An ingrown toenail develops when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. It most often affects the big toe and can cause pain, redness and swelling. Mild cases may improve with careful self-care, while infection or persistent symptoms may require professional treatment.
Common symptoms
- pain or tenderness along one or both sides of the nail
- redness and swelling around the nail edge
- skin growing over part of the nail
- drainage or pus if infection develops
Why ingrown toenails happen
Common contributors include cutting toenails too short or rounding the corners, tight shoes, repeated pressure or injury, naturally curved nails and excessive sweating. Some people are more prone to ingrown nails because of nail shape.
Self-care for a mild ingrown toenail
If symptoms are mild and there are no signs of infection, keep the foot clean and dry, wear shoes with enough room for the toes and avoid cutting into the painful nail edge. Trim toenails straight across when they are long enough to cut safely.
Avoid digging under the nail with sharp objects or repeatedly cutting away the corners. These approaches can injure the skin and make the problem worse.
When to seek medical care
Seek medical advice if pain or swelling is worsening, pus or spreading redness develops, the problem repeatedly returns or self-care is not helping. Earlier professional assessment is particularly important for people with diabetes, poor circulation, reduced sensation in the feet or conditions that impair healing or immunity.
Professional treatment
A healthcare professional or appropriately qualified foot-care specialist can assess the nail and surrounding skin. Depending on severity, treatment may involve lifting or removing part of the nail edge. Recurrent cases may be treated by removing part of the nail and preventing that section from growing back. Antibiotics are not automatically needed for every ingrown toenail and are generally considered when there is a clinically significant infection.
Prevention
- trim toenails straight across rather than deeply rounding the corners
- avoid cutting nails extremely short
- wear shoes that do not compress the toes
- protect feet from repeated injury when possible
- check your feet regularly if you have reduced sensation or circulation
Sources and further reading
This article provides general educational information and does not replace individual medical assessment.
Last reviewed: September 5, 2026