What causes ingrown toenails? Symptoms and treatment

ingrown toenail

An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows into the tissue. This causes the tissues in the feet to open up and become sores. If not kept clean, it may become infected. Most often found around the toes. If there is also pus, you must see a doctor to properly treat the ingrown toenail.

Information you should know


What causes ingrown toenails?

  1. Wearing shoes that are too tight Squeeze your feet too much or does not fit the shape of the feet causing the toenails to be pressed

  2. Incorrectly cutting toenails cut nails too deep It's too short. and cutting the side of the nail at an acute angle

  3. Unusual toenail shape Fingers overlap or squeeze together.

  4. Using chemicals on nails such as nail extensions or nail polish may cause irritation, swelling, and inflammation.

  5. There was an accident or injury. The toe nail area, for example, the tip of the toe frequently collides with some object. Including football players and boxers who often use their feet.

  6. Some types of infection, such as fungal nail infections

  7. Diseases that cause swollen feet Then bitter nails can occur in conditions such as being overweight, heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes.

  8. Not taking care of your nails cleanly


อ่านเพิ่มเติม : How to Care for Your Nails!

Symptoms of ingrown toenails

Symptoms of ingrown toenails

  • Pain, swollen and red around the toenail

  • Press on the toenail area and there is blood or pus flowing.

  • Feeling pain when walking


What symptoms should you see your doctor

Normally, if there are no severe symptoms, you can take basic care of yourself at home. By cutting off ingrown toenails and keeping them clean.

But if the symptoms do not improve or there are signs of infection such as pus flowing, severe pain and swelling, or the nail is deeply embedded in the flesh. You should immediately see a doctor.


Causes of ingrown toenails that cause pus

  • Leave it for a long time without taking care of your nails and not treating them.

  • Have conditions that affect abnormal blood flow to the feet, such as people with diabetes


Pus from ingrown toenails, Can it go away without treatment?

When the ingrown toenail becomes pus-filled, it means there is an infection. Can't wait for it to heal on its own. You should see a doctor immediately.


Do not attempt to drain the pus from the nail.
with pins or knives by yourself
Do not bite your nails and do not allow the wound to become dirty.


Have an ingrown toenail, How many days does it take to heal?

Depends on symptoms and care. It can disappear within a few days. But if there are complications or more severe symptoms, it may take months to heal.


Basic ways to relieve ingrown toenail symptoms

Basic treatment methods

  1. Soak your feet in warm water 3-4 times a day for 10-20 minutes at a time to soften the nails so they can dig into the area where the skin is sticking out.

  2. Wear open-toed shoes until symptoms improve.

  3. Choose shoes that are the right size for your feet.

  4. Use pain relievers when there is pain in the area of ​​the penis.

  5. Wrap a bandage around your toe to reduce friction.


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Ingrown toenail treatment by a doctor

Non-surgical treatment

If you have symptoms of a bacterial infection The doctor will give you antibiotics. Or use antifungal medication if it is caused by a fungus. together with painkillers and have an appointment to follow up on symptoms

Surgical treatment 

The doctor will consider treatment by cutting off part of the toenail and removing the nail.

partial nail excision

Partial toenail removal : This is a minor surgery. The doctor will use anesthetic to reduce pain. and partially cut off the ingrown toenail that had pierced the skin along with giving antibiotics and painkillers The toenails will grow back in 2 to 4 months.

Removing the nail : If the ingrown toenail has pus in the same place multiple times or has become thicker. Pressed into the skin  If symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend nail removal.  Using anesthesia, the infected nail and tissue are removed and antibiotics and painkillers are given.


“With both of these methods, once you receive treatment, you can go home immediately.”

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Anyone who has problems with ingrown toenails, pus, and more severe symptoms You should come see a doctor at Intouchmedicare Clinic. So that the doctor can evaluate and treat correctly.

Letting it go away on its own can take a long time. Or if infected, the symptoms may spread, causing suffering and affecting daily life. 

cost to remove nails

Price for nail removal

Intouchmedicare provides nail removal services. by expert doctors 

  • Nail removal prices start at 1,500 baht

Note: The doctor will consider and evaluate treatment according to each individual case.


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Interesting article


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Composer : WARANGKANA VIVULSIRIKUL, MD.
  Last edited : 11/04/2024

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