Ingrown toenails can occur when the corner or side of the nail grows into the flesh of the toe. In many cases, ingrown nails occur in the big toe. The end result of this common condition is pain, redness and swelling. Infection can occur in some cases.

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Some common causes of ingrown toenail include cutting the nails too short or not straight across, injury to the toenail, and wearing shoes that crowd the toenails.  Other common causes are:
The most common causes are:

• improperly cut toenails
• poorly fitted shoes
• unusually curved toenails
• trauma to the nail
• to the toe

How Can Ingrown Toenails Be Treated?

In mild cases, ingrown toenails may be treated with a 15-20-minute soak in warm water. Dry cotton can be placed under the corner of the nail. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing increasing pain, swelling and drainage of the area.   If the tissue around the nail is