically removed under local anesthesia.
How Can Ingrown Toenails Be Prevented?
You can take the following steps to prevent toenails from growing inward:
- Soak nails in warm water before trimming, or cut nails after bathing.
- Clean nail clippers before use.
- Trim toenails straight across—do not round the corners.
- Wear (should not be too loose or too tight around the toes).
- Avoid repeated trauma to the sides of the nails.
- If you have , follow all foot-care recommendations from your healthcare provider and seek medical help promptly if needed.
What are the Complications of Ingrown Toenails?
In most cases, ingrown toenails are not a serious health problem if treated correctly.
However, if you have conditions such as diabetes or nerve damage, you may need regular foot care checkups.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Seek medical care if you have:
- Signs of infection (pus, severe pain, or redness)
- Poor circulation
- Persistent pain even after using antibiotic ointment and self-care.
Frequently Asked Question
I was treated surgically for an ingrown toenail. Can I prevent it from happening again?
Yes, an ingrown toenail will not recur if you practice proper foot care.
