What Causes It
The nail grows into the skin at the corner of the toe, causing inflammation and frequently infection. Common contributors: improper trimming (cutting the nail too short or curved), tight footwear, trauma, and inherited curved nail shape.
Home Care That Works
Warm soaks twice daily, careful trimming straight across, and well-fitted shoes resolve most early ingrown nails. Do not attempt aggressive home “bathroom surgery” - it usually makes the problem worse.
When to See Dr. O’Carroll
Persistent pain, drainage, or a recurrent ingrown nail. A simple in-office procedure (partial nail avulsion with matrixectomy) permanently removes the offending corner of the nail and is well-tolerated under local anesthesia. Recurrence rates are very low, and most patients are back in regular shoes within days.