Ingrown toenails are a common problem that usually involve the big toe. The nail plate cuts into the skin edge or nail bed and causes irritation, inflammation, and infection. Common factors that can cause this condition include constricting shoes (too narrow or tapered), nails that are not trimmed straight across, and nails that are bent or curved in (hereditary or from injuring the root of the nail). Occasionally, a bone spur will form beneath the nail and cause pain. Treatment for the early stages, where the skin edge is red and irritated, is wearing properly fitted shoes with plenty of space in the toebox; soaking your toe in warm water (15 minutes, twice a day); and taking cotton from a Q-tip and placing it under the corner of the nail. If you see any pus (infection), you should consult your physician for possible removal of the nail edge and/or antibiotics. With a first-time ingrown nail, the nail edge can usually be removed after the toe is numbed with a nerve block. For recurring cases, the root of the nail may need to be partially removed in order to prevent the ingrown portion from regrowing.

Leland C. McCluskey, M.D.

Columbus, Georgia