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Ingrown toenail

Onychocryptosis; Unguis incarnates; Surgical nail avulsion; Matrix excision; Ingrown toenail removal

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the skin of the toe.

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Ingrown toenail

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Causes

An ingrown toenail can result from a number of things. Poorly fitting shoes and toenails that are not properly trimmed are the most common causes. The skin along the edge of a toenail may become red and infected. The great toe is affected most often, but any toenail can become ingrown.

An ingrown toenail may occur when extra pressure is placed on your toe. This pressure is caused by shoes that are too tight or fit poorly. If you walk often or play sports, a shoe that is even a little tight can cause this problem. Deformities of the foot or toes can also place extra pressure on the toe.

Nails that are not trimmed properly can also cause ingrown toenails:

Some people are born with nails that are curved and grow into the skin. Others have toenails that are too large for their toes. Stubbing your toe or other injuries can also lead to an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

There may be pain, redness, and swelling around the nail.

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will examine your toenail and ask about your symptoms.

Tests or x-rays aren't usually needed.

Treatment

If you have diabetes, nerve problems in the leg or foot, poor blood circulation to your foot, or an infection around the nail, see your provider right away. Don't try to treat an ingrown nail at home.

Otherwise, to treat an ingrown nail at home:

When trimming your toenails:

Consider wearing sandals until the problem goes away. Over-the-counter medicine that is applied to the ingrown toenail may help with the pain, but it does not treat the problem.

If this doesn't work and the ingrown nail gets worse, see your provider or a foot specialist (podiatrist).

If the ingrown nail doesn't heal or keeps coming back, your provider may remove part of the nail:

If the toe is infected, your provider may prescribe antibiotics.

After the procedure, follow any instructions for helping your nail heal.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Treatment usually controls the infection and relieves pain. The condition is likely to return if you don't practice good foot care.

This condition may become serious in people with diabetes, poor blood circulation, and nerve problems.

Possible Complications

In severe cases, the infection can spread through the toe and into the bone.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you:

Prevention

Wear shoes that fit properly. Shoes that you wear every day should have plenty of room around your toes. Shoes that you wear for walking briskly or for playing sports should also have plenty of room, but not be too loose.

When trimming your toenails:

Keep your feet clean and dry. People with diabetes should have routine foot exams and nail care.

References

Dinulos JGH. Nail diseases. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide in Diagnosis and Therapy. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 25.

Grear BJ. Disorders of nails. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 88.

Marks JG, Miller JJ. Nail disorders. In: Marks JG, Miller JJ, eds. Lookingbill and Marks' Principles of Dermatology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 21.

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Review Date: 4/27/2023  

Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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