# Ingrown toenails

> An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of a nail grows into the skin beside it, causing pain, redness and swelling, most often on the big toe. Mild cases usually start with warm soaks, roomy shoes and careful nail cutting. Nail surgery is an option if it keeps coming back.

Guide in [Skin and nails](https://footanklelowerlimb.com.au/learn/topics/skin-and-nails), from Foot Ankle Lower Limb: https://footanklelowerlimb.com.au/learn/ingrown-toenail
Reviewed by Andrew Schox, BSc(Hons) PGradDipPod MPod (Podiatrist) on 27 October 2026.
Next review by 27 October 2027.

- **It's a nail growing into the skin beside it,** usually on the big toe, causing pain, redness and swelling.
- **Nail cutting and tight shoes are the usual causes,** so cutting straight across and wearing roomy shoes helps.
- **Mild cases usually start with simple home care,** such as warm soaks, unless you have diabetes, poor circulation or nerve damage.
- **Nail surgery is the main option** if it keeps coming back or isn't improving.
- **Spreading redness, pus or fever need same-day attention.**

## What is an ingrown toenail, and how common is it?

An ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis) happens when the side of a nail curls down and grows into the skin around it, which can make the toe painful, red and swollen [1]. It usually affects the big toe, though other toes can be involved [2].

It's common: about 20% of foot problems seen in primary care are ingrown toenails [3]. It can happen at any age, but teenagers are most prone [4].

A nail that curls into the skin without piercing it isn't a true ingrown toenail, but it can still be sore and look red and inflamed [2]. It's worth keeping an eye on.

## What causes an ingrown toenail, and who gets it?

Cutting nails the wrong way is the most common cause: too short, or not straight across [5]. Other things add to the risk: tight shoes, socks or tights; a knock to the toe; picking or tearing at the corners; sweaty feet; and naturally curved or fan-shaped nails [1]. Nails that arch upwards in the middle are more likely to press into the side of the toe [6].

Repeated pressure from some sports (such as football, ballet or running) and foot shape problems such as bunions or hammer toes can also play a part [2]. Males are affected more often [4].

If you have diabetes, an ingrown toenail matters more, because it can raise the risk of a foot ulcer [7].

## What does it feel like, and how is it diagnosed?

Pain is the main symptom. It usually starts as minor discomfort and builds [6]. The toe may be red, swollen and tender, with hardened skin beside the nail, and symptoms usually get worse rather than better [1].

A podiatrist or doctor will ask about your symptoms and look at the toe. Some other problems, including a bone infection or a growth in the nail bed, can look similar [4]. A toe that doesn't look or behave like a typical ingrown toenail needs checking rather than assuming.

## What helps first?

Simple home care is the usual first step for mild cases [3]. You can try:

- soaking your foot in warm water for 15–20 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day, then gently pushing the skin away from the nail corner with a cotton bud [1];
- wearing wide, comfortable shoes and cutting your nails straight across, not too short;
- leaving the nail alone: don't pick at it or try to remove it yourself [1].

> [!see] If you have diabetes, poor circulation or nerve damage
> See a podiatrist or doctor first, rather than treating an ingrown toenail yourself [6][1][7].

In the early stages a podiatrist can fit a gutter splint (a small support that lifts the nail edge away from the skin) [4]. It isn't clear yet how well non-surgical care works compared with surgery [5], so if home care isn't helping, see a podiatrist rather than carrying on alone.

## What helps if that isn't enough?

Nail surgery under local anaesthetic may be recommended if the problem keeps coming back, isn't improving, or needs repeated courses of antibiotics [2]. Surgery is better at preventing it coming back than gutter treatment, and probably better than a brace [5].

A common approach removes the troublesome edge of the nail and treats the nail root so it doesn't regrow, though no one technique is ideal [4].

Before surgery, tell the podiatrist if you've had any anaesthetic in the last 24 hours, and if you have epilepsy [8].

## How long does it take to settle, and how can I stop it coming back?

A first ingrown toenail is likely to settle, but slowly [2]. In general they aren't expected to clear up without proper treatment [5], so see a podiatrist early if it isn't improving or keeps coming back.

