Why Do I Keep Getting Ingrown Toenails? Causes and Solutions

If you've ever had an ingrown toenail, you know the throbbing pain that erupts when you bump it or put your shoes on. Some ingrown nails are worse than others, and some even get infected.

But why do ingrown toenails keep popping up, no matter what you try? It could be as simple as needing to trim your nails correctly. That’s one of a few changes to your toenail routine that can help you prevent them from coming back.

The team at the Manhattan Podiatry Group specializes in foot and ankle issues. Dr. Mark Sharobeem is a board-certified podiatrist who offers treatments for ingrown toenails and tips to prevent them from coming back.

Understanding ingrown toenails

An ingrown toenail is a prevalent problem. It accounts for about 20% of doctor’s visits when people have foot problems. It usually affects the big toe, although it can affect any of your toes. The issue develops when the side of the nail grows downward into the skin.

An ingrown toenail is sometimes a nuisance but doesn't cause any actual harm. However, in people who have neuropathy, diabetes, or other immunocompromised disorders, it can lead to a dangerous infection or chronic sores.

The signs and symptoms of an ingrown toenail vary, depending on the severity of the problem. Some of the symptoms you may experience include:

Tenderness around the nail
Redness and swelling
Hardened skin around the nail
Pus coming from the ingrown nail
Severe pain
Hot or warm skin around the nail

Ingrown nails become infected when the nail enters the skin, allowing bacteria to invade. You should seek treatment if you have signs of an infected ingrown nail because you may need antibiotics to prevent the infection from worsening.

What's causing my ingrown nail to reoccur?

The primary reason for recurring ingrown toenails is improper nail cutting. It's always tempting to dig the side of the nail out, but that only results in the nail regrowing into the skin. You should always cut the nail straight across to prevent it from growing downward.

Another reason for recurring ingrown toenails is shoes that don't fit properly. If you wear tight shoes in the toe box, the excess pressure may force the nail to grow downward instead of across. Toenail trauma is yet another culprit behind recurrent ingrown toenails.

Treatments that can help

The great news is that you can treat ingrown toenails on your own in mild to moderate cases. If you're healthy and have a small ingrown nail, you can manage your symptoms through the following home care tips:

Soak the foot in warm, soapy water twice a day
Keep your feet dry the rest of the time
Gently lift the edge of the nail
Put dental floss or cotton between the nail and the skin, and change it out daily
Apply antibiotic cream daily
Cover the toe with a bandage

You should also wear wide-toed shoes or sandals while the toenail heals, and you can take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers for discomfort.

If your toenail fails to heal with home care or you have a condition like diabetes or neuropathy, you should seek professional treatment. We may provide the same treatments you would do at home, using sterile instruments and techniques to decrease the chances of infection.

In severe cases, we may need to perform nail avulsion surgery, in which Dr. Sharobeem removes part of the nail to prevent it from growing back into the skin.

Ingrown toenail prevention tips

The best way to keep ingrown toenails from happening or returning is to follow good hygiene. Prevention measures include:

Avoid tearing or ripping your nail
Don't round the nail corners
Cut the nails straight across
Soak your nails before cutting
Clean your nail clipper before use
Wear shoes that have a wide toe box
Avoid toenail trauma

We provide all of the information you need to grow your nails correctly and prevent further issues. Dr. Sharobeem thoroughly evaluates your nails to determine the best treatment for your needs.

Call our team today to request an appointment at our convenient locations in and around New York City (Downtown Manhattan, Gramercy Park, and Staten Island) and Manalapan, New Jersey. You can also schedule a consultation using our online booking tool.