All About Ingrown Toenails: Causes, At-Home Care, Expert Treatment, and Prevention

Ingrown toenails can be a painful and frustrating condition affecting people of all ages. Officially known as onychocryptosis, they occur when the edge of your toenail grows into the surrounding skin. Not only does this hurt, but it can also cause swelling and infection.

And, unfortunately, ingrown toenails are all too common. About 20% of people who seek medical care for foot issues have ingrown nails. Still, the real incidence may be much higher if you account for people who don’t seek medical care.

Read on as our team of providers at NYC Foot & Ankle Center, in the Manhattan Valley neighborhood of the Upper West Side, explores the causes of ingrown toenails, how to care for them at home, when to seek expert treatment, and tips for preventing them in the future.

Causes of ingrown nails

Ingrown toenails can develop for several reasons. The most common causes include:

• Cutting your toenails too short 
• Wearing too-tight shoes that squeeze your toes together
• Toe injuries that impact your nail growth
• Genetics (i.e., having naturally curved nails)

Athletes and others who engage in activities that place repeated pressure on the toes, such as soccer, ballet, or running, are at a heightened risk due to the constant stress and trauma to their toenails.

At-home care for ingrown nails

If you notice the early signs of an ingrown toenail, such as redness, swelling, or mild pain, there are several steps you can take at home to manage your condition:

Soak your feet

Soaking your foot in warm water for 15-20 minutes several times daily can help reduce swelling and relieve discomfort. You can also add Epsom salt or a mild soap to your foot bath.

Lift your nail

Lifting your nail with floss or cotton or taping are all recommended as conservative options to try at home. After soaking, gently lift the edge of your ingrown nail with a clean cotton ball or dental floss to help it grow above your skin. Change the cotton daily to keep the area clean. 

You can also try taping the skin along your nail to help pull it down and reduce pressure on your nail. 

Keep the area clean and dry

Good foot hygiene can help prevent an infection from setting in. Thoroughly dry your foot after soaking and apply a topical antibiotic ointment to the affected area to prevent infection. 

Don’t trim your nails too short

Let your nail grow slightly to prevent it from embedding further into your skin. If you regularly get pedicures, ask your nail technician not to trim your nails too short. 

Wear shoes with plenty of room

Choose shoes with plenty of room for your toes to reduce pressure on your affected nail. Not only is this helpful when you’re healing, but wearing shoes that fit right can also help prevent other foot issues such as bunions or blisters. 

When to seek expert treatment

While at-home care can often resolve mild cases of ingrown toenails, there are times when professional podiatric treatment is necessary. Don’t postpone medical care if:

• At-home treatments aren’t working
• Your pain is increasing
• It hurts to walk 
• You spot the signs of an infection, including a fever, pus, and swelling 

A note about diabetes: Any foot issues — even the most minor — can be more problematic for those with diabetes. Skip the at-home treatments and give us a call right away if you have diabetes and spot any issues with your feet. 

Receiving prompt diabetic foot care can help you avoid further complications, such as ulcers.

In-office ingrown nail treatments

We offer both conservative and surgical treatments for ingrown nails. Depending on the severity of your ingrown nail, your NYC Foot & Ankle Center provider may place a gutter splint under your nail to guide its growth, remove part of your nail to halt the infection from spreading, or use minimally invasive surgical techniques to remove your affected nail.

Once your nail is treated, we can also provide tips for preventing future ingrown nails, such as properly trimming your nails, wearing well-fitting shoes, and inspecting your feet daily (to spot any issues as soon as possible).

If you’re struggling with an ingrown nail (or recurrent ingrown nails), know that help is just a call or click away. Contact us today to get started with your ingrown nail treatment.