To help stop it returning:

- cut nails straight across, not too short and not at the edges [9];
- avoid tight or ill-fitting shoes [9];
- keep your feet clean and thoroughly dry [9];
- don't pick or tear the corners [1].

Nails that arch upwards in the middle become more common with age, and a podiatrist can help you cut them [6].

## When to see a podiatrist

See your GP or a podiatrist the same day if your toe or foot:

- is swollen with pus, or warm to touch;
- is getting more painful;
- has redness spreading beyond the toe into your foot or leg;
- or you feel unwell with a fever.

An untreated infection can spread to the skin (cellulitis) or the bone underneath [1]. This matters most with diabetes or reduced immunity [6]. For urgent advice when it isn't an emergency, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (24 hours a day), or go to a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.

If you have diabetes, also see your GP or a podiatrist the same day for any wound, sore, blister or colour change on the foot, because foot problems can worsen within hours [10]. Go to the nearest emergency department if you have diabetes and a foot infection that's spreading fast, with a fever and feeling very unwell.

After nail surgery, see your GP or a podiatrist the same day if redness, swelling, pain or discharge increases, or you notice a bad smell or flu-like symptoms [8].

See your GP soon if the toe doesn't look or behave like a typical ingrown toenail. See a podiatrist if home care isn't helping, or the problem keeps coming back.

## Common questions

### Do I need antibiotics for an ingrown toenail?

Not necessarily. Antibiotics may be needed if the toe is infected, with pus, more redness, swelling or pain, and your GP or podiatrist can judge that. Antibiotic tablets don't seem to lower the chance of infection after nail surgery, so ask your podiatrist or GP what's right for you.

### Which shoes are best if I get ingrown toenails?

Choose comfortable shoes with room for your toes, and avoid tight, narrow or pointed shoes. Tight socks and tights that crowd your toes can also press on the nails. Fit and comfort matter more than any particular style or brand, and a podiatrist can check what suits your feet.

## Further reading

- [Ingrown toenails on Clindice](https://clindice.com/ingrown-toenail)
- [Ingrown toenail: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001237.htm), MedlinePlus
- [NHS Borders Podiatry](https://www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/our-services/allied-health-professionals/podiatry/general-information-ingrown-toenails/), NHS
- [Ingrown toenail](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ingrown-toenail/), NHS
- [Royal Orthopaedic Hospital - Nail Surgery](https://roh.nhs.uk/services-information/foot-and-ankle/nail-surgery), NHS
- [Ingrowing toenail](https://www.wsh.nhs.uk/CMS-Documents/Patient-leaflets/TraumaandOrthopaedics/5424-3-Ingrowing-Toenail.pdf), NHS

## Sources

1. Ingrown toenails - treatment, symptoms, causes and prevention · Healthdirect Australia. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptoms/ingrown-toenails
2. Ingrowing toenail advice sheet with footwear · NHS. https://www.esht.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1198.pdf
3. Ingrown Toenail Management · Mayeaux EJ, Carter C, Murphy TE · American Family Physician · 2019. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31361106/
4. Ingrown toenails · Khunger N, Kandhari R · Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology · 2012. https://doi.org/10.4103/0378-6323.95442
5. Interventions for ingrowing toenails · Eekhof JAH, Van Wijk B, Knuistingh Neven A et al. · The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · 2012. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd001541.pub3
6. Ingrown toenail · Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora. https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/health-topics/conditions-treatments/feet-and-ankles/ingrown-toenail
7. Evaluation and management of mechanical and structural nail disorders: A clinical review · Ricardo JW, Dominguez-Cherit J, Haneke E et al. · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology · 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2025.11.025
8. Podiatry - Attending for Nail Surgery · NHS. https://www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/patient-information/patient-leaflets/podiatry-attending-nail-surgery?q=%2Fpatient-information%2Fpatient-leaflets%2Fpodiatry-attending-nail-surgery
9. Ingrown toenail · NHS · 2017. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ingrown-toenail/
10. Diabetes - I’m worried about my foot – is it serious? · The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Foundation Trust · 2025. https://www.qehkl.nhs.uk/services/diabetes/im-worried-about-my-foot/

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This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan for you. For advice about your own feet or legs, see a podiatrist or your doctor. In an emergency, call 000.