I’m prone to getting ingrown toenails but not sure why. Can you shed some light on the topic and tell me how I can treat and prevent them?

Medically called onychocryptosis, ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a nail—usually on the big toe—cuts into the surrounding skin, causing inflammation, pain, and sometimes infection. Tight shoes and stockings and improper trimming of toenails are the usual culprits.

Ingrown toenails can also result from abnormal thickening of the nails due to toenail fungus (onychomycosis) or psoriasis, or from trauma to the nail, such as dropping something heavy on your foot, stubbing your toe, or repeatedly kicking a ball. The shape of the toenail—an inherited trait—also plays a role: Nails with a pronounced curve are more prone to becoming ingrown than flatter nails.

According to a 2024 study that used a national database, the condition is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and low income. And it’s fairly common overall: By some estimates, about 20 percent of doctor visits for foot problems involve ingrown toenails.

If your case is mild, you can soak the toe in warm water to soften the nail—for 10 to 20 minutes, twice daily. Afterward, press a small amount of absorbent cotton or a small piece of dental floss under the corner of the nail to keep it from cutting the skin. Any pain and redness should subside within a week, but it can take several weeks to resolve fully.

If the area remains red and swollen or otherwise appears infected, get medical care. Using a sterile technique, a podiatrist or another qualified healthcare provider can, under local anesthesia, remove a portion or all of the ingrown nail. If the problem recurs, chemical or laser treatment can permanently destroy a portion of the nail matrix to prevent the nail from growing back on that side. There are also other surgical options that are effective at preventing recurrence.

Good toenail care is key to preventing ingrown nails:

• Make sure your shoes fit properly. They should have a wide toe box that gives your toes enough room to move freely without pressing against the top of the shoe when you stand or walk. Avoid pointed or narrow styles, especially if you walk or stand for long periods.
• Trim your nails straight across; don’t round the corners, as this increases pressure on the surrounding skin as the nail grows out—and don’t cut them too short. Smooth the edges with an emery board or nail file, then clean the grooves at the sides with an orange stick manicure tool.
• If you can’t trim your toenails yourself, consider professional pedicures at a reputable establishment (make sure they sterilize the equipment between clients) or regular visits to a podiatrist. Your insurance, including Medicare, may cover the cost.
• If you have diabetes, neuropathy (nerve damage), poor circulation, or a weakened immune system, you should see a podiatrist for all nail care and not self-treat.