Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown Toenails

Understanding Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis) occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into or presses against the surrounding skin. This can cause pain, redness, swelling, and inflammation. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail may become infected and make walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable.

Although any toenail can become ingrown, the condition most commonly affects the big toe.

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails can develop for many reasons, including:

• Improper nail trimming, such as cutting the corners too short

• Tight or poorly fitting footwear

• Injury or trauma to the toenail

• Naturally curved or involuted nails

• Thickened nails caused by aging or fungal infections

• Repetitive pressure from sports or walking

• Genetics—some people naturally have nails that curve into the skin

Types of Ingrown Toenails

Not all ingrown toenails are the same. During your assessment, we determine the severity of the condition to recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Mild Ingrown Toenail

The nail edge presses against the skin, causing tenderness, redness, or mild swelling without signs of infection.

Moderate Ingrown Toenail

The nail has broken the skin, resulting in increased pain, swelling, inflammation, and possible drainage.

Severe Ingrown Toenail

The nail has penetrated deeply into the surrounding tissue and may be associated with significant swelling, infection, or excessive granulation tissue ("proud flesh"). Medical assessment is recommended.

Involuted (Curved) Toenails

Some nails naturally curl inward over time, increasing pressure on the sides of the toe. Although they may not yet be ingrown, involuted nails are more likely to become painful or develop into ingrown toenails if left untreated.

What Can You Do at Home?

If your symptoms are mild, you may find relief by:

• Soaking your foot in warm water for 10–15 minutes.

• Keeping the toe clean and dry.

• Wearing shoes with a wide toe box or open-toed footwear to reduce pressure.

• Avoiding activities that increase pain.

• Monitoring for signs of infection.

If symptoms persist or worsen, seek professional assessment.

What Should You Avoid?

Avoid attempting to treat an ingrown toenail yourself by:

• Cutting down the sides of the nail.

• Digging under the nail with sharp objects.

• Pulling or tearing the nail.

• Cutting a "V" shape into the centre of the nail (this does not change how the nail grows).

• Ignoring increasing redness, swelling, drainage, or pain.

These practices can worsen the condition, introduce bacteria, and increase the risk of infection.

People living with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced sensation should never attempt to treat an ingrown toenail at home and should seek professional care promptly.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

Contact your physician, nurse practitioner, or seek urgent medical care if you experience:

• Increasing redness or swelling

• Pus or drainage

• Severe pain

• Fever

• Red streaks extending from the toe

• An ingrown toenail if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or are immunocompromised

Early treatment can help prevent infection and reduce the need for more invasive procedures.