An ingrown toenail can turn a simple day into a painful one. It’s a common problem that can happen for many reasons, from how you trim your nails to the shoes you wear. The good news is that there are ways to treat it and even prevent it.
We spoke with Travis Jensen, DPM, a podiatrist with Banner Health, about home care for ingrown toenails, prevention tips and when you might need medical treatment.
What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail, also called onychogryphosis, happens when the corner or edge of your toenail grows into the soft skin around it instead of going straight across the toe. It most often affects the big toe but it can happen on any toe.
“When the nail pushes into the skin, your body sees it as a problem,” Dr. Jensen said. “This can cause redness, swelling, pain and even infection.”
What causes ingrown toenails to happen?
Ingrown toenails can affect anyone. Common causes include:
- Cutting your toenails too short or rounding the corners
- Wearing shoes that are too tight or too narrow
- Stubbing or injuring your toe
- Participating in stop-and-go sports (like basketball or tennis)
- Picking or pulling at your toenails
- Having toenails that naturally curve
- A family history of ingrown toenails
- Sweaty feet that soften the skin around the nail
How can you tell if your toe is healing or getting worse?
Not every ingrown toenail needs medical care. Some improve with home care. According to Dr. Jensen, you can look for signs that things are improving:
- Less pain each day
- Reduced redness
- Less swelling
- No pus or fluid
“If the condition is worsening, the nail area will become more painful, red and swollen and may begin to drain fluid or pus,” Dr. Jensen said. “If there is redness and drainage, this is usually a sign of an infection. See your doctor or visit urgent care.”
Watch for these warning signs:
- Pain that keeps getting worse
- Redness spreading beyond the toe
- Pus or fluid leaking from the toe
- A bad smell coming from the toe
- Fever or chills
- Red streaks running up your foot
What you can do at home
If your symptoms are mild, you can often treat an ingrown toenail at home. Here’s what helps:
- Soak your foot: Soak your toe in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes, two to three times a day. You can add Epsom salt or a diluted Betadine solution. This helps soften the skin and ease pain.
- Keep the area clean and dry: Bacteria thrive in moisture. Pat your toe completely dry after each soak.
- Apply antibiotic ointment: A thin layer of over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic ointment can help prevent infection.
- Wear loose, comfortable shoes: Give your toes plenty of room to breathe. Tight shoes add pressure and make the problem worse. Open-toed shoes or sandals are great while you heal.
- Take an OTC pain reliever: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can take the edge off.
- Trim carefully (only if you can): Trimming the nail, if you can reach the ingrown area without digging into or irritating the surrounding tissue, can be helpful. Do this only if you can clearly see the nail edge and don’t need to dig into the skin.
What not to do at home
Some actions can make things worse:
- Don’t cut the nail deeper into the corner
- Don’t dig into the skin with sharp tools
- Don’t ignore signs of infection
- Don’t wear tight shoes and push through the pain
If pain increases or the area worsens, home care may no longer be enough. You should see your health care provider or a foot specialist (podiatrist).
Who’s at risk for serious problems?
For most healthy people, an ingrown toenail is painful but not serious. However, for some, it can become a bigger problem.
“People at higher risk include those with peripheral neuropathy, especially diabetics who might not feel how bad it is, as well as people with vascular disease and those with weak immune systems," Dr. Jensen said. "It's important to see your provider early, even if your symptoms are mild.”
[Also read: 5 Ways to Keep Your Feet Healthy When You Have Diabetes.]
Also, children and teenagers might not tell an adult right away. If your child complains of toe pain or is limping or avoiding shoes, check their toe. They might not say anything until it really hurts.
How providers treat ingrown toenails
Many people delay treatment because they fear pain. However, getting care is usually quicker and simpler than they expect. Treatment options may include:
- Partial nail removal: For more serious cases, your provider might numb the toe and remove the part of the nail that's growing into the skin. This instantly relieves pressure and pain.
- Nail root treatment: To prevent the nail from growing back into the skin, a chemical or laser treatment can be used to remove part or all of the nail root. This is common for recurring ingrown toenails.
- Antibiotics: If there's an infection, your doctor might give you antibiotics. These can be applied directly to the skin or taken by mouth, depending on the severity of the infection.
- Professional wound care: Sometimes, the area needs regular cleaning and dressing changes until it heals.
How to prevent ingrown toenails
You can lower your chances of dealing with another one by changing a few small habits:
- Trim your nails straight across, not in a curve
- Don’t trim them too short
- Wear shoes with room in the toe box
- Switch out tight or pointy shoes for everyday wear
- Keep your feet clean and dry
- Protect your feet during sports
- Check your feet often, especially if you have diabetes
Takeaway
An ingrown toenail may seem minor but it can quickly become painful and infected. If it’s improving, simple home care may be enough. If symptoms worsen, don’t wait. Early treatment is easier, less painful and helps prevent complications. See your health care provider or a Banner Health specialist.
Frequently asked questions
Can an ingrown toenail heal on its own?
Yes. Mild cases can improve with soaking, proper nail care and reducing pressure. Watch for steady improvement.
How long does it take an ingrown toenail to heal?
Mild cases may improve in a few days. More severe cases can take weeks, especially if there is an infection.
Should I cut out an ingrown toenail myself?
No. Avoid digging or cutting into the nail. This can worsen the problem and increase infection risk.
What does an infected ingrown toenail look like?
Signs include redness, swelling, pain, warmth and drainage or pus.
Why do my ingrown toenails keep coming back?
The shape of your nail, the way your nail fold curves, your shoes and your activities can all play a role. If you keep getting them in the same spot, talk to your health care provider about a permanent procedure to stop the cycle.
Can kids get ingrown toenails?
Yes. Kids and teens can develop them and may wait to speak up. Check early if they complain of toe pain.
