Ingrown toenails are a fairly common condition in which the corner or side of a toenail grows into the skin next to the toenail. This is usually painful and causes the skin to well and become inflamed. Sometimes this can also lead to an infection. Most ingrown toenails occur on the big toe.

This most often happens when people cut their toenails by rounding or tapering the corner of the nail. If the toenail curves with the shape of your toe, it can grow into your skin.That being said, anyone can get an ingrown toenail. People at a higher risk include:

  • Adolescents
  • Athletes
  • People with diabetes
  • People with severe nerve damage in their leg or foot
  • People with poor blood circulation

What actually causes an ingrown toenail?

  • Cutting your toenail too short or rounded may cause the nail to grow into your skin
  • Improperly fitting shoes
  • Tearing the corner of your toenail
  • Toe trauma, such as banging your toe or getting stepped on
  • Your toe shape, or if the nail border naturally grows around your nail

An ingrown toenail can become infected. Signs of an infected ingrown toenail include: liquid or pus coming out of your toe, severe pain, redness or swelling, and a feeling like our toe is warm or hot. If you think you might have an infection from an ingrown toenail, please visit one of our clinics. Both Regional Family Medicine locations offer minor surgery services, including ingrown toenail management.

Mild ingrown toenails can usually be treated at home. If you notice the signs of one, you can try the following:

  • Soak your foot in warm (not hot) water for 15 minutes a few times a day. You can add magnesium Epsom salt to the water to help soothe the infected area.
  • Place a piece of dental floss or a small piece of wet cotton under the affected nail. This can help you gently lift the ingrown portion of the nail away from your skin.
  • Wear open-toed or wider shoes so your toes have extra space to reduce pressure and ease pain.
  • If you need to cut your toenails, gently trim the toenail straight across, avoiding cutting nail corners too short.