Ingrown Toenails: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment Options Explained

What Are Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails happen when the edge of your toenail grows into the skin. This common problem often affects the big toe. Because the nail digs into the skin, it can cause pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. According to the CDC, ingrown toenails are a frequent reason for foot pain. Anyone can get them, but teens and athletes are at higher risk. Early care can help prevent problems.

Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Many things can lead to ingrown toenails. Often, simple habits or injuries are to blame. For example, cutting your toenails too short can cause trouble. But there are other causes as well:

Wearing tight shoes or socks

Injuring your toe

Improper nail trimming (rounded or too short)

Genetics (some people have curved nails)

Poor foot hygiene

Repeating activities that stress the toes, like running

Because these causes are common, many people will have an ingrown toenail at some point.

Recognizing Symptoms

It is important to spot the signs of an ingrown toenail early. This way, you can seek help before it gets worse. Look for these symptoms:

Pain or tenderness along the nail edge

Redness and swelling around the toe

Warmth in the affected area

Pus or drainage (a sign of infection)

Difficulty walking due to pain

Sometimes, symptoms get worse if the nail is not treated. For example, infection can spread and cause more pain.

How Ingrown Toenails Are Diagnosed

Doctors can usually diagnose ingrown toenails by looking at your toe. In most cases, no special tests are needed. However, if the toe looks badly infected, your doctor may check for deeper infection. Sometimes, an X-ray is needed if the problem keeps coming back. Early diagnosis helps prevent serious issues.

Treatment Options

There are several ways to treat ingrown toenails. The right treatment depends on how severe the problem is. For mild cases, home care may help. But if there is infection or severe pain, a doctor should help. Here are some common ingrown toenail treatment options:

Soaking the foot in warm water several times a day

Keeping the foot clean and dry

Wearing open-toed shoes to reduce pressure

Using antibiotic cream if there is mild infection

Gently lifting the nail edge with cotton (only if advised by a doctor)

Minor surgery to remove part of the nail (for severe or repeated cases)

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, minor surgery is safe and often prevents the problem from coming back.

Home Care and Prevention Tips

Good foot care can help prevent ingrown toenails. Even if you have had one before, these tips can lower your risk:

Trim nails straight across, not rounded

Do not cut nails too short

Wear shoes that fit well and do not squeeze your toes

Keep your feet clean and dry

Change socks daily

Protect your toes from injury

Because prevention is easier than treatment, try to follow these steps every day. If you notice early signs, start home care right away.

When to See a Surgeon

Sometimes, home care is not enough. You should see a doctor or foot surgeon if:

Pain or swelling gets worse

You see pus or spreading redness

You have diabetes or poor blood flow in your feet

The ingrown toenail keeps coming back

You cannot walk due to pain

In these cases, a specialist can offer safe and effective treatment. Early care can prevent serious problems, especially for people with other health issues.

If you suspect an ingrown toenail, consult a specialist for personalized care. Early treatment can help you heal faster and avoid complications.