An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin instead of straight outward. This often leads to redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes infection. The condition most frequently affects the big toe, but any toenail can be involved. While minor cases may resolve with simple care, severe or recurring ingrown toenails often require medical treatment.
Why Ingrown Toenails Develop
There are several reasons why toenails may grow incorrectly into the skin:
- Incorrect nail trimming: Cutting toenails too short or rounding the edges increases the risk.
- Tight shoes: Footwear that compresses the toes puts pressure on the nail edges.
- Injury or trauma: Stubbed toes or repeated microtrauma from sports can alter nail growth.
- Genetic factors: Some individuals have naturally curved nails, making them more prone to the problem.
- Poor foot hygiene: Excessive moisture and lack of care can soften the nail bed and skin.
People with diabetes, circulation problems, or weakened immunity must be especially careful, as complications can develop more quickly.
Symptoms to Recognize
The symptoms of an ingrown toenail usually progress in stages:
- Early signs include mild redness, swelling, and tenderness along the nail edge.
- As the nail digs deeper, pain intensifies, especially when walking or wearing shoes.
- Infection may develop, with symptoms such as pus, warmth, and increased swelling.
- Chronic cases may lead to thickened tissue and recurring inflammation.
Conservative Treatment Methods
For mild cases, home and outpatient care can provide relief:
- Soaking the foot in warm water softens the skin and nail.
- Wearing open-toed or wider shoes to reduce pressure.
- Lifting the nail gently with a cotton wick or dental floss to guide growth away from the skin.
- Applying antiseptic solutions to prevent infection.
These methods may work well when the problem is detected early.
Medical Treatment Options
When conservative measures fail, or infection sets in, medical treatment becomes necessary:
- Partial nail removal: The ingrown section is carefully trimmed or removed under local anesthesia.
- Complete nail removal: Reserved for severe or recurrent cases.
- Nail bracing (orthonyxia): A small device is attached to the nail to gently correct its growth direction.
- Antibiotics: Prescribed if bacterial infection is present.
- Surgical correction: In chronic cases, part of the nail matrix may be removed to prevent regrowth of the ingrown section.
Most procedures are minimally invasive and allow patients to walk again shortly after treatment.
Prevention of Ingrown Toenails
Preventive care is the best way to avoid recurrence:
- Trim toenails straight across, not rounded.
- Keep nails at moderate length not too short.
- Choose shoes with enough room for toes.
- Maintain proper foot hygiene to reduce skin irritation.
- Protect feet from trauma during sports or heavy activity.
For individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, regular foot check-ups are essential to detect problems early.
With over 37 years of expertise, Erdem Hospital provides advanced and compassionate treatment for ingrown toenails, ensuring patients receive lasting relief and preventive care to avoid recurrence.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I treat an ingrown toenail at home?
Mild cases can often be relieved with foot soaks, proper nail trimming, and pressure relief. However, infections or persistent pain require medical care. - When should I see a doctor for an ingrown toenail?
If swelling, pus, or severe pain develops, or if you suffer from diabetes or poor circulation, you should seek medical attention immediately. - How painful is surgical removal of an ingrown toenail?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so patients usually feel no pain during treatment. Mild soreness may occur afterward but resolves quickly. - Do ingrown toenails keep coming back?
They can recur, especially if caused by genetic nail shape or improper care. Surgical correction of the nail root may be necessary in recurrent cases. - Is it safe to use antibiotic creams for ingrown toenails?
Topical antibiotics may help in mild infections, but they are not a substitute for proper nail management. Severe infections require professional evaluation.