Ingrown Toenail

Overview

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An ingrown toenail, medically known as onychocryptosis, occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail presses into or penetrates the surrounding skin. This commonly affects the big toe and can lead to pain, inflammation, swelling, and sometimes infection.

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Ingrown toenails may develop from improper nail trimming, tight-fitting shoes, repetitive pressure, toe injuries, or naturally curved toenails. While some cases cause only mild discomfort, others can become increasingly painful and interfere with walking, exercise, and everyday activities.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms can range from mild irritation to significant inflammation or infection. Common signs include:

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• Toe Pain & Tenderness: Discomfort along one or both edges of the toenail, especially when wearing shoes or applying pressure.

• Redness & Swelling: Inflammation of the skin surrounding the affected nail.

• Warmth & Irritation: Increased sensitivity or warmth around the nail fold.

• Drainage or Pus: Fluid or pus around the nail, which may indicate infection.

• Overgrown Skin: Excess inflamed tissue developing alongside the nail in more advanced or chronic cases.

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Symptoms may gradually worsen as the nail continues to irritate the surrounding skin.

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Evaluation & Diagnosis

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An ingrown toenail is typically diagnosed through a physical examination of the affected toe. We will evaluate the nail's shape and growth pattern, examine the surrounding skin, and assess for inflammation, infection, or abnormal tissue growth.

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Your evaluation may also include a review of previous ingrown toenails, footwear, nail-trimming habits, and medical conditions that could affect healing. Diagnostic imaging or laboratory testing is generally unnecessary unless an underlying complication or alternative diagnosis is suspected.

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An accurate diagnosis helps determine the severity of the condition and whether conservative care or a minor in-office procedure is appropriate.

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​Treatment For Ingrown Toenails

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Treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail, the presence of infection, and whether the condition has occurred before. Options may include:

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• Conservative Care: Mild cases may improve with warm water soaks, properly fitting footwear, reduced pressure, and modifications to nail care.

• Nail Edge Management: Certain mild to moderate cases may benefit from techniques that gently separate the nail edge from the surrounding skin.

• Partial Nail Removal: For painful, persistent, or infected ingrown toenails, a minor procedure performed under local anesthesia can remove the affected portion of the nail.

• Permanent Nail Border Correction: For recurrent ingrown toenails, a partial matrixectomy may be recommended to prevent the problematic nail edge from growing back.

• Infection Management: Treatment of associated infection may be necessary. Oral antibiotics are generally reserved for infections involving the surrounding skin rather than routine ingrown toenail inflammation.

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Most ingrown toenail procedures can be performed in the office using local anesthesia, without the need for hospitalization.