Overview
An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of a nail, usually on the big toe, grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness and swelling. It often follows tight shoes or cutting the nail too short or curved. Mild cases settle with warm soaks and careful nail care, but an infected or repeatedly ingrowing nail may need a minor procedure to trim the nail edge.
Symptoms
- Pain and tenderness along one side of the toenail
- Redness and swelling of the skin next to the nail
- Warmth and, if infected, pus or discharge
- A hard ridge of skin over the nail edge
- Pain made worse by shoes or pressure
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if the toe is infected, very painful, or keeps becoming ingrown, especially if you have diabetes.
Causes
Cutting nails too short or rounded, tight footwear, injury to the toe, sweaty feet and naturally curved nails.