Ingrown Toenails: Safe Home Care and When to Get Help

Reviewed by the FootWell editorial team · Edited by Mustafa Bilgic · Updated June 2026 · ~6 min read

An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail grows into the soft skin beside it, causing pain, redness and sometimes infection. Mild cases often respond to home care, but recurrent or infected nails need professional treatment.

What is an ingrown toenail?

The big toe is most commonly affected. As the nail border presses into the skin fold, it triggers inflammation. If bacteria enter, the area can become infected with increased pain, warmth, swelling and discharge.

Causes

• Cutting nails too short or rounding the corners
• Tight or narrow shoes that crowd the toes
• Injury to the toe
• Naturally curved nails
• Poor foot hygiene

Safe home care for mild cases

1. Soak the foot in warm water for 15 minutes a few times daily.
2. Gently dry and keep the area clean.
3. Wear roomy, open footwear while it settles.
4. Use over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
5. Do not dig out the nail or repeatedly cut into the corner — this often makes it worse.

When to see a podiatrist

Seek care if there are signs of infection (spreading redness, pus, throbbing), if the problem recurs, or if you have diabetes or poor circulation. A podiatrist can relieve the nail edge or, for recurrent cases, perform a minor procedure to permanently narrow the nail.

Frequently asked questions

Should I cut a V in the nail?

No — the popular V-notch trick does not work and can cause injury. Trim nails straight across instead.

When is an ingrown toenail an emergency?

If you have diabetes or spreading infection with fever, seek prompt medical care.

Sources & further reading

• Ingrown toenail, NHS
• Ingrown toenail overview, Mayo Clinic
• Ingrown nails, American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)