Introduction

Have you ever had pain in the side of your toe that just won't go away? That kind of pain can mean you have an ingrown toenail. A lot of people get this, and it happens to people at any age. The nail usually pushes into the skin next to it, most often on the big toe [1][2][3]. It hurts, but you can feel better if you know what causes it and how to practice good nail care. Taking care of the area and understanding how to look after the nail can help you avoid pain and keep your feet in good shape [1][3][5].

What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail is when the nail plate keeps growing into the skin near your toenail, called the nail fold. When the edge of the nail pushes against the soft tissue, it can hurt and make that spot feel sore and puffy.

This problem often happens to the big toe. A part of the nail grows into the skin, which may cause pain, redness, and swelling. If bacteria get in through the broken skin, it can bring an infection [1][2][3][4].

How Ingrown Toenails Develop

The development of an ingrown nail happens slowly. It starts when the side of the nail or a sharp nail corner pushes into the soft skin around the nail fold. This can happen if the nail is cut too short. It may also come from shaping the edges in a way that leaves a bit of the nail, causing the nail to grow into the skin of the nail fold [1][4][5].

This first piercing makes a small wound in the skin. As the nail keeps growing, this portion of the nail moves further into the tissue. Things like wearing tight shoes can make it worse [1][2][3]. The outside pressure pushes the skin against the nail edge or makes the nail curve down into the nail bed.

As time goes by, your body starts to see the ingrown nail as something it should not have. This makes your body react, and that is why you feel pain, see swelling, and notice the area turns red [1][2][3]. If you do not do anything about it, the trouble with the ingrown nail can get worse. This may lead to an infection, which is much more serious.

Key Features of an Ingrown Toenail

Knowing the signs of an ingrown toenail can help you get help early. The main thing to watch for is toe pain. You may feel it more when something presses on the area. You will often feel this most near the edge of the nail, where the nail pushes into the surrounding skin. This spot will mostly hurt, and you might feel it right at the edge of the nail.

As the condition gets worse, you start to see it more clearly. The skin may look red and puffy, and feel warm when you touch it [2][3][4]. This inflamed skin shows how your body reacts to the irritation. Sometimes, the pain can be tough, and you may have to use pain relievers from the store to feel better.

If the nail has gone through the skin, you may see some other signs. The signs can have:

• You may feel tenderness along the nail fold.
• There can be swelling that makes the skin puffy around the nail.
• A clear or yellowish fluid, or pus, can come out from the nail fold area [1][2][4].
• Sometimes, the skin overgrows around the nail.

Main Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Many things can cause you to get a painful ingrown toenail. The main reason is how people cut their nails. If you trim them the wrong way, it can lead to this issue. The shoes you wear matters too, and some people get ingrown toenails because it runs in their family. If you know what brings on this problem, you can work on stopping it before the pain begins.

Also, the shape of your toe or nail can put you at higher risk. If your toe or nail is more curved or larger than most, you may be more likely to have problems. Health issues that make you have poor blood flow, like diabetes, can make a small problem get worse. This can lead to a bigger risk of complications. We will look at these causes in more detail soon.

Improper Nail Trimming Habits

One main reason for an ingrown toenail is how you trim toenails. A lot of people cut the nail in a curved shape to match the toe. But this can make the nail grow into the skin. If you round the corner of the nail, you can leave a sharp point. The nail fold is soft, and the sharp edge may poke into the nail fold as the nail grows. This is why you need to be careful when you trim toenails and not round the corner of the nail too much. It is better for your toenails and the nail fold.

The Cleveland Clinic says you should not cut your nails too short. If the nail is too short, the pressure from your shoes can push the nail to grow into the skin around it [1][4][5]. When you tear or rip the nail instead of using a sharp nail trimmer, it can leave jagged edges. This can cause more problems with your nails.

For good trimming of the nail, use these easy steps.

• Always use a clean and sharp nail trimmer. This makes sure the cut is clean.
• Cut your toenails straight across. Try to make them even with the tips of your toes.
• Do not taper or round the corners.

