Introduction
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What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail is a toenail that has grown into the skin instead of over it. This usually happens to the big toe, but it can also happen to other toes. An ingrown toenail can get infected. It may be painful, red and swollen, and it may drain pus.
Anyone can get an ingrown toenail, but adults get them more than children. People who have curved or thick nails are more likely to get an ingrown toenail. This is more common in older adults.
What causes them?
An ingrown toenail can have a number of different causes. Cutting your toenail too short or rounding the edge of the nail can cause it to grow into the skin. Wearing shoes or socks that do not fit well can also cause an ingrown toenail. If your shoes are too tight, they might press the nail into the toe and cause it to grow into the skin.
You can get an ingrown toenail if you hurt your toe, such as by stubbing it. This can cause the nail to grow inward. Repeating an activity that injures the nail, such as kicking a soccer ball, can also cause an ingrown nail.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptom of an ingrown toenail is the pain from the nail growing into the skin instead of over it. If the ingrown toenail gets infected, it might be swollen or red and it might drain pus. The area around the ingrown toenail is often painful.
How are they diagnosed?
Your doctor will do a physical exam to diagnose an ingrown toenail. They will look at your toe where the nail has grown into the skin. You may be referred to a podiatrist.
How are they treated?
You can try the following steps at home to relieve the pain caused by an ingrown toenail and help the nail grow out naturally:
- Soak your sore toe in warm water for 15 minutes two to three times a day.
- Wedge a small piece of wet cotton, such as part of a cotton ball, under the corner of your ingrown nail. This will help lift the nail off of the skin. Soak your toe and change the piece of cotton each day until the nail grows out and can be trimmed.
- Do not use a sharp object like manicure scissors to dig under your nail, because the toe might get infected.
- Do not try to use a needle to drain the pus from your toe. This could make the infection worse.
- While your ingrown toenail is healing, wear comfortable shoes or sandals that do not press on your toe.
Use these home treatment steps for three days.
What if home treatment does not work?
If home treatment does not help, you might need to see your doctor. Be sure to see a doctor if your toe gets infected. Your toe might be infected if it hurts more than it did before you tried the home treatment. Call your doctor if your toe is red, warm, swollen or drains pus, or if there are red streaks leading from your toe.
Your doctor might give you antibiotics to treat the infection. If your toenail is very ingrown, your doctor might suggest minor surgery to remove all or part of the ingrown nail.
What happens during surgery?
During surgery for an ingrown toenail, the doctor will numb your toe, cut the edge of the ingrown toenail and pull out the piece of nail. To prevent the nail from growing into the skin again, your doctor might destroy all or part of the nail root (ablation). If your doctor removes all or part of your nail but does not destroy the root, it could begin growing back within a few months.
After surgery, it is important to take care of your toe so it can heal. Your doctor will give you specific instructions to follow, including some of the following:
- Soak your toe in warm water for 15 minutes two to three times a day.
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly two times a day on the toe where the nail was removed.
- Wear a bandage on your toe.
- Wear loose-fitting shoes that do not press on the toe where the nail was removed.
- Take pain medicine if your toe hurts. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, might help your toe feel better. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
How can you prevent ingrown toenails?
You may be able to help prevent ingrown toenails by wearing roomy and comfortable shoes and socks that do not press on your toes. If you work in a place where your toe might get hurt, wear sturdy shoes like steel-toed boots to protect your toes.
Be sure to trim your toenails properly. You can do this by cutting your toenail straight across, not curved. Make sure you do not cut your toenail too short. You can also leave your toenail a little longer at the corners to help it grow over the skin.
If you have diabetes or peripheral arterial disease (PAD), talk with your doctor before you trim your own toenails. People with diabetes have a hard time feeling their toes and might cut themselves without realizing it. PAD can cause toes to be very painful.
Many hospitals and healthcare centers have foot-care clinics, where someone can help you trim your toenails. Ask your doctor to recommend a foot-care clinic near your home.
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