Foot Health: What To Do About An Ingrown Nail

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a nail — most commonly the big toenail — grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. The result is pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. While it may seem like a minor nuisance, an untreated ingrown nail can become a serious problem, especially for people with diabetes or poor circulation.

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

• Improper nail trimming — cutting nails too short or rounding the corners encourages the nail to grow into the skin
• Tight or ill-fitting shoes — footwear that crowds the toes puts pressure on the nail edges
• Injury — stubbing your toe or dropping something on it can cause the nail to grow abnormally
• Genetics — some people naturally have curved or fan-shaped nails that are more prone to becoming ingrown
• Repetitive activities — running, dancing, or any sport that puts repeated pressure on the toes

Signs and Symptoms

• Pain and tenderness along one or both sides of the nail
• Redness and swelling around the nail
• Skin that appears to be growing over the nail edge
• Drainage of fluid or pus (a sign of infection)

Home Care for Mild Cases

• Soak your foot in warm, soapy water for 15–20 minutes, 3–4 times a day
• Gently massage the skin away from the nail edge after soaking
• Wear open-toed shoes or sandals to reduce pressure on the toe
• Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage

Do not attempt to cut out the ingrown portion yourself — this often makes the problem worse and increases the risk of infection.

When to See Dr. Drucker

• The pain is severe or getting worse
• There is significant swelling, redness, or warmth
• You see pus or drainage — signs of infection
• You have diabetes, nerve damage, or poor circulation in your feet
• Home remedies haven't helped after a few days

Professional Treatment Options

• Partial nail avulsion — the ingrown portion of the nail is removed under local anesthesia. This is a quick, effective procedure with minimal downtime.
• Permanent nail border removal (matrixectomy) — for recurrent ingrown nails, a chemical is applied to prevent that portion of the nail from growing back.
• Antibiotic treatment — if infection is present, oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed.

Prevention Tips

• Trim toenails straight across — never round the corners
• Keep nails at a moderate length (not too short)
• Wear shoes that fit properly with adequate toe room
• Protect your feet during sports and physical activity

Don't let an ingrown nail slow you down. With prompt treatment, most patients are back to normal activity within days.