If you’ve ever dealt with an ingrown toenail, you know how something so small can cause intense pain. Even simple daily activities—walking, wearing socks, or slipping into shoes—can feel unbearable. And if left untreated, an ingrown toenail can easily become infected, leading to far more serious complications.

What Happens When a Nail Grows the Wrong Way

An ingrown toenail, medically known as onychocryptosis, occurs when the edge of the nail curves downward and grows into the surrounding skin instead of straight outward. This creates tiny tears that can quickly become infected by bacteria or fungi.

Although anyone can develop an ingrown toenail, the most common causes include:

• Improper cutting of toenails (cutting too short or rounding the edges)

• Tight or narrow footwear

• Repeated trauma to the toe (stubbing, athletic injuries)

Less common causes can also contribute, such as:

• Thickened toenails

• Naturally curved or misshapen nails

• Toe deformities (like hallux valgus)

• Subungual exostosis (a bony growth under the nail)

• Use of isotretinoin (an acne medication)

How to Recognize an Ingrown Toenail

Most cases are easy to identify. As the nail presses into the skin, you may notice:

• Tenderness or throbbing pain along one or both sides of the nail

• Swelling and redness

• Warmth or slight fluid discharge if infection begins

The 3 Stages of Ingrown Toenails

Stage 1 – Mild:
Swelling, redness, and pain when pressure is applied.

Stage 2 – Moderate:
Increased swelling, drainage, infection, and possible skin breakdown.

Stage 3 – Severe:
Chronic inflammation, overgrown skin around the nail (hypertrophy), and repeated infections.

Stages 2 and 3 usually require medical treatment or surgery.
But Stage 1 can be treated at home with simple remedies—if handled early.

Before You Try Home Remedies

If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve damage (neuropathy), do not attempt self-treatment. Consult a podiatrist to avoid complications.