Footwear and Physical Pressure

The shoes you wear can have a big effect on your foot health. Shoes that are too tight, short, or narrow put too much pressure on your toes [1][2][3][5]. This is a main reason some people get ingrown toenails. If the shoes squeeze your toes together, the edge of the nail can press into the soft skin next to it. This may lead to problems over time.

This issue is not just about shoes. Socks and stockings that are too tight can also be a problem for the feet. Doing things, like running or kicking over and over, can put pressure on the toes. It gets even worse if your shoes do not give your toes enough space. A big part of good foot care is to pick shoes that fit you well.

Injury, Genetics, and Nail Shape

Many people get ingrown nails because of the way they live. But sometimes, you cannot stop it from happening. If you hurt your toe, like if you stub it, drop something heavy on it, or someone steps on your foot, the nail might start to grow the wrong way [1][2]. This can cause you to have an ingrown nail.

Genetics can also affect your nails. Some people are born with pincer nails, which means their nails are very curved. Others have a nail plate that does not match the shape of your toe [1][2][5]. These things run in families. This means that you might get ingrown toenails even if you have good nail care.

Certain medical problems can raise your chance of getting an ingrown nail. The Mayo Clinic says diabetes is one condition that leads to poor blood flow in the feet. This can make you more likely to have problems. Nerve damage, which often comes with these issues, may stop you from feeling when an ingrown nail starts to hurt [3][6][7]. You might not notice it until it gets worse.

Common Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails

The signs of an ingrown toenail often show up slowly at first. There may be a small, sore spot or the skin might feel hard close to the side of your nail. You could feel pain when you put on shoes, and this can make you notice problems with your nail care. If you feel this, it's good to start looking after your nails right away.

If you do not treat these early ingrown toenail symptoms, things can get worse. You may feel more pain in the area, and you will notice inflamed skin. The skin gets red and puffy. Sometimes, you may need pain relievers that you can buy from the store to help with the pain as the ingrown toenail gets worse. Here is what you can expect with the early and later stages.

Early Warning Signs to Watch For

If you catch an ingrown toenail early, it will be easier to treat. The first signs can be mild, and it may be simple to miss them if you are not looking for them. You may feel the skin by your nail is a bit hard or sore. It can feel this way when you press on it or when you wear shoes that are tight [2][3][4].

This first sign of pain is because the ingrown portion of the nail is pushing into the nail fold. When this goes on, you might notice other easy-to-see changes on the affected toe. The skin can look a bit red and puffy as the swelling starts to show [2][3][4].

If you think you have an ingrown toenail, watch out for these early signs:

• Pain and feeling sore on one or both sides of the nail.
• A little redness is there around the toenail.
• A bit of swelling is in the skin beside the nail.
• The toe feels uncomfortable when you wear shoes that push on it.

Progression to Pain and Infection

If you do not take care of an ingrown toenail early, the pain will get stronger. That part of your toe can feel very sore when you touch it, and it may hurt just to walk or put on socks. The redness and swelling can get worse, too. This happens because your body is trying hard to deal with the nail stuck in your skin.

When the nail goes through the skin, it causes a cut that can let germs in. This open place can easily get infected, which is something that happens to a lot of people. If you have an infection, you might see that the area gets more red, feels warmer, and you could see pus or clear liquid coming out. The Cleveland Clinic says an ingrown toenail that gets infected needs quick care. This helps stop it from getting worse or spreading.

In severe cases, you may need to see a healthcare provider. They can give you topical antibiotics to put right on the spot. Sometimes, they may also prescribe oral antibiotics to help fight the infection inside your body. If you think you have an infection, do not ignore it. Serious problems can come up if you wait, so it’s good to see a doctor at this time.

At-Home Care for Ingrown Toenails

For many people, it is possible to treat mild ingrown toenails with easy home remedies [1][2][3]. If you take care of the nail early and there is not an infection, a few steps at home may help with pain and help the nail grow out in the right way. These home remedies often be about making the skin softer and trying to move the nail away from the skin.

