An ingrown toenail is a painful condition where the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing irritation, pain, redness, and inflammation. While ingrown toenails can usually be treated at home, if the pain becomes severe or an infection develops, a doctor may need to remove the ingrown portion of the nail and prescribe antibiotics.

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Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails typically occur when the nail grows into the skin of the toe, most commonly the big toe. Several factors can contribute to the development of an ingrown toenail, including:

  • Footwear: Shoes that are too small or too tight can squeeze the toes together, causing abnormal nail growth.
  • Fungal infections: Fungal nail infections can thicken and widen the nails, increasing the likelihood of an ingrown nail.
  • Genetics: If ingrown toenails run in your family, you are more likely to develop them as well.
  • Injury: Any trauma or injury to the nail, such as stubbing your toe, can lead to an ingrown toenail.
  • Nail trimming: Trimming nails too short or rounding the edges (nails should be cut straight across) is a common cause of ingrown toenails.

Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails most commonly affect the outer edge of the big toe, but they can occur on any toenail. Symptoms include:

  • Yellowish drainage
  • Extra skin growth around the edge of the nail
  • Pain, redness, and swelling along one or both sides of the toenail

If you notice drainage of pus, this may indicate an infection, and it’s important to seek medical attention right away, especially if the pain intensifies or the infection worsens.

Treatment for Ingrown Toenails

Early-stage ingrown toenails can often be treated at home. Soak your foot in warm water daily to reduce inflammation and gently massage the skin around the nail. Avoid trimming the nail too short, as this can worsen the condition.

If the pain continues or signs of infection appear, visit a doctor. Your physician will likely prescribe antibiotics and may clean and elevate the ingrown portion of the nail. If extra tissue has formed around the nail, your doctor might remove it to help the toe heal more quickly.

For recurring ingrown toenails, more permanent treatment may be necessary, such as removing part of the toenail and the underlying tissue to prevent the nail from growing back incorrectly.