02/02/2026
An ingrown toenail happens when the side of a toenail grows into the skin. This usually affects the big toe and can cause pain, redness, and swelling. If left untreated, it can become infected.
Common causes include cutting nails too short or rounding the edges, wearing tight shoes, toe injuries, and naturally curved nails.
Symptoms may include soreness along the nail edge, swelling, redness, and sometimes discharge if infected.
Treatment depends on how severe it is. Mild cases can improve with warm foot soaks, keeping the toe clean, and wearing roomy footwear. More painful or infected ingrown nails should be treated by a podiatrist, who can safely remove part of the nail and prevent it from coming back.
See a podiatrist if the pain is severe, signs of infection appear, or if ingrown toenails keep returning—especially if you have diabetes or circulation problems.
