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An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail edge is damaged, and the nail no longer fits properly into the side groove. The nail curls down and digs into the skin, causing pain, swelling, redness, and drainage. Sometimes a piece of nail becomes embedded in the side tissue, and the tissue becomes raised and inflamed

There are many causes for ingrown nails, but the two most common ones are poorly-fitting shoes and improperly trimmed nails.

If you have mild ingrown toenail, you may soak your foot in warm water and put dry cotton under the corner of the nail. If the nail worsens, you may experience increased pain, swelling, and drainage, and an antibiotic ointment may be needed. Surgical removal of part of the nail is often required for most cases.