Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail digs into the skin next to the side of the nail. The most common site is the big toe. Other toes and even fingernails can be affected.

Signs & Symptoms

Corns & Calluses

• Redness.

• Tenderness.

• Discomfort or pain.

Cold Hands and Feet

Splinters

Boils

Athlete's Foot

SEE ALL ARTICLES ON SKIN CONDITIONS

Causes

• Jamming your toes.

• Wearing shoes or socks that fit too tight.

• Clipping toenails too short. The corners can penetrate the skin as the nail grows out.

• Having wider-than-average toenails.

Resources

American Academy of Dermatology

866.503.SKIN (503.7546)

www.aad.org

Treatment

Self-care usually treats ingrown toenails. If this fails to work, a doctor or podiatrist may have to remove a portion of the nail.

Questions to Ask

Question 1

Does the skin next to the side of your toenail show any signs of infection, such as pain, redness, tenderness, and/or pus?

You should be seen by your doctor for medical advice. Contact your doctor or health care provider to find out how soon you should be seen.

Question 2

With an ingrown toenail, do you have diabetes or circulation problems?

You should be seen by your doctor for medical advice. Contact your doctor or health care provider to find out how soon you should be seen.

Question 3

Do you get ingrown toenails often?

Call your doctor or health care provider and state the problem. He or she can decide what you should do.

Use Self-Care / Prevention:

You can probably take care of the problem yourself if you answered NO to all the questions. Use the “Self-Care” measures that are listed. Call your doctor if you don’t feel better soon, though. You may have some other problem.

Self-Care / Prevention

Illustration on cutting toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails.

• Cut nails straight across. Don’t cut the nails shorter at the sides than in the middle. {Note: If you have diabetes or circulation problems, follow your doctor’s advice about clipping your toenails.}

• File the nails if they’re sharp after clipping them.

• Wear shoes and socks that fit well.

To Treat an Ingrown Toenail

• Soak your foot in warm, soapy water for 5 to 10 minutes, 1 to 3 times a day.

• Gently lift the nail away from the reddened skin at the outer corners with the tip of a nail file.

• Soak a small piece of cotton in an antiseptic, such as Betadine. Place it just under the outer corners of the toenails, if you can.

• Repeat the previous 3 steps, daily, until the nail begins to grow correctly and pressure is relieved. Wear roomy shoes during this time.

This website is not meant to substitute for expert medical advice or treatment. Follow your doctor’s or health care provider’s advice if it differs from what is given in this guide.

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