An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of a nail grows into the skin beside it. The big toe is affected most often, but any toenail can become ingrown. It is common, painful and usually very treatable.
What causes ingrown toenails?
MedlinePlus and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) name several causes:
- Tight or poorly fitting shoes, the most common cause
- Nails trimmed too short, or with rounded corners
- Picking or tearing at the corners of the nail
- Injury to the toe, such as stubbing it or having it stepped on
- Naturally curved or thick nails, or a nail that is large for the toe
- Trouble trimming nails because of poor eyesight or limited reach
Symptoms
The area around the nail may be tender, red and swollen. If infection develops, you may notice more pain, warmth or pus.
Safe home care for a mild case
- Soak the foot in warm water three to four times a day, then keep the toe dry.
- Gently massage the inflamed skin.
- Place a small piece of cotton or waxed dental floss under the edge of the nail, and change it daily.
- Wear roomy shoes or sandals until the toe heals.
- Use an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed.
Do not try to cut out the ingrown part of the nail yourself. MedlinePlus warns this can make the problem worse.
When to get help
The AAOS advises calling your doctor if there is no improvement in two to three days of home care, or if it gets worse. Significant swelling, pain or drainage suggests infection and needs prompt evaluation.
MedlinePlus says people with diabetes, nerve problems in the leg or foot, or poor circulation to the foot should contact a provider right away instead of treating an ingrown toenail at home.
How a podiatrist can help
A provider can examine the toe and, if home care is not enough or the problem keeps returning, may remove part of the nail after numbing the toe. Regrowth takes a few months. Antibiotics may be prescribed if there is infection.
Preventing ingrown toenails
- Wear shoes with plenty of room around the toes.
- Soften nails with a short soak before trimming.
- Use a clean, sharp trimmer and cut straight across, without rounding the corners or cutting too short.
- Do not pick or tear at your nails.
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
Sources
- Ingrown toenail, MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (U.S. National Library of Medicine) (opens in a new tab)
- Ingrown Toenail, OrthoInfo (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) (opens in a new tab)
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for an exam or personal medical advice. If you have foot or ankle pain, an injury, or any of the warning signs above, request an appointment or call 407-360-9990 to be seen at our Orlando or DeLand office.
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