Ingrown toenail

Overview

Tight shoes and cutting nails too short cause it.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Red, painful toe at the nail edge
• Sore, red toenail edge

Less common

• Pus

Look up a symptom: Foot pain · Sore, red toenail edge

When to get medical care

Causes

Cutting nails short, tight shoes.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Diabetes

Possible complications

• Cellulitis

Diagnosis

A clinician looks at the toe.

Treatment

Soak and protect.

Self-care

• Soak the foot in warm water 3 to 4 times a day
• Wear roomy shoes
• Place a bit of cotton under the nail edge

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

A clinician can remove part of the nail.

Prevention

To prevent it:

• Cut nails straight across

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a podiatrist (foot doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Usually heals.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Ingrown toenail