Skin Conditions

Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail digs into the skin next to the side of the nail. The most common site is the big toe. Other toes and even fingernails can be affected.

Signs & Symptoms

•  Redness.

•  Tenderness.

•  Discomfort or pain.

Illustration of an ingrown toenail.

Causes

•  Jamming your toes.

•  Wearing shoes or socks that fit too tight.

•  Clipping toenails too short. The corners can penetrate the skin as the nail grows out.

•  Having wider-than-average toenails.

Treatment

Self-care usually treats ingrown toenails. If this fails to work, a doctor or podiatrist may have to remove a portion of the nail.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

•  Cut nails straight across. Don’t cut the nails shorter at the sides than in the middle. {Note: If you have diabetes or circulation problems, follow your doctor’s advice about clipping your toenails.}

•  File the nails if they’re sharp after clipping them.

•  Wear shoes and socks that fit well.

To Treat an Ingrown Toenail

•  Soak your foot in warm, soapy water for 5 to 10 minutes, 1 to 3 times a day.

•  Gently lift the nail away from the reddened skin at the outer corners with the tip of a nail file.

•  Soak a small piece of cotton in an antiseptic, such as Betadine. Place it just under the outer corners of the toenails, if you can.

•  Repeat the previous 3 steps, daily, until the nail begins to grow correctly and pressure is relieved. Wear roomy shoes during this time.

Illustration on cutting toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails.

Resources

American Academy of Dermatology

866.503.SKIN (503.7546)

www.aad.org

Download an offline pdf file.

Healthier at Home book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

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