An ingrown toenail is a condition in which the edge of the toenail grows into the skin of the toe. The big toe is most commonly affected, but any toenail can become ingrown.
Prevention
Wear shoes that fit properly. Shoes that you wear every day should have plenty of room around your toes. Shoes that you wear for walking briskly or for playing sports should also have plenty of room, but not be too loose.
When trimming your toenails:
- Briefly soak your foot in warm water to soften the nail.
- Use a clean, sharp nail trimmer.
- Trim toenails straight across the top. Do not taper or round the corners or trim too short.
- Do not pick or tear at the nails.
Keep your feet clean and dry. People with diabetes should have routine foot exams and nail care.
Causes
An ingrown toenail can result from a number of things. Poorly fitting shoes and toenails that are not properly trimmed are the most common causes. The skin along the edge of a toenail may become red and infected.
An ingrown toenail may occur when extra pressure is placed on your toe. This pressure is caused by shoes that are too tight or fit poorly. If you walk often or play sports, a shoe that is even a little tight can cause this problem. Deformities of the foot or toes can also place extra pressure on the toe.
Nails that are not trimmed properly can also cause ingrown toenails:
- Toenails that are trimmed too short, or if the edges are rounded rather than cut straight across may cause the nail to curl and grow into the skin.
- Poor eyesight, inability to reach the toes easily, or having thick nails can make it hard to properly trim nails.
- Picking or tearing at the corners of the nails can also cause an ingrown toenail.
Some people are born with nails that are curved and grow into the skin. Others have toenails that are too large for their toes. Stubbing your toe or other injuries can also lead to an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Toe pain
- Redness
- Swelling around the nail
Diagnosis
Your health care provider will examine your toenail and ask about your symptoms.
Tests or x-rays aren’t usually needed.
Treatment
If you have diabetes, a nerve problem in the leg or foot, poor blood circulation to your foot, or an infection around the nail, see a provider right away. Don’t try to treat an ingrown nail at home.
Otherwise, to treat an ingrown nail at home:
- Soak the foot in warm water 3 to 4 times a day if possible. After soaking, keep the toe dry.
- Gently massage over the inflamed skin.
- Place a small piece of cotton or dental floss under the nail. Wet the cotton or floss with water or antiseptic.
When trimming your toenails:
- Briefly soak your foot in warm water to soften the nails.
- Use a clean, sharp trimmer.
- Trim toenails straight across the top. Do not taper or round the corners or trim too short.
- Do not try to cut out the ingrown portion of the nail yourself. This will only make the problem worse.
Consider wearing sandals until the problem goes away. Over-the-counter medicine that is applied to the ingrown toenail may help with the pain, but it does not treat the problem.
If this doesn’t work and the ingrown nail gets worse, see your family doctor, a foot specialist (podiatrist), or a skin specialist (dermatologist).
If the ingrown nail doesn’t heal or keeps coming back, your provider may remove part of the nail:
- Numbing medicine is first injected into the toe.
- The ingrown part of the nail is removed. This procedure is called a partial nail avulsion.
- It takes 2 to 4 months for the nail to regrow.
If the toe is infected, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
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