The Bottom Line

An ingrown toenail happens when the nail edge digs into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and sometimes infection. Mild cases often improve with proper soaking, good nail trimming technique, and wider footwear. More stubborn or infected cases need a dermatologist or podiatrist — trying to dig out the nail yourself usually makes things worse. The good news: professional treatment is quick and very effective.

What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the soft skin alongside it (called the nail fold or sulcus), rather than over it. The big toe is affected most often, but any toe can develop this problem. The result is pain that ranges from mild tenderness to severe throbbing, and the area can become infected if bacteria enter through the broken skin.

Ingrown toenails are one of the most common nail complaints seen by dermatologists and podiatrists. Studies show they affect an estimated 2-5% of the general population, with teenagers and young adults more commonly affected due to nail shape changes during growth spurts. People with diabetes or circulation problems face higher stakes if the nail becomes infected.

What Does It Feel Like?

Symptoms typically develop gradually and worsen with shoe pressure or walking. You might notice:

  • Pain and tenderness along one or both sides of the toenail
  • Redness and swelling of the skin next to the nail edge
  • The skin folding over the nail edge as it swells
  • Warmth in the area
  • Drainage of clear fluid, or if infected, pus or blood
  • In severe cases, a small lump of tissue called hypergranulation tissue (proud flesh) growing from the nail fold

Why Do Ingrown Toenails Happen?

Several factors can lead to an ingrown toenail:

  • Cutting nails too short or rounding the corners: leaving the nail edge lower than the surrounding skin at the sides allows skin to fold over it
  • Nail shape: some people naturally have more curved nails (like pincer or trumpet nails) that are more prone to digging in
  • Ill-fitting shoes: tight toe boxes compress the toes and push skin into the nail edge
  • Trauma: stubbing the toe, dropping something heavy on it, or repetitive pressure from sports
  • Excessive sweating: softens the skin, making it easier for the nail to penetrate
  • Certain medications: some drugs (isotretinoin, targeted cancer therapies) can cause nail changes that lead to ingrowth

Home Management: What Helps at Mild Stages

If your ingrown toenail is in its early stages — some redness and tenderness but no pus, no fever, and no signs of spreading infection — these home care steps may help:

Soaking

Soak your foot in warm (not hot) water for 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times per day. You can add a small amount of Epsom salt or antibacterial soap. Soaking softens the skin and nail, reduces swelling, and helps drain early fluid. After soaking, dry your foot thoroughly.

Gentle Lifting (Carefully)

After soaking, when the nail is soft, some doctors recommend gently placing a tiny wisp of dental floss or a small piece of cotton under the ingrown edge to lift it slightly away from the skin. This is most useful for very early ingrown nails and should be done carefully — do not force it, and change the material daily to keep the area clean.

Taping

Taping the nail fold away from the nail edge using skin-friendly tape can relieve pressure while the nail grows forward. This is a good option for mild cases or as an adjunct to other treatment.

Proper Nail Trimming Going Forward

Once the acute pain settles, trimming technique matters enormously. Cut nails straight across (do not curve down at the edges), and leave the nail long enough that its corners are still visible above the skin line. Never cut the nail shorter than the tip of the toe at the sides.

Footwear Choices

Switch to open-toed shoes or shoes with a wide, deep toe box while you heal. Tight footwear during an ingrown toenail episode makes everything worse and slows recovery.

What Does Not Help (And Can Make Things Worse)

  • Digging at the nail corner with sharp instruments: this risks deeper injury, infection, and often just embeds the nail edge further
  • Cutting a V-notch in the center of the nail: a popular myth that does not change how the sides grow
  • Ignoring signs of infection: redness spreading up the toe, pus, fever, or red streaks require prompt medical attention
  • Continuing to wear tight shoes: delays healing every single day

When to See a Dermatologist or Podiatrist

  • The ingrown nail does not improve after 2-3 days of home care
  • There is pus, significant swelling, or increasing pain
  • You see red streaks extending from the toe (sign of spreading infection)
  • You have a fever along with a swollen toe
  • You have diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or poor circulation in your feet — seek care sooner, even for mild cases
  • You get ingrown toenails repeatedly in the same toe
  • There is excessive tissue (granuloma) growing beside the nail

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put antibiotic ointment on an ingrown toenail?

A thin layer of over-the-counter antibiotic ointment (like bacitracin or triple antibiotic) can help protect an early ingrown toenail from becoming infected while you wait for it to grow out. It is not a substitute for medical treatment if the nail is already infected. If you see pus or worsening redness, see a doctor rather than relying solely on over-the-counter ointment.

Will an ingrown toenail go away on its own?

A very early, mild ingrown toenail can sometimes resolve with careful home care — especially if you correct the nail trimming technique and get proper footwear. However, if the nail edge is deeply embedded in the skin, or if there are signs of infection, it is very unlikely to resolve without professional intervention. Do not wait too long, as infections from ingrown toenails can become serious.

How long does home treatment take to work?

If home care is going to help, you should see some improvement within 3-5 days. If the pain is getting worse rather than better, or there is no improvement in a week, that is your signal to get professional care. Do not suffer through weeks of worsening pain hoping it will fix itself.

Is it safe to treat my own ingrown toenail if I have diabetes?

No. People with diabetes should always see a healthcare provider for any foot problem, including ingrown toenails, rather than attempting home treatment with sharp instruments. Reduced sensation (neuropathy) means you may not feel how deep you are cutting, and impaired healing means even small wounds can become serious. See a dermatologist or podiatrist promptly.

References

  1. Heidelbaugh JJ, Lee H. “Management of the ingrown toenail.” American Family Physician. 2009;79(4):303–308.
  2. Richert B. “Basic nail surgery.” Dermatologic Clinics. 2006;24(3):313–322.
  3. Rounding C, Bloomfield S. “Surgical treatments for ingrowing toenails.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2005;(2):CD001541.
  4. Khunger N, Kandhari R. “Ingrown toenails.” Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. 2012;78(3):279–289.

Trusted Resources

Always consult a board-certified dermatologist for diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.