This common malady is frequently caused by poor shoe gear choice or by genetics. The body actually treats the curved nail border like a foreign body and tries to reject it. Frequently the nail groove will grow extra callous tissue to protect it from the nail point. In this latter case, trying to snip out the nail point provides little relief for the victim.

Other variations of ingrown toenail include fungus nails (Onychomycosis) and post-injury thickened nails (Onychocauxis). When the curved portion of the nail pierces the flesh, bacteria is introduced and an infection ensues. The infection can be treated by soaking the toe and applying over-the-counter antibiotic ointments. If the infection persists beyond three days of this treatment, a podiatrist must be consulted.

The foot doctor will likely remove a portion or all of the toenail either temporarily or permanently. A favorite procedure is to install the chemical phenol to the exposed root to permanently keep the nail or nail border from growing back. The phenol numbs the exposed area, providing instant relief. If an infected ingrown toenail is not resolved within one month, a serious bone infection may occur, providing risk of blood-borne bacteria to the entire human body.

True fungus toenails may be treated by prescription anti-fungals. Two common prescriptions are Lamisil and Sporonox.