Ingrown Toenail: Causes, Treatment, Removal, and Prevention
Nov 3, 2026 · Dr. J. Adrian Wright
An ingrown toenail is one of the most common foot problems podiatrists treat, and one of the easiest to fix when it's caught early. Left alone, a painful ingrown toenail can become infected, keep you out of your shoes, and sideline you from work, workouts, and sports. This guide covers what causes an ingrown toenail, how to recognize an infected ingrown toenail, which home remedies help (and which make things worse), and what ingrown toenail removal involves. It also explains how to keep ingrown toenails from coming back.
What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail happens when the side or corner of a toenail curls or grows into the soft skin next to it. The nail edge pierces the skin, which triggers pain, redness, and swelling. Because the skin is broken, bacteria can get in and cause an infection.
The medical term for an ingrown toenail is onychocryptosis. Any toe can be affected, but an ingrown big toenail is by far the most common. The big toe carries the most pressure when you stand, walk, and run, and its nail is the widest and thickest.
Ingrown toenails affect people of every age. They are especially common in teenagers, young adults, athletes, and people whose nails are naturally curved or thick. Some people have a single episode after cutting a nail too short. Others deal with a recurring ingrown toenail on the same toe for years until it's permanently corrected.
The good news is that ingrown toenail treatment is usually quick and effective. Most cases are resolved in one short office visit under local anesthesia, and most patients walk out of the office and are back to their normal routine within a day or two.
Ingrown toenail symptoms
Ingrown toenail symptoms usually start mild and build over several days. Common signs include:
Pain or tenderness along one or both sides of the nail
Pain that gets worse when pressure is put on the toe, such as in shoes, socks, or under bedsheets
Redness and swelling of the skin fold next to the nail
Skin that feels hard or thickened along the nail edge
Warmth around the toe
Pus, drainage, or an unpleasant odor (signs of infection)
A red, fleshy bump of tissue that bleeds easily and grows over the nail edge
The three stages of an ingrown toenail
Podiatrists often describe ingrown toenails in three stages. Knowing which stage you're in helps decide what kind of treatment you need.
Stage 1: Inflammation. The skin beside the nail is red, mildly swollen, and sore when pressed. There's no drainage yet. Careful home care sometimes resolves stage 1, though the nail edge is often still embedded.
Stage 2: Infection. Swelling and pain increase. The area may drain pus or clear fluid, and the skin feels warm. At this stage the nail edge almost always needs to be removed by a professional.
Stage 3: Chronic inflammation and overgrowth. Swollen granulation tissue (sometimes called proud flesh) grows over the nail edge. The toe may be swollen for weeks. Stage 3 ingrown toenails need in-office treatment and are often good candidates for permanent correction.
The earlier you get an ingrown toenail treated, the simpler the treatment and the faster the recovery.
What causes an ingrown toenail?
Most ingrown toenails come down to three things: how the nail is trimmed, how much pressure the toe is under, and the natural shape of the nail. Often more than one is involved. The most common ingrown toenail causes are:
Improper nail trimming
Cutting toenails too short, or rounding the corners to match the shape of the toe, is the single most common cause. When the corner is cut back below the skin line, the skin fold rolls over the nail edge. As the nail grows forward, it pushes straight into that skin. Tearing or picking at the nail has the same effect and often leaves a sharp spike that digs in.
Tight or poorly fitting shoes
Shoes with a narrow or shallow toe box squeeze the toes together and press the skin into the side of the nail. High heels push the toes forward into the front of the shoe, which adds even more pressure. Tight socks, compression hosiery, and cleats that are a half size too small can all contribute.
Toe injuries and repetitive impact
Stubbing a toe, dropping something heavy on it, or having it stepped on can damage the nail and push it into the skin. Repetitive microtrauma matters too. Running, soccer, basketball, tennis, football, and dance all involve repeated forceful contact between the toes and the shoe, especially during quick stops and changes of direction.
