Ingrown toenail is a common and highly uncomfortable condition that affects many people. In most cases, it does not resolve completely on its own, which is why professional medical care is often necessary. The condition occurs when the corner or side of the nail grows into the surrounding soft tissue, leading to irritation and inflammation. Although it can occasionally occur on the fingers, it is far more common in the toes-especially the big toe.
Ingrown toenails can cause redness, swelling, tenderness, and pain, and symptoms may worsen over time. When pain becomes persistent or increasingly severe, it is best to seek medical evaluation without delay. Early treatment can help prevent infection and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
From a medical standpoint, ingrown toenail should also be assessed in terms of possible complications. Certain patients are at higher risk, particularly those with diabetes, poor blood circulation, or vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). In such cases, it is not advisable to wait for the pain to become severe-medical treatment should start as soon as possible to avoid wound healing issues and infection.
What Causes an Ingrown Toenail?
Before discussing treatment, it is important to understand why ingrown toenails occur. One of the most common underlying factors is an imbalance between the size/shape of the nail and the structure of the nail bed, which may cause the nail to grow in a way that presses into the surrounding skin.
Sometimes, as the nail grows, it extends beyond the nail bed and damages the soft tissue. This may develop due to several reasons, including:
- A mismatch between nail size and nail bed structure
- Wearing tight shoes or narrow socks that compress the toes
- Cutting toenails too short
- Cutting the nail with rounded/curved edges
- Trauma or injury to the toenail
- Natural curvature changes in the nail over time
- Incorrect manicure/pedicure practices
- Structural tendency of the nail to grow inward
- Repeated nail trauma from pressure or impact
- Fungal nail infection (onychomycosis)
- Excess body weight
- Pregnancy and the postpartum period
These are among the most frequent causes. However, there may be individual and lifestyle-related factors that contribute to the development of the condition.
Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail
Patients often ask about ingrown toenail symptoms, and while the visible changes may start subtly, pain is usually the earliest and most typical sign. Some people feel pain only when walking or putting pressure on the toe, while others experience ongoing pain even at rest.
It is also possible to feel pain on one side of the nail or on both sides. In many cases, even if the nail does not look dramatically abnormal at first glance, the discomfort may still require medical treatment.
Common symptoms include:
- Sensitivity and tenderness along the nail border
- Redness around the nail
- Swelling of the surrounding tissue
- Warmth or heat increase in the affected area
- Fluid discharge when infection is present
If there is severe pain, pus, or foul-smelling drainage, this should be taken seriously, as it often indicates infection.
What Helps Ingrown Toenail Pain?
Many people search online for "what helps ingrown toenail," and while some methods may temporarily reduce discomfort, they do not always solve the underlying problem. If symptoms persist, medical assessment is strongly recommended.
Warm Soapy Water Soaks
A warm foot soak is one of the most common supportive measures for temporary relief. You can soak the foot in warm water mixed with mild soap to help reduce swelling and discomfort. This may be repeated 2-3 times daily, for around 20-30 minutes each time. Gentle, skin-friendly soaps are preferred.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is sometimes used due to its antiseptic properties. A small amount may be added to a basin of warm water, and the feet can be soaked for about 20 minutes. Afterward, the foot should be dried thoroughly. Prolonged soaking should be avoided.
Ingrown Toenail Protectors
Some products designed to cushion the affected area may help reduce pressure and friction. These are usually silicone barriers or toe caps. However, incorrect use can sometimes worsen irritation. Supportive foot soaks and safe hygiene practices are often the more reliable option until professional treatment is provided.
When Is Ingrown Toenail Surgery Needed?
Not every patient with an ingrown toenail needs surgery immediately. However, in some situations, the most effective solution can be minor surgical treatment.
Surgery is typically considered when:
- Non-surgical methods fail to provide long-term improvement
- The condition becomes recurrent due to nail structure or nail root problems
- The patient has high-risk medical conditions such as diabetes, increasing the likelihood of complications
In these situations, minor surgical procedures can provide long-lasting relief. It is also important to note that this type of treatment is generally quick, and recovery is usually manageable when aftercare instructions are followed.
