Mitchell J. Mandel, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist, founder · All offices
Ingrown toenail and nail surgery
Medically reviewed by Mitchell J. Mandel, M.D., F.A.A.D., Board-Certified Dermatologist. Last reviewed .
An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail grows into the skin, causing pain, redness and sometimes infection. It is most common on the big toe. Other nail conditions may need a procedure too, such as a nail biopsy to check a dark streak.
Signs and symptoms
- Pain and tenderness along the side of a toenail
- Redness and swelling
- Drainage or pus if the area is infected
How we treat it
- Treating infection with antibiotics when needed
- Partial nail removal: after numbing, the ingrown edge of the nail is removed
- Treating the nail root, so the edge does not grow back, for nails that keep ingrowing
- Nail biopsy for dark streaks or unusual changes
After your procedure
Many people can walk after the procedure, but activity limits and healing time vary. We explain how to soak and dress the toe while it heals.
Where it is offered
Offered at all of our offices.
Q&A
How can I prevent ingrown toenails?
Cut toenails straight across, not too short, and wear shoes that are not tight across the toes.
Does it hurt?
The toe is numbed before the procedure, so it should not hurt during it. Mild soreness afterward is common.
Who performs this treatment
Dustin Marks, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist · Upper East Side
Emily Tongdee, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist · Downtown Brooklyn
Emma Newman, PA-C
Physician assistant · Upper East Side
Grace Jarrett, PA-C
Physician assistant · Downtown Brooklyn
Leah Aminov, PA-C
Physician assistant · Greenvale
Karen Chen, PA-C
Physician assistant · Streeterville
Paige Yurick, PA-C
Physician assistant · Streeterville
Arielle Ades, DNP, FNP-BC
Nurse practitioner · Boulder
Francesca Raedel, FNP-BC
Nurse practitioner · Boulder
Jennifer Telgener, FNP-BC
Nurse practitioner · Boulder
Christine Sacco, FNP-C
Nurse practitioner · Palm Beach Gardens