Nail shape and genetics
Some people are simply born with nails that are wider than the nail bed, or that curve sharply downward at the edges (sometimes called pincer or trumpet nails). These nail shapes are often inherited. That's why ingrown toenails tend to run in families and keep coming back, even with careful trimming.
Sweaty feet
Feet that stay damp for long periods have softer skin, which the nail edge can pierce more easily. This is one reason ingrown toenails are so common in teenagers and athletes, who often spend hours in closed, sweaty shoes.
Thickened or damaged nails
Toenail fungus, aging, and previous injuries can make nails thicker, harder to trim, and more likely to curve abnormally. Thick nails press harder on the surrounding skin.
Posture and foot structure
Bunions, hammertoes, and the way your foot rolls when you walk can shift pressure onto the side of the big toe. Over time that pressure can push the skin into the nail. When this is a factor, a podiatrist will address the underlying mechanics, not just the nail.
Who is most at risk for ingrown toenails?
Anyone can get an ingrown toenail, but some groups see them far more often.
Athletes and active adults
Runners, soccer players, and other athletes put repeated force through the front of the foot. Tight cleats, long training sessions, sweaty socks, and the occasional stubbed toe or stepped-on foot all add up. For athletes, an ingrown toenail isn't just painful. It can change how you push off and cut, and it can cost you training days or game time. Sports medicine podiatrists treat ingrown toenails in athletes with an eye on getting them back to play quickly and keeping the problem from recurring mid-season.
Teenagers
Ingrown toenails are especially common in adolescents. Fast-growing feet, frequently outgrown shoes, sweaty feet, sports, and do-it-yourself nail trimming are a common combination. Many teens also try to dig out the nail corner themselves, which usually makes it worse.
Children
Ingrown toenails in kids are often caused by shoes or socks that have become too small, or by parents rounding the corners of the nails while trimming. Infants sometimes have nails that look ingrown because their skin folds are soft and their nails are thin. These often improve on their own, but redness, swelling, or drainage should be checked by a doctor. Ingrown toenail removal in children is done the same way as in adults, using local anesthetic, and kids tolerate it well.
People with diabetes or poor circulation
For people with diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or neuropathy (nerve damage in the feet), an ingrown toenail is more than a nuisance. Reduced sensation means the problem may not be noticed until it's infected, and reduced blood flow slows healing. A minor ingrown toenail can lead to a serious foot infection or ulcer. If you're in this group, have any ingrown toenail evaluated by a podiatrist rather than treating it at home.
Older adults
Nails tend to thicken and curve with age, and they become harder to trim properly, especially if bending down or seeing the feet is difficult. Routine professional nail care can prevent many ingrown toenails in older adults.
Infected ingrown toenail: signs and when to see a podiatrist
An infected ingrown toenail is the point where most people realize this isn't going to go away on its own. Signs that your ingrown toenail is infected include:
Increasing pain, throbbing, or tenderness
Spreading redness or swelling
Warmth around the toe
Yellow or white pus, or any drainage
A bad odor
Swollen tissue growing over the nail
When to see a podiatrist for an ingrown toenail
Make an appointment with a podiatrist if:
Your toe shows any of the infection signs above
The pain doesn't improve after two to three days of home care
You can see or feel the nail edge embedded in the skin
You've had an ingrown toenail on the same toe before
The pain is affecting how you walk, work, train, or sleep
Seek care the same day if you have a fever, chills, or red streaks running up the foot or leg. These can be signs that an infection is spreading.
If you have diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy, or a weakened immune system, call your podiatrist at the first sign of an ingrown toenail. Don't wait to see whether it gets better, and don't attempt to cut it out yourself.
Why a podiatrist, and not urgent care?
Urgent care and primary care providers can prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics can calm an infection, but they don't remove the nail edge that's causing it, so the problem often returns once the prescription runs out. A podiatrist is a foot and ankle specialist who can numb the toe, remove the offending nail edge, treat any infection, and permanently correct the nail if it keeps coming back. All of that usually happens in the same visit.
