What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail happens when the edge or corner of a toenail curves and grows into the surrounding skin instead of straight out over it, usually at the nail border. This most often affects the big toe. The pressure of the nail digging into the skin causes pain, redness, swelling, and warmth along that edge, and if the skin breaks, bacteria can get in and cause an infection.
Ingrown toenails are one of the most common toe problems we see, and they range from mild irritation to a genuinely painful, infected nail fold. Most cases respond well to simple in-office care, and getting it treated early keeps a minor annoyance from turning into a bigger problem.
What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?
The telltale sign is pain along one or both sides of the nail, especially when pressure is applied from shoes or walking. As irritation builds, additional symptoms often appear:
- Redness and swelling along the nail border
- Tenderness or throbbing pain when the area is touched or bumped
- Warmth in the skin next to the nail
- Skin that looks like it is growing over the edge of the nail
- Drainage, odor, or visible pus if the area has become infected
If you notice pus, spreading redness, or red streaking away from the toe, that points to infection and warrants prompt evaluation, particularly if you have diabetes or circulation problems — see our diabetic foot care guide for more on why nail issues need extra attention in that situation.
What causes ingrown toenails, and who is at risk?
Ingrown toenails develop when the nail's growth pattern or outside pressure pushes the nail edge into the skin. Common causes include:
- Heredity — some people are simply more prone to curved or wide nails that tend to grow inward
- Trauma — stubbing a toe, dropping something on it, or repetitive pressure from running or kicking sports
- Improper trimming — cutting nails too short or rounding the corners instead of trimming straight across
- Tight footwear — shoes or socks that crowd the toes and press the nail into the skin
- Nail conditions — a fungal infection or a nail that has thickened or grown abnormally after an old injury
Anyone can develop an ingrown toenail, but people who play sports with repetitive toe impact, wear narrow shoes, or have a family history of the condition tend to see it recur.
How do we diagnose an ingrown toenail?
Diagnosing an ingrown toenail is straightforward — your podiatrist examines the toe, looks at how the nail is growing into the skin, and checks for signs of infection such as drainage, spreading redness, or excess warmth. We will also ask about your footwear, trimming habits, and any past episodes to understand why it is happening and how to help prevent a repeat.
For patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system, we take extra care during the exam, since even a small ingrown nail can become a more serious issue if it is not caught early.
How is an ingrown toenail treated?
Treatment depends on how irritated or infected the nail is. Mild cases often improve with home care, while more painful or recurring cases benefit from a quick in-office procedure.
Home care
- Soaking the foot in room-temperature water, with Epsom salt if you like, several times a day
- Gently massaging the side of the nail fold to help ease inflammation
- Wearing roomier, properly fitted shoes while the toe heals
Physician care
When home care isn't enough, or the nail is clearly infected, we numb the toe with a local anesthetic and remove the offending piece of nail (a partial nail avulsion) so the pressure and pain resolve immediately. For toes that keep getting ingrown nails in the same spot, we can also treat the nail root (matrixectomy) at the time of the procedure so that sliver of nail does not grow back — this significantly lowers the chance of recurrence in that corner.
A word of caution on home treatment: avoid cutting notches or a "V" into the nail, repeatedly trimming down the borders, tucking cotton or dental floss under the nail edge, or relying only on over-the-counter ingrown-nail medications. These home remedies are commonly recommended online but can push the problem deeper or delay proper treatment.
How can you prevent ingrown toenails?
The two most effective habits are trimming toenails straight across (not rounded at the corners) without cutting them too short, and wearing shoes and socks that give your toes enough room and don't crowd the nail bed. If you are prone to ingrown nails from a fungal infection or an old injury, treating the underlying nail problem also helps prevent future episodes.
When should you see a podiatrist for an ingrown toenail?
See a podiatrist if the toe is significantly painful, if home soaking and gentle care haven't helped after a few days, or if you notice pus, spreading redness, red streaking, or fever — these are signs of infection that need prompt treatment. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve damage in the feet should have any ingrown toenail evaluated by a professional rather than treating it at home, since minor foot problems can escalate quickly in those situations. When you're ready, you can request an appointment at either of our Northern Utah offices.
Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute is a locally rooted podiatry practice serving Farmington, South Ogden, and the surrounding Davis and Weber County communities. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians focus exclusively on the foot and ankle, so a painful ingrown toenail can typically be numbed and treated the same visit — no separate referral needed.
We also offer same-day appointments for painful or infected nails. Learn more about our Farmington and South Ogden locations or call the office nearest you.
Medically reviewed by the physicians at Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained podiatrists provide foot and ankle care in Farmington and South Ogden, Utah. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation.