The most common way to treat this at home is to soak the foot in warm, soapy water. Soaking in soapy water helps to bring down swelling and make the nail feel better. After you soak it, take a small piece of cotton and gently put it under the nail edge. This can help lift the nail and ease your pain. These methods are safe and work well for helping with your symptoms at home.

Safe Self-Treatment Strategies

If you have an ingrown toenail that is not very bad and there is no infection, you can try to take care of it by yourself. The main thing you want to do is to soften the skin and lift the nail edge. This helps the nail grow up instead of into the skin. Put your foot in warm water for about 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this three or four times each day. Adding Epsom salt to the warm water may help with swelling and pain [1][2].

After you soak your foot, dry it well. Try to lift the corner of the nail. You can take a small piece of cotton or even some dental floss [1]. Gently put it under the nail edge. This creates some space between the nail and the skin. It helps the nail grow out instead of going into the skin. Make sure you change the cotton or dental floss each day. This keeps the area clean.

Using a topical antibiotic ointment can help stop an infection from starting [2][5]. To keep foot problems from getting worse, you should follow these important steps:

• Soak your foot in warm water often. It helps the nail feel better.
• Lift the nail edge slowly. Go easy when you do this.
• Place cotton or dental floss under the nail edge at the corner. This helps the nail grow the right way.
• Keep your foot dry for the day after you do these steps.

Safety First: Ingrown Toenail Care

• Consult a Clinician: If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve damage in your feet, you need to see a doctor. Get help from a medical professional if you notice signs of infection. These include pus, redness that is getting worse, or fever. You should also get help if the pain is serious.
• Avoid "Bathroom Surgery": Do not try to cut or remove the ingrown nail on your own. This may lead to a bad infection. [2][3][5]
• At-Risk Groups: People with diabetes, elderly people, and those who have weak immune systems must talk to a healthcare provider before they try any care at home. [3][6][7]

The ingrown nail can be dangerous, and problems like nerve damage and poor circulation make the risk even higher.

NatraCure Products for Relief (with SKU Link)

While you try different home remedies to help your ingrown toenail, it is important to keep the sore area safe. Wearing shoes puts thet pressure right on that spot. This can make the inflamed skin feel worse and cause more pain. It can even make it hard for you to walk or get through your day. Using something that cushions your toe will give you relief right away.

The NatraCure Gel Toe Cap & Protector (#1125-M RET) is a good thing to use with your treatment plan. It is soft and bends easily, so you can slip it over your toe without much trouble. This cap makes a soft shield between the sore spot and your shoe. Inside, the gel sends out medical-grade oil to keep the skin smooth and feel better.

Integrating this protector into your routine can help in many ways:

• It lowers the rubbing and keeps pressure off the toenail that grows in.
• It gives soft padding to help with pain when you walk.
• It keeps the toe safe from more hurt. This item works with other home remedies, to help you feel good while your nail gets better.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Many ingrown toenails can get better with home care. But it is important to know when you need to see a health care provider. If you feel strong pain, notice it getting worse, or see pus, you should talk to a health care provider. Ignoring these signs can raise the risk of complications.

You need to be careful if you have health problems like poor blood flow or nerve damage. The Mayo Clinic says that people with diabetes, poor blood flow, or nerve damage in their feet should contact a doctor right away for any infection or sore, including an ingrown toenail. These problems can cause small sores to become severe cases and may lead to serious health risks.

Signs of Complications or Infection

An ingrown toenail that is not treated can do more than cause pain. It may let bacteria in, leading to an infection. When the nail cuts the skin, it gives germs a way to get inside the body. The risk of complications goes up a lot if you have poor circulation or if your immune system is not strong. In these cases, it can be much harder for your body to fight off the infection.

The skin around the affected toe can look red and feel sore. This shows it is inflamed. If it gets worse, the infection may show extra signs. You may see more swelling in the toe. The skin on the toe could feel warm. Sometimes, pus or clear fluid may come out from the area. If you feel sick and get a fever, the infection may be spreading in your body. This means you should get help from a doctor soon.