Ingrown toenail home remedies: what helps and what to avoid
For a mild, early ingrown toenail with no signs of infection, in a healthy person without diabetes or circulation problems, some home care is reasonable for a few days.
Home remedies that can help
Warm soaks. Soak the foot in warm (not hot) water for 15 to 20 minutes, three to four times a day. Plain water or water with Epsom salt both work. Soaking softens the skin and reduces swelling.
Dry the foot thoroughly. Keep the toe clean and dry between soaks.
Topical antibiotic ointment. Apply a thin layer of an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment and cover it with a clean bandage.
Open or roomy shoes. Wear sandals or shoes with a wide toe box until the toe settles down. Avoid tight socks.
Over-the-counter pain relief. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with discomfort if they're safe for you.
If the toe isn't clearly improving within two to three days, or if it gets worse at any point, stop home treatment and see a podiatrist.
Common mistakes that make ingrown toenails worse
"Bathroom surgery." Digging out the nail corner with clippers, scissors, or tweezers is the most common mistake. It rarely gets the whole edge and usually leaves a sharp spike deeper in the skin. It also opens the door to infection.
Cutting a V in the nail. An old myth says cutting a notch in the center of the nail makes the sides pull inward. Nails don't grow that way, and it doesn't help.
Cutting the nail shorter. Trimming the nail back further to relieve pressure often sets up a worse ingrown toenail as it grows back.
Jamming cotton under the nail. Forcing cotton or floss under an inflamed nail edge can trap bacteria and increase pain. Leave this to your podiatrist.
Waiting it out. Ingrown toenails rarely resolve on their own once the nail edge is embedded. Waiting usually leads to infection and a longer recovery.
Relying on "ingrown toenail relief" products alone. Over-the-counter gels and kits may soften the skin, but they don't remove the nail edge.
Ingrown toenail treatment options
Ingrown toenail treatment depends on the stage, whether there's an infection, and whether this is the first episode or a recurring ingrown toenail. Here's how the main options compare:
Treatment | Best for | What's involved | Recovery |
Conservative care | Stage 1, no infection, low-risk patients | Warm soaks, antibiotic ointment, roomy shoes. In the office, a podiatrist may gently lift the nail edge and place a small splint or packing under it. | Improvement within a few days if it's going to work |
Partial nail avulsion (ingrown toenail removal) | Painful or infected ingrown toenails, first episode | Local anesthetic numbs the toe. The narrow strip of nail that's ingrown is trimmed away from front to back, and the area is cleaned and dressed. The rest of the nail stays. | Back to normal activity in 1–2 days for most patients; full healing in about 1–2 weeks |
Matrixectomy (permanent ingrown toenail removal) | Recurring ingrown toenails, or curved nails likely to keep ingrowing | After the edge is removed, the nail root (matrix) under that strip is treated, usually with a chemical called phenol, so that strip doesn't grow back. The nail ends up slightly narrower and looks normal. | Back to normal activity in 1–2 days; mild drainage for 2–4 weeks while it heals; recurrence is much less likely |
Total nail avulsion | Severely damaged due to trauma | The entire nail is removed, with or without treating the matrix. | Longer healing; a new nail, if allowed to regrow, takes 12–18 months |
Antibiotics | Active infection | Oral or topical antibiotics, usually combined with removal of the nail edge | Clears infection, but doesn't fix the cause on its own |
Ingrown toenail surgery vs. a minor procedure
The phrase "ingrown toenail surgery" sounds bigger than it is. Partial nail avulsion and matrixectomy are minor in-office procedures. They're done with a local numbing injection, with no general anesthesia, IV, or operating room, and usually take less than 30 minutes including preparation. You drive yourself home and walk out in a surgical shoe or a roomy sneaker. At Quantum we do microinjections with one of the smallest needles in medicine to minimize pain or discomfort while inducing local anesthesia. We may also buffer the injection with sodium bicarbonate to increase the pH of the anesthesia so that it does not burn as much when being administered.
Is permanent correction right for me?
