Ingrown nail

An ingrown toenail is a toenail that has grown into the skin instead of over it. This usually happens to the big toe, but it can also happen to other toes. An ingrown toenail can get infected. It may be painful, red, and swollen, and it may drain pus.

Anyone can get an ingrown toenail, but they are more common in young adults.

The main symptom of an ingrown toenail is the pain from the nail growing into the skin instead of over it. If the ingrown toenail gets infected, it might be swollen or red, and it might drain pus. The area around the ingrown toenail is often painful.

Your doctor will do a physical exam to diagnose an ingrown toenail. The doctor will look at your toe where the nail has grown into the skin.

Most ingrown toenails can be treated at home. But if home care doesn't work or your symptoms get worse, you may need to see your doctor. You may be prescribed antibiotics.

If your toenail is very ingrown, your doctor might suggest minor surgery to remove all or part of the ingrown nail. You may be referred to a foot specialist called a podiatrist.

During this surgery, the doctor will numb your toe. Then the doctor will cut the edge of the ingrown toenail and pull out the piece of nail. To prevent the nail from growing into the skin again, the doctor might destroy all or part of the nail root. This is called ablation. If your doctor removes all or part of your nail but does not destroy the root, it will start to grow back within a few months.

• Trim the nails straight across. Leave the corners a little longer so they do not cut into the skin. To do this when you have an ingrown nail:
  • Soak your foot in warm water for about 15 minutes to soften the nail.
  • Wedge a small piece of wet cotton under the corner of the nail to cushion the nail and lift it slightly. This keeps it from cutting the skin.
  • Repeat daily until the nail has grown out and can be trimmed.
• Do not trim your toenails too short.
• Wear comfortable shoes that are roomy in the toe area.
• Soak your foot in warm, soapy water for 10 to 20 minutes a few times each day.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Check with your doctor before trimming your own toenails if you have been diagnosed with diabetes or peripheral arterial disease. These conditions increase the risk of an infection because you may have decreased sensation in your toes and cut yourself without knowing it.