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February 3, 2012
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Ingrown Toenails

Medical Author:
Allison Harvey, MD
Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Ingrown Toenails Overview

An ingrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis or unguis incarnates, is a painful condition of the toe. It occurs when a sharp corner of the toenail digs into the skin at the end of or side of the toe. Pain and inflammation at the spot where the nail curls into the skin occurs first. Later, the inflamed area can begin to grow extra tissue or drain yellowish fluid.

  • If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can progress to an infection or even an abscess that requires surgical treatment. Osteomyelitis is a rare complication of an infected toe, in which the bone itself becomes infected.


  • Ingrown toenails are common in adults but uncommon in children and infants. They are more common in men than in women. Young adults in their 20s or 30s are most at risk.


  • Any toenail can become ingrown, but the condition is usually found in the big toe.
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Ingrown Toenail Causes»
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Ingrown Toenails - Symptoms and Signs

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What symptoms and signs did you experience with ingrown toenails?

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Ingrown Toenails - Effective Treatment

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What treatment has been effective for your ingrown toenails?

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Ingrown Toenails

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Toenail, Ingrown »

Ingrown toenails (unguis incarnatus) are a common toenail problem of uncertain etiology.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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