If you've had an ingrown toenail on the same side of the same toe more than once, a matrixectomy is usually worth considering. It's also a good choice for athletes who can't afford repeat flare-ups during a season, and for people whose nails are naturally curved. Your podiatrist will talk through the pros and cons for your situation.
Ingrown toenail removal: what to expect at your appointment
Many people put off ingrown toenail removal because they're nervous about the procedure. Knowing what happens can make it much less intimidating. A typical visit goes like this:
Evaluation. Your podiatrist examines the toe, asks about your history and any medical conditions, and checks for infection. If the toe has been injured or infected for a long time, an X-ray may be taken to rule out bone involvement.
Discussing options. You'll talk through whether a partial nail avulsion or a permanent correction makes more sense, based on your history and goals.
Numbing the toe. A local anesthetic is injected at the base of the toe (a digital block) and gentle administered along the affected area. We use a special technique at Quantum with microdosing of local anesthesia to specific key regions to maximum patient comfort. Most patients describe a brief pinch and pressure. After a few minutes the procedure site will be numb.
Removing the nail edge. The podiatrist frees the ingrown strip of nail and removes it, front to back. Any infected or overgrown tissue is cleaned out.
Treating the root (if permanent). For a matrixectomy, a chemical such as phenol is applied to the nail root under that strip for a short time, then neutralized.
Dressing. The toe is covered with antibiotic ointment and a protective bandage.
Aftercare instructions. You'll go home with written instructions for soaking and changing the dressing, plus a plan for a follow-up visit if needed.
Most patients are surprised at how fast the relief comes. The pressure from the nail edge is gone as soon as it's removed, so once the anesthetic wears off, the toe often feels better than it did before the visit.
Ingrown toenail removal recovery and aftercare
Recovery after ingrown toenail removal is usually quick and straightforward. Your podiatrist's instructions come first, but a typical recovery looks like this:
Day of the procedure. The toe stays numb for a few hours. Keep the foot elevated when you can, and leave the first dressing in place as directed. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually enough once the numbness wears off.
Days 1–3. Most people return to work, school, and normal walking. Start the soaking and dressing routine your podiatrist gave you, typically warm soaks once or twice a day followed by antibiotic ointment and a fresh bandage.
Week 1. Soreness fades. Wear open-toed or roomy shoes, and avoid tight footwear and anything that presses on the toe.
Weeks 2–4. After a partial nail avulsion, the skin is usually healed in one to two weeks. After a matrixectomy, the area often drains a small amount of clear or yellowish fluid for two to four weeks. That's a normal part of healing, not a sign of infection.
Returning to sports and exercise
Most patients can return to light activity within a few days. Running, cleats, and contact sports are usually fine once the toe is comfortable in your athletic shoe without pain, often within one to two weeks, and sometimes sooner. Your podiatrist will give you a timeline based on the procedure, your sport, and how the toe is healing. Protective padding can help in the early days back.
When to call your podiatrist after the procedure
Call the office if you notice increasing redness, swelling, or pain after the first few days. Also call for thick or foul-smelling drainage, a fever, or anything that doesn't seem to be following the expected course.
How to prevent ingrown toenails
Most ingrown toenails can be prevented. Not every case can, since some nail shapes are inherited, but these habits go a long way:
Cut toenails straight across. Trim straight across the nail, without rounding the corners or cutting down into the sides. The corners should stay visible above the skin.
Don't cut them too short. Leave the nail roughly level with the tip of the toe.
Use proper toenail clippers. Toenail clippers are larger and straighter than fingernail clippers. Keep them clean and sharp, and smooth any rough edges with a nail file.
Trim after a shower or bath. Nails are softer and easier to cut cleanly when they're warm and damp.
Wear shoes that fit. Look for a toe box roomy enough to wiggle your toes. Get fitted later in the day, when feet are slightly larger, and replace kids' shoes as their feet grow.
