Symptoms · Toe
A painful, red toe beside the nail
The short answer
A painful, red, swollen edge of the toenail, usually the big toe, is an ingrown toenail. The edge of the nail digs into the skin and may become infected. Early cases improve with warm soaks, straight nail cutting and roomy shoes. If it keeps coming back or becomes infected, a small operation under local anaesthesia can remove the edge of the nail (wedge excision). See a doctor sooner if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
How patients describe it
- Pain at the side of my big toenail
- A red, swollen toe
- Pus at the edge of the nail
- Pain when I wear shoes
- A nail that grows into the skin
See a doctor the same day if you have
- Redness spreading up the toe or foot
- Fever or chills
- Pus with severe throbbing pain
- Diabetes, poor circulation or numb feet, together with any toe infection
- Red streaks running up the leg
What can cause it
Ingrown toenail
The nail edge digs into the skin. Common causes are tight shoes, cutting nails too short or rounded, and injury.
Next step: Warm soaks and correct trimming; a small operation if it keeps coming back.
Infected ingrown nail
Pus, a bad smell, and increasing redness and pain around the nail.
Next step: See a doctor; antibiotics may be given before surgery.
Fungal nail infection
A thick, yellow or crumbly nail, usually with little pain.
Next step: See a doctor for treatment.
Toe injury
A bruise under the nail after a knock or a heavy object.
Next step: Rest; see a doctor if the pain is severe.
What you can do now
- Soak the foot in warm (not hot) water 2–3 times a day for 15–20 minutes, then dry well
- Cut nails straight across, not too short and not rounded
- Wear roomy shoes or open sandals
- Do not dig at the nail edge yourself
- Book a clinic visit if it does not improve in a few days, or keeps coming back
Tests your doctor may order
- Examination of the toe
- A swab if there is pus
- A blood sugar check if you have or may have diabetes
When is surgery needed?
- The edge of the nail is removed under local anaesthesia (wedge excision), and fasting is not required. The rest of the nail stays.
- It comes back in about 5–10 in 100 people, and infection happens in about 1–3 in 100.
Related operation guides
Questions people ask
Can I fix it at home?
Early, mild cases can improve with warm soaks, correct trimming and roomy shoes. If there is pus, spreading redness, or it keeps returning, see a doctor.
Will I lose the whole nail?
No. Only the edge that digs into the skin is removed, and the rest of the nail stays.
Will it come back?
It can, in about 5–10 in 100 people. Cutting nails straight and wearing roomy shoes lowers the chance.
This page gives general information and does not replace the advice of your treating team. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency room.