Ingrown toenail
Ingrown toenail
An ingrown toenail is a common problem where the nail grows into the surrounding skin. It can be painful, but there are ways to ease the discomfort.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Causes
What causes an ingrown toenail?
Several everyday things can lead to an ingrown toenail:
- not trimming the toenails properly
- wearing tight shoes, socks or tights
- feet that sweat a lot
- an injury to the toe
- the natural shape of the nail
- a fungal nail infection
Treatment
If you have an ingrown toenail, there are things you can try at home to help.
Do
- soak your foot in warm, salty water. This helps soften the skin around the toe and lowers the chance of infection
- dry your feet well after washing them
- wear wide, comfortable shoes or sandals
- take paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease the pain
Don't
- do not cut your toenail. Leave it to grow out
- do not pick at your toe or toenail
- do not wear tight, pointy shoes
Get help from a pharmacist
If you have an ingrown toenail, you can ask a pharmacist about:
- treatments to help ease the pain and prevent an infection
- whether you need to see a doctor
Contact your doctor if:
- treating your ingrown toenail at home is not helping
- your toe is painful and swollen, with pus coming out of it
- you have a very high temperature, or you feel hot or shivery
- you have diabetes and an ingrown toenail. Foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes
Treatment from a doctor
If you think you have an ingrown toenail, your doctor may:
- check your symptoms
- give you antibiotics if you have an infection
If you have a badly ingrown toenail, your doctor may refer you to a foot specialist (podiatrist).
Treatment from a foot specialist
A foot specialist may:
- cut away part of the nail
- remove the whole nail
You may have a local anaesthetic to numb your toe when this is done.
Prevention
To help prevent an ingrown toenail, a few simple habits go a long way:
- Cut your toenails straight across the top, not curved down into the edges.
- Wear comfortable, properly fitting shoes, ones that aren't too tight.
- Keep your feet clean.
- Dry your feet thoroughly after washing.
- Avoid trimming your toenails too short.