Ingrown nail

Big toe with an ingrown nail, showing redness and swelling

An ingrown nail is when a nail grows into the flesh at the side of the nail. This usually affects the toes, especially the big toe. An ingrown nail can get infected. It may be painful, red, and swollen, and it may drain pus. People with curved or thick nails are most likely to get ingrown nails.

ByHealthwise Staff

Primary Medical ReviewerWilliam H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine

Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine

Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine

Specialist Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine

Current as ofNovember 4, 2016

Current as of: November 4, 2016

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine