Ingrown toenails are one of the most common—and surprisingly painful—foot problems people face. They occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing irritation, inflammation, and sometimes infection. Although any toe can be affected, the big toe is the usual culprit.
The good news? With proper care and early treatment, most ingrown toenails heal quickly and can often be permanently treated and prevented from coming back.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Several factors can contribute to the nail growing in the wrong direction:
- Improper Nail Trimming: Cutting toenails too short or cutting the corners at a sharp angle can encourage the nail to grow into the skin rather than grow straight outward.
- Tight Footwear: Shoes that crowd the toes—like narrow dress shoes, cleats, or even overly tight socks—put pressure on the nail edge.
- Toe or Nail Trauma: Stubbing a toe, dropping a heavy object on it, or repetitive pressure (common in running or soccer) can cause the nail to grow abnormally.
- Nail Shape or Genetics: Some people naturally have curved or “involuted” nails, which increases the likelihood of ingrown nails.
- Excessive Sweating: Moist skin becomes softer and more prone to puncture by the nail edge.
Common Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail typically starts mild but can worsen over time. Call a podiatrist if you experience:
- Tenderness along one or both sides of the nail
- Redness or swelling
- Pain when wearing shoes
- Warmth or throbbing
- Drainage or pus (a sign of infection)
- Overgrown skin around the nail edge
If the toe becomes increasingly swollen, painful, or infected, medical care is essential.
Home Treatments That Can Help
If the ingrown toenail is mild and not infected, home care may bring relief:
- Try Warm Soaks: Soak the foot in warm, soapy water or Epsom salt for 15–20 minutes, 2–3 times a day. This approach softens the nail and reduces inflammation.
- Gently Treat the Nail Edge: After soaking, you may apply a tiny amount of antibiotic cream along the nail edge to promote healing. Apply a Band-Aid over the top. Change daily. (Avoid this, however, if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or signs of infection.)
- Wear Open-Toed or Roomy Shoes: Reducing pressure helps the skin and nails heal faster.
- Use Topical Antibiotic Ointment: Helps prevent infection in early cases.
- Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with discomfort.
When to See a Podiatrist
Some ingrown toenails shouldn’t be treated at home. You should seek medical evaluation if:
- The pain keeps getting worse
- There’s pus, severe redness, or spreading warmth
- You’ve tried home care with no improvement
- You have diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation
- The nail repeatedly becomes ingrown
A podiatrist can safely manage the problem and prevent complications.
In-Office Medical Treatments
If home remedies aren’t enough, in-office treatments may include:
- Partial Nail Removal: A small section of the nail edge is trimmed back to relieve pressure—typically a quick office procedure and done with local anesthesia.
- Nail Border or Matrix Removal (Chemical Matricectomy): A permanent office procedure solution that prevents the problematic corner of the nail from growing back. Can walk and be on your feet the same day
- Antibiotics: Topical or oral antibiotics are used if the area is infected.
These procedures are generally fast, low-risk, and offer long-term relief.
Prevention Tips
You can avoid an ingrown toenail with a few simple habits, including:
- Trimming toenails straight across, not angled or curved
- Leaving the nail slightly longer—don’t cut too short
- Wearing shoes with a wide toe box
- Keeping feet clean and dry
- Avoiding tearing or picking at nails
- Replacing shoes that squeeze or distort your toes
Final Thoughts
Ingrown toenails may be small, but they can cause significant pain. Early care and proper nail trimming go a long way toward relief. And if the problem keeps coming back, a quick visit to a podiatrist can often solve it once and for all.