Choose the right athletic footwear. Running shoes and cleats should be fitted for your sport and replaced when they wear out. Leave a thumb's width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
Keep feet dry. Wear moisture-wicking socks, change out of sweaty socks after workouts, and let shoes dry out between wears.
Protect your toes. Wear steel-toed or protective footwear if your job puts your feet at risk.
Don't pick or tear your nails. Tearing a nail often leaves a jagged edge that grows into the skin.
Inspect your feet regularly. This is essential if you have diabetes or poor circulation. Check daily for redness, swelling, or changes in your nails.
Get professional nail care when you need it. If your nails are thick, curved, or difficult to reach, a podiatrist can trim them safely.
If you get ingrown toenails again and again despite good habits, the cause is likely the shape of the nail itself. That's when permanent correction is worth discussing.
Ingrown toenail FAQs
Can an ingrown toenail go away on its own?
A very mild ingrown toenail sometimes settles with warm soaks and roomy shoes, especially if the nail edge hasn't broken the skin. Once the nail is embedded, infected, or there's overgrown tissue, it rarely resolves on its own and usually needs professional treatment.
Does ingrown toenail removal hurt?
The numbing injection causes a brief pinch and pressure. After that, the toe is numb and you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure. Afterward, most patients have mild soreness for a day or two that's managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Many say the toe feels better right away because the pressure from the nail is gone.
How long does ingrown toenail removal take?
The procedure itself usually takes ten to fifteen minutes. Including evaluation, numbing, and dressing, most visits take under an hour.
Will my toenail grow back after removal?
After a partial nail avulsion without treatment of the root, that strip of nail will grow back over several months, and it's possible for it to ingrow again. After a matrixectomy, the treated strip is designed not to grow back. The remaining nail looks normal, just slightly narrower.
How long is recovery after ingrown toenail removal?
Most people return to normal daily activities within one to two days. Full healing takes about one to two weeks after a partial nail avulsion and two to four weeks after a matrixectomy.
Can I play sports after ingrown toenail removal?
Yes. Most athletes return to training once the toe is comfortable in their athletic shoe, often within one to two weeks and sometimes sooner. Your podiatrist will tailor the timeline to your sport and the procedure.
Is an infected ingrown toenail an emergency?
Usually it isn't an emergency, but it should be treated promptly, ideally within a few days. Seek same-day care if you have a fever, red streaks up the foot, rapidly spreading redness, or if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
Can children have ingrown toenail removal?
Yes. Children and teens have the same procedure as adults, using local anesthetic, and generally recover quickly.
Does insurance cover ingrown toenail treatment?
Ingrown toenail treatment is a medical procedure, not a cosmetic one, and it is covered by many insurance plans. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs depend on your plan, so check with your insurer or our office before your visit.
What kind of doctor treats ingrown toenails?
A podiatrist (DPM) is a doctor who specializes in the foot and ankle. Podiatrists treat ingrown toenails every day, can perform both temporary and permanent ingrown toenail removal in the office, and can address the underlying causes.
Ingrown toenail treatment in Woodcliff Lake and Bergen County, NJ
If you're dealing with a painful or infected ingrown toenail, you don't have to wait it out. At Quantum Foot and Ankle Group our team provides ingrown toenail treatment and removal for patients of all ages. We see everyone from children, student and professional athletes, to busy professionals and seniors. Dr. Wright, Dr. Kim, and Dr. Benavides are foot and ankle surgeons and sports medicine physicians, and serve as the Official Foot and Ankle Physicians for the New York Cosmos.
Most ingrown toenails can be evaluated and treated in a single office visit, including permanent correction for recurring ingrown toenails. We see patients from Woodcliff Lake, Park Ridge, Montvale, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Ramsey, Hillsdale, Westwood, Paramus, Mahwah, and communities throughout Bergen County and nearby Rockland County, NY.
Quantum Foot and Ankle Group, PC 577 Chestnut Ridge Road, Woodcliff Lake, NJ
Call 201-571-0900 to schedule your visit.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual results and recovery times vary. If you have a foot problem, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.
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