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What Does an Ingrown Toenail Look Like?

An ingrown toenail happens when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin instead of straight outward. This common condition usually affects the big toe but can occur on any toe. Knowing what an ingrown toenail looks like can help you catch it early and prevent complications.

Early Signs of an Ingrown Toenail

• Redness: The skin around the nail edge becomes red and irritated.

• Swelling: The skin may puff up where the nail is pressing into it.

• Tenderness: Pain is felt when pressing on or walking with the affected toe.

Moderate to Severe Ingrown Toenail Appearance

• Skin growing over the nail edge: The nail may appear to disappear beneath the skin fold.

• Increased swelling and pain: The toe may look puffy and feel sore, especially in tight shoes.

• Drainage or pus (infection): If bacteria enter, the area may ooze fluid and feel warm.

• Hardening of surrounding skin: Chronic cases can cause thick, hardened skin at the nail border.

How to Tell an Ingrown Toenail From Other Issues

• Ingrown toenail: Nail edge visibly growing into skin with pain and swelling at one side.

• Fungal nail infection: Nail thickening, discoloration, or crumbling, but less localized pain.

• Blister or callus: Fluid-filled or hardened skin, not directly linked to nail edge.

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✅ Bottom line: An ingrown toenail usually looks like a red, swollen, and tender area along the nail edge, often with the nail growing into the skin. In severe cases, the toe may look infected with pus or excessive swelling.