Don't miss these warning signs. Get medical help if you see:

• The pain is strong and keeps getting worse. [2][3][5]
• The redness moves away from the nail.
• You may see pus or drainage coming from the corner of the nail.

People with diabetes, poor circulation, or neuropathy should seek prompt care [3][6][7]. Untreated cases can lead to cellulitis; in high-risk patients, deeper infection (rarely osteomyelitis) [2][3][6][7].

Professional Diagnosis and Treatment Options

When you go to a health care provider for an ingrown toenail, they will look at your toe to check the problem. They do not often need to run special tests to find out what is wrong. After taking a look, the provider will figure out how bad it is. Then, they will tell you the best way to get better. This might be some easy care or, in some cases, they might talk about surgical approaches if you need more help.

For a nail that is very red or has an infection, the doctor may tell you to get a minor surgical procedure. This will be done with local anesthesia. A common way to treat the nail is called partial nail avulsion. In this method, the ingrown portion of the nail is taken out.

If you get ingrown toenails again and again, there is another way to fix it. The doctor will do a wedge resection and use a special method to destroy the part of the nail matrix that is causing the nail to grow back. This helps stop the nail from growing in the same spot again.

Conclusion

Ingrown toenails hurt and can be hard to deal with. To feel better, you need to know what causes them and what signs to look for. You can try safe home remedies and use NatraCure products made for feet. These can help make the pain go away and help your toes heal. Some home remedies do work, but there are times when you should see a doctor to keep things from getting worse. There are things you can do now, such as cutting your nails the right way and wearing shoes that fit well. This can help lower your chance of getting ingrown toenails. If you want less pain, look at the different NatraCure products that help with foot health. Ingrown toenails do not have to stop you from doing what you love. Use these tips and products today, and help your feet feel good again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can ingrown toenails be prevented, and how?

Yes, it is important to stop ingrown toenails before they start. To prevent them, trim toenails straight across using a sharp nail trimmer. Do not cut them too short. Good foot care means wearing shoes that fit well and do not press on your toes. Nail care like this helps keep you from getting this painful problem.

What complications can arise from untreated ingrown toenails?

If you leave ingrown toenails untreated, they can get a bacterial infection. In severe cases, especially with people who have poor blood flow or nerve damage from diabetes or other health problems, this infection can spread to the bone. This will raise the risk of complications. It can cause tissue to rot and may lead to other big health problems.

Are some people at higher risk for developing ingrown toenails?

Yes, some people have a higher chance of getting this. Genetics can be a reason, especially if you have curved nails or if the shape of your toe is large. Other risk factors are taking part in hard sports, having poor circulation, or dealing with foot problems. Young people may get this more often because their feet sweat more.

What are the main symptoms of an ingrown toenail?

The main signs of an ingrown nail are toe pain and tenderness. This happens more when you put pressure on the nail. You may see redness and the skin around the nail might look swollen. The area can feel warm, too. If the inflamed skin gets infected, there could be pus coming out from it.

What causes an ingrown toenail to develop?

The most common causes happen when you trim the nail the wrong way, like cutting it too short or rounding the edges. Wearing shoes that are too tight and press on the toes can also cause problems. Other reasons can be injury to the toe, genetics that make the nail grow more curved, or putting pressure on the side of the nail again and again.

How can I treat an ingrown toenail at home?

Home remedies can help when the pain is not too bad. Soak your foot in warm, soapy water for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day. After you take your foot out, you can gently lift the nail. Put a small piece of cotton underneath the nail. You can use a topical antibiotic ointment on the area so there is less risk of infection.

When should I see a doctor for an ingrown toenail?

You should visit a health care provider, podiatrist, or dermatologist if you have severe cases with a lot of pain or if you see signs of an infection like pus or skin becoming more red. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, it is very important to get medical care. The risk of complications is higher for these people.

