Key Summary
An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail presses into the surrounding skin, triggering inflammation and sometimes infection. Common triggers include incorrect nail cutting, pressure from footwear, and trauma. Early care focuses on removing the “spike”, reducing irritation, and addressing the cause. For recurring ingrowns, a small in-clinic procedure can prevent that edge of nail from growing back.
What is an ingrown toenail?
A “true” ingrown toenail occurs when the nail plate (usually the side edge) presses into the surrounding skin. The skin becomes irritated and inflamed because it’s being repeatedly impacted by the nail. If the nail edge remains embedded, symptoms typically worsen rather than settle.Common signs and symptoms
- Tenderness or pain along the side of the nail
- Redness and swelling around the nail edge
- Pain in shoes or when the toe is bumped
- Drainage or pus (possible infection)
- Overgrowth of skin along the nail edge in more advanced cases
Quick Tip
If your toe hurts mainly when you wear shoes, check the shape and width of your footwear first. Narrow toe boxes and firm uppers can drive pressure into the nail edge and quickly flare an ingrown.
Why ingrown toenails happen
1) Nail cutting that leaves a “spike”
Cutting the nail too short, rounding the edges too aggressively, or “digging” down the sides can leave a sharp nail spike that grows into the skin.2) Footwear pressure
Tight shoes, narrow toe boxes, or firm uppers can push the skin into the nail edge — especially when walking or running. If you also experience general toe discomfort, see our Toe Pain guide.3) Trauma
Stubbing the toe, dropping something on it, or repetitive pressure (including sport) can distort nail growth and trigger an ingrown nail episode.4) Nail shape and genetics
Some people are more prone due to natural nail curvature or toe shape. If ingrowns keep returning, it’s often because the nail continues to grow in a way that re-impacts the skin.Avoid This
Don’t try to cut the nail deeper or “rip out” the corner at home. This often worsens swelling, increases infection risk, and makes the nail more likely to return.
What you can do at home (short-term relief)
If you suspect an ingrown toenail, the goal is to reduce irritation and protect the area until you can be treated properly.- Warm salt-water soaks to calm irritation and soften the area
- Antiseptic (e.g., Betadine) applied to the nail edge if the skin is broken
- Cover the area with a clean dressing/bandage to protect it in shoes
- Switch footwear to reduce pressure on the toe
Best Next Step
Home care can settle symptoms temporarily, but if there’s a nail spike still pressing into the skin, it often won’t fully resolve until that edge is removed safely.
How a podiatrist treats an ingrown toenail
Conservative treatment (first-line)
Many ingrown toenails can be treated conservatively by assessing the nail and removing the offending spike/edge safely. We’ll also look at the cause — nail cutting technique, footwear pressure, sport/training demands, and general foot care habits — to reduce recurrence.If infection is present
If the toe is infected (significant swelling, pus, spreading redness), you may also need medical support. In some cases, we’ll advise seeing your GP for antibiotics while we address the mechanical cause (the nail edge).For recurring ingrowns: partial nail avulsion
If ingrown toenails keep returning, a partial nail avulsion (often called nail surgery) may be recommended. This procedure removes the side portion of nail that is impacting the skin and uses a chemical to reduce or stop that section from growing back. It’s a quick in-clinic procedure and usually doesn’t require stitches.Need Relief From an Ingrown Toenail?
We’ll assess the toe, remove the painful nail edge safely, and help prevent it from coming back with the right treatment and nail-care guidance.
When to get it checked
- Pain is worsening or you can’t wear shoes comfortably
- There’s pus, increasing redness, or the toe feels hot and throbbing
- You’ve had more than one episode on the same nail edge
- You have diabetes, circulation issues, or reduced sensation in the feet
