Ingrown Toenail: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction

An ingrown toenail is a common but painful condition in which the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. This leads to redness, swelling, pus formation, and severe discomfort. If left untreated, the infection can spread deeper and cause complications.

Causes

• Cutting nails too short or rounding the corners

• Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes

• Injury to the toe

• Naturally thick or curved toenails

• Excessive sweating and poor foot hygiene

Symptoms

• Pain and tenderness along the side of the nail

• Swelling and redness around the toe

• Pus or yellowish discharge (a sign of infection)

• Difficulty walking or wearing shoes

Treatment

Home Remedies (for mild cases)

• Soak the foot in warm water 2–3 times a day for 15–20 minutes

• Use an antiseptic solution in the soak to reduce infection risk

• Wear open or comfortable shoes

• Trim the nails straight across instead of curved

Medical Treatment

If the infection is severe, a doctor may:

• Prescribe antibiotics (oral or topical)

• Perform partial nail removal (removing the ingrown portion of the nail)

• In recurrent cases, destroy part of the nail root (nail matrix ablation) to prevent regrowth

Prevention

• Always cut nails straight across, not too short, and avoid rounding the corners

• Keep feet clean and dry

• Wear well-fitting, breathable shoes

• Seek medical help early if symptoms persist

 From the picture you shared, the infection looks severe with pus and swelling. In this condition, home remedies may not be enough. It is strongly advised to consult a doctor (surgeon or dermatologist) for proper treatment.