What are the possible complications of an untreated ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail that is not treated can make you get a bad infection. If you get this infection, it may move deeper into your toe, and even reach the bone. This can cause a disease called osteomyelitis. People who have poor blood circulation are at a greater risk of complications. These can include ulcers and parts of the tissue breaking down. This is why it is very important to treat this problem quickly, so you do not get serious foot problems.

How can I prevent ingrown toenails in the future?

Future prevention is based on having good foot care. Always trim toenails straight across. Make sure you keep them at a good length and not too short. Use a clean and sharp nail trimmer every time. Wearing shoes that fit well and making sure your feet do not get hurt are other important steps. These habits will help you with risk and help you have healthy nails. Nail care is better when you follow these simple tip.

Are there professional treatments available for persistent ingrown toenails?

Yes, in cases that do not get better, doctors have a few surgical approaches you can try. A minor surgical procedure called partial nail avulsion can take out the nail edge that causes pain. If the nail edge keeps coming back, a wedge resection is sometimes done. The doctor may use a chemical such as sodium hydroxide or phenol during this. This stops that part of the nail from growing again.

What are the typical steps involved in diagnosing an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail is easy for a health care provider to spot. The provider will look closely at the affected toe. They will check for pain, swelling, and red skin around the area. The nail’s growth will also be checked. Usually, you do not need any extra tests for this.

Is an ingrown toenail more common in certain age groups or people?

Yes, this common condition happens mostly in young people and teenagers. Their feet often sweat more, so the skin and nail get soft. This can cause problems with nail care. Things like your genes, how active you are, and not taking good care of your nails are risk factors. These can make you get recurrent ingrown toenails at any age.

Can wearing certain types of shoes cause ingrown toenails?

Yes, tight shoes are one of the main reasons people get ingrown toenails. When shoes squeeze your toes, they press on the nail. This makes the edge of the nail grow into skin. You can help stop this by picking shoes with a wide toe area that does not push your toes together. A comfy shoe keeps the nail and the edge of the nail from hurting you.

Reference list

1. [1] Eekhof JA, Van Wijk B, Knuistingh Neven A, van der Wouden JC. Ingrown Toenails. American Family Physician. 2009;79(4):303-308. (Conservative care, cotton/floss, footwear, partial avulsion, phenolization.)
   https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2009/0215/p303.html
2. [2] Richards RN; Ingrown Toenails. StatPearls. Updated 2024. (Pathophysiology, symptoms, home care vs. surgical care, red flags.)
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546697/
3. [3] Mayo Clinic. Ingrown toenails: Symptoms & causes; Complications; When to see a doctor. (Higher risk/complications in diabetes, when to seek care.)
   https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ingrown-toenails/symptoms-causes/syc-20355903
4. [4] Cleveland Clinic. Ingrown Toenail (Onychocryptosis). (Symptoms including pus, nail-trimming advice.)
   https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17664-ingrown-toenail
5. [5] NICE CKS. Ingrowing toenail – Clinical Knowledge Summary. Updated 2023. (Assessment, footwear, conservative measures, antibiotics, referral.)
   https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/ingrowing-toenail/
6. [6] NIDDK (NIH). Diabetes and Foot Problems. (Why diabetes increases risk, neuropathy/ischemia, infection risk, seek prompt care.)
   https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/foot-problems
7. [7] CDC. Your Feet and Diabetes. (Foot checks, when to seek help; increased risk of infection and poor healing in diabetes.)
   https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-complications/diabetes-and-your-feet.html
8. [8] Eekhof JA, Van Wijk B, Knuistingh Neven A, van der Wouden JC. Interventions for ingrowing toenails. Cochrane Review 2012; update status cited in AAFP. (Phenolization/matricectomy reduces recurrence.)
   https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD001541.pub3/full
9. [9] Rounding C, Hulm S. Surgical treatments for ingrowing toenails. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005;(2):CD001541. (Matrix ablation techniques and outcomes.)
   https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD001541.pub2/full

Note: External links are provided for reference and do not constitute medical advice.