Understanding Ingrown Toenails

What is an ingrown toenail?

Ingrown nails grow under the skin. They may cause pain at the tip of the toe or all the way to the base of the toe. The pain is often worse when you are walking. An ingrown nail may also lead to infection, inflammation, or a more serious condition. If it’s infected, you might see fluid (pus) or redness.

How is an ingrown toenail diagnosed?

Your health care provider will examine your toe and may press the painful area. You may have blood tests, cultures, or X-rays if the provider thinks there may be other problems.

Treatment for ingrown toenails

If the nail isn’t infected, your health care provider may trim the corner of it to help relieve your symptoms. They may need to remove one side of your nail back to the cuticle. The base of the nail may then be treated with a chemical to keep the ingrown part from growing back.

Severe infections or ingrown nails may need antibiotics. They may need temporary or permanent removal of part or all of the nail. To prevent pain, a local anesthetic may be used in these procedures. This treatment may be done at your provider's office or at a hospital. Your provider will give you instructions on how to clean and treat the area.

Preventing ingrown toenails

You can prevent many nail problems by wearing the right shoes and trimming your nails properly. To help prevent infection, keep your feet clean and dry. If you have diabetes, talk with your health care provider before doing any foot self-care.

• The right shoes. Get your feet measured. Your shoe size may change as you age. Wear shoes that are supportive and roomy enough for your toes to wiggle. Look for shoes made of natural materials such as leather. Natural materials let air get to your feet.

• Correct trimming. To prevent problems, trim your toenails straight across. Don't cut down into the corners. If you can’t trim your own nails, ask your health care provider to do it for you.