Can Children and Babies Have Ingrown Toenails?
Yes. Ingrown toenails are not limited to adults. They can occur in children and even infants, and may cause significant discomfort.
In pediatric cases, early medical consultation is particularly important. When treated at an early stage, ingrown toenails can often be managed without surgery, reducing distress and preventing infection.
How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails
Prevention is important, especially for people who experience recurrent ingrown toenails. Helpful measures include:
- Avoiding frequent use of tight high-heeled shoes
- Choosing shoes that fit properly and do not compress the toes
- Ensuring shoes do not apply pressure on toenails
- Cutting toenails straight across (not rounded)
- Avoiding shoes indoors when possible
- Avoiding cutting nails too short
- Not cutting the skin around the nail aggressively
- Keeping feet clean and dry at all times
Can Ingrown Toenails Come Back After Treatment?
Recurrence depends on the treatment approach. After surgical correction, recurrence is generally uncommon. However, when only temporary or supportive methods are used, the condition may return-especially if contributing factors (such as improper nail cutting or tight footwear) are not corrected.
Surgical Procedure
If conservative methods do not improve the condition and the ingrown toenail continues to recur or worsen, a minor surgical procedure (ingrown toenail surgery) may be recommended. The goal of the operation is to remove the part of the nail that is causing irritation, eliminate ongoing inflammation, and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Below are the key steps of the procedure:
- Depending on the severity, a portion of the nail or the entire nail may be removed (partial or total nail avulsion).
- The procedure may be performed under local anesthesia in most cases; in selected cases, sedation or general anesthesia may be used.
- Thanks to anesthesia, patients typically do not feel pain during the procedure.
- Before the operation begins, the toenail and surrounding skin are cleaned with antiseptic solutions to reduce infection risk.
- A small tourniquet may be placed at the base of the toe to minimize bleeding during the procedure.
- Using sterile surgical instruments, the ingrown portion of the nail is carefully cut and removed.
- In some cases, a small vertical cut is performed, while in others, complete removal of the nail may be necessary.
- To prevent the ingrown toenail from recurring, the surgeon may treat the nail root (matrix) using electrocautery (cauterization) as part of a matrixectomy procedure.
- In many patients, the treated portion of the nail does not grow back, helping achieve a more permanent solution.
- Finally, the toe is dressed with a protective bandage, and the procedure is completed.
- If general anesthesia is used, the patient may need short observation in a clinical setting, occasionally up to one day.
- In most cases, especially under local anesthesia, same-day discharge is possible, allowing the patient to return home shortly after the procedure.
After Surgery
Although ingrown toenail surgery is usually a minor procedure, it is still a surgical intervention and should be treated accordingly. For this reason, patients may need a short recovery period after the operation. Below are the most important points to know after the procedure:
- To reduce the risk of infection, your doctor may prescribe a short course of antibiotics, especially if there was inflammation or discharge.
- It is important to protect the treated toe and nail area from trauma and avoid bumping or putting pressure on the toe.
- Mild pain or tenderness can occur after surgery, which is expected during early healing.
- Pain-relief medication prescribed by your doctor can be used when needed.
- These medications help keep post-operative discomfort under control and support a more comfortable recovery.
- Until healing is complete, patients should wear comfortable, loose-fitting footwear.
- In some cases, wearing open-toe slippers may be recommended for a short period to prevent pressure on the toe.
- Recovery time can vary from person to person, depending on the extent of the procedure and individual healing capacity.
- In most cases, the initial healing period is approximately 3 to 7 days.
- During this time, it is beneficial to rest and avoid long periods of walking or standing.
- If symptoms such as high fever, severe pain, or increasing redness/swelling at the surgical site occur, the patient should contact the clinic immediately as these may indicate complications.
Ingrown toenails can significantly affect daily life and may even interfere with work, walking, and physical comfort. If you are experiencing symptoms of an ingrown toenail and would like more information or to request an appointment, you can contact our clinic.
