An ingrown toenail happens when the corner or edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. It most often affects the big toe and can cause pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection

At first, an ingrown toenail may seem like a minor problem. However, when the nail continues pressing into the skin, the area can become increasingly painful and irritated. For patients with diabetes, poor circulation, numbness, or a weakened immune system, an ingrown toenail can become more serious and should be checked promptly.

At Orange County Foot & Ankle Institute, Dr. Amir Lebaschi, DPM evaluates painful or infected ingrown toenails and provides treatment based on the severity of the problem.

What Causes an Ingrown Toenail?

Several factors can cause or worsen an ingrown toenail. Common causes include:

• Cutting toenails too short
• Rounding the corners of the nails
• Tight shoes that press on the toes
• Injury to the toenail
• Repeated pressure from walking, sports, or work shoes
• Naturally curved or thick toenails
• Nail fungus or nail deformity

In some cases, the nail shape makes ingrown toenails more likely to return.

Common Symptoms

An ingrown toenail may cause:

• Pain along the side of the nail
• Redness or swelling around the toe
• Tender skin near the nail edge
• Drainage or pus
• Bleeding
• Warmth around the toe
• Difficulty wearing shoes comfortably

When infection develops, the toe may become more swollen, painful, and warm. There may also be drainage, odor, or extra tissue growing around the nail edge.

When Home Care May Help

Mild cases may improve with careful foot care. Warm-water soaks can help reduce tenderness and swelling. After soaking, keep the toe dry and protect it from shoe pressure.

Choose shoes with a wide toe box and avoid tight footwear that pushes against the affected toe. Do not dig under the nail, cut deeply into the corner, or try to remove the ingrown portion yourself.

For patients with diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy, or a history of foot wounds, it is safer to seek professional care rather than attempt home treatment. These conditions increase the risk of complications.

When Professional Ingrown Toenail Treatment Is Needed

A podiatrist may recommend treatment when the nail is painful, infected, recurring, or difficult to manage safely.

Treatment may include carefully removing the ingrown edge of the nail, cleaning the area, and treating infection when needed. The procedure is typically performed in the office using local anesthesia.

For recurrent ingrown toenails, a podiatrist may remove the affected nail edge and treat the small section of nail root that produces it. This helps prevent that portion of the nail from growing back into the skin.

Why You Should Not Cut an Ingrown Toenail at Home

Trying to dig into the side of the nail or cut away the corner can make the problem worse. This can injure the skin, leave a sharp nail edge behind, or create an opening for bacteria.

Over-the-counter products and harsh chemical treatments may also irritate the skin. This is especially concerning for patients with diabetes, numbness, or poor circulation.

Professional treatment can remove the problem area safely and help reduce the chance of infection or recurrence.

How to Help Prevent Ingrown Toenails

You can lower your risk of ingrown toenails by:

• Trimming toenails straight across
• Avoiding very short nail trimming
• Filing sharp corners rather than cutting deeply
• Wearing shoes with enough toe room
• Keeping feet clean and dry
• Treating thick, curved, fungal, or damaged nails early
• Scheduling routine foot care when you have diabetes or difficulty trimming nails safely

When to See a Podiatrist Right Away

Schedule an evaluation promptly if you have:

• Increasing redness, swelling, or pain
• Drainage, pus, or odor
• Bleeding around the toenail
• A toe that feels warm or looks infected
• A recurring ingrown toenail
• Diabetes, numbness, poor circulation, or a history of foot ulcers
• Difficulty walking or wearing shoes because of toe pain

The Bottom Line

An ingrown toenail may begin as a small irritation, but it can become painful and infected if it is not treated properly. Early podiatric care can relieve pain, protect the skin, and help prevent the problem from returning.

At Orange County Foot & Ankle Institute, Dr. Amir Lebaschi, DPM provides evaluation and treatment for ingrown toenails, nail infections, thick nails, and other foot and ankle concerns. If your toe is painful, swollen, draining, or repeatedly becoming ingrown, do not wait for it to worsen.