MD Podiatrist Discusses Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail happens “when the nail plate [the toenail itself] impinges or sticks into the surrounding flesh of the toe,” explains Dan Michaels, DPM. It can affect any toe, but the big toe is affected most often because it sits closest to the edge of your shoe.

Three things put you at higher risk: 1) Genetics. “Some people have what we call a pincer or curved nail plate,” Dr. Michaels says. “Instead of growing flat, these nails grow at an angle, causing them to impinge or stick into the tissue surrounding the nail bed.” 2) Tight shoes. Narrow toe boxes squeeze toes together, and runners, hikers, and skiers are especially prone because of their gear. 3) Rounded trimming. Curving the edges of your nails encourages them to grow back into the skin. Trim straight across instead.