Ingrown nail

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Ingrown nail

An ingrown nail grows into the flesh instead of over it and usually affects the toes, particularly the big toe. The site of an ingrown nail can be painful, tender, red, swollen, and can sometimes develop pus.

Ingrown nails are most often caused by:

Cutting the toenails too short or rounding the nail edges.
Having curved or thick nails.
Wearing shoes or socks that fit poorly or that press the nail into the toe.
Getting an injury such as stubbing the toe, which may cause the nail to grow inward.

Most ingrown nail problems can be prevented by proper nail care, such as cutting nails straight across, and by wearing shoes and socks that fit well. Home treatment, such as soaking the affected nail in hot water, can often help relieve pain. Antibiotics may be needed for an ingrown nail that becomes infected. A severely ingrown nail may have to be partially or completely removed.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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