What causes ingrown nails?

Jun 30, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

Ingrown nails refer to onychocryptosis, which may be caused by improper nail trimming, inappropriate footwear, congenital nail deformities, paronychia, trauma, or other factors. If you experience any discomfort, seek medical attention promptly and undergo symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. In daily life, it is important to trim nails properly, maintain an appropriate nail length, and avoid cutting them too short or trimming excessively deep along the sides.

Generally speaking, when a nail grows into the flesh, it refers to an ingrown nail. Ingrown nails may be caused by improper trimming, inappropriate footwear, trauma, paronychia, or congenital toe nail deformities. If any discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly and undergo symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Improper Trimming

Trimming nails too short, especially cutting the edges too deeply, can easily cause newly grown nails to embed into the soft tissue, forming an ingrown nail. When trimming nails, one should leave the nail edges slightly beyond the fingertip, avoid trimming them into an arc or cutting too deeply on either side, and maintain a straight shape of the nail.

2. Inappropriate Footwear

Wearing tight, narrow, high-heeled, or pointed shoes for prolonged periods can compress the toes, forcing the nails to grow into the flesh. It is recommended to choose loose, comfortable shoes and avoid wearing tight or high-heeled shoes for long periods, allowing sufficient space for the toes.

3. Trauma

Toe injuries such as impacts or compression may cause nail deformation or embedment into the soft tissue. Patients may also experience symptoms such as swelling and bruising. For minor injuries, local cold compresses and elevating the affected limb can help reduce swelling; if the nail is severely embedded, surgical treatment is required.

4. Paronychia

Paronychia is usually caused by microbial infections, such as bacteria or fungi, affecting the nail fold tissue. The infection may cause swelling of the nail fold tissue, making the nail edges more likely to embed into the soft tissue. Symptoms may include pain and redness or swelling. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as erythromycin ointment, fusidic acid cream, or clotrimazole cream may be used for treatment.

5. Congenital Toe Nail Deformities

Genetic factors may lead to abnormal nail shape or growth patterns, resulting in the above-mentioned conditions. Symptoms such as pain and difficulty walking may also occur. Patients can undergo nail correction surgery under a doctor's guidance. The surgical procedure may involve removing necrotic tissue and reshaping the toenail to restore its normal appearance and function.

In daily life, it is important to trim nails correctly and maintain an appropriate nail length, avoiding trimming them too short or cutting too deeply on either side. Regularly inspect the condition of the toes, and seek medical attention promptly if any abnormalities are noticed.

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What happens if you keep ignoring an ingrown toenail without trimming it?

Ingrown nail refers to the condition where the nail plate penetrates the surrounding skin tissue. Generally, if left untrimmed, ingrown nails may lead to nail thickening and deformation, granulation tissue proliferation, paronychia, purulent fingertip inflammation, lymphangitis, and lymphedema. It is recommended to monitor nail growth in daily life. If ingrown nails occur, timely trimming is advised; if the condition is severe, prompt medical attention and professional treatment are necessary.

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The Strongest Ointment for Treating Infected Ingrown Toenail (Paronychia)

In general, once paronychia has developed with suppuration, it is recommended to use medications such as erythromycin ointment, mupirocin ointment, fusidic acid sodium ointment, compound cod liver oil oxide zinc ointment, and ichthammol ointment according to medical advice. The treatment of suppurative paronychia should involve selecting appropriate ointments under medical guidance for topical application. Meanwhile, maintaining cleanliness and dryness of the affected area and avoiding irritation and friction can aid in recovery.

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How to remove an ingrown toenail

Insert cotton beneath the nail on both sides of the ingrown nail. As the cotton gradually increases in size, it will help evert the ingrown nail and allow it to grow out normally. This method is suitable for mild cases of ingrown nails. After disinfection, instruments such as clamps or forceps can be carefully used to assist in flipping out the nail. This procedure usually needs to be performed under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional or therapist to ensure safety and effectiveness.

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What are the causes of pain in the right big toe?

Pain in the right big toe may be caused by overuse of the toe, aging, wearing ill-fitting shoes, ingrown toenails, or gouty arthritis. Overuse can place excessive strain on the muscles, ligaments, and tendons around the big toe joint, leading to inflammation and pain. Rest and avoid repetitive movements that cause pain. Switch to comfortable, loose-fitting shoes and avoid prolonged standing or walking.