---
title: "Ingrown Toenail Prevention and Treatment | Sutter Health"
description: "I have an ingrown toenail that is causing pain and swelling. How should I treat this? Also, is there anything I can do to prevent the other toenails from doing the same thing?"
url: "/ask-an-expert/answers/ingrown-toenail-prevention-treatment-1051061274"
---

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# Ingrown Toenail Prevention and Treatment

* * *

Medically reviewed by

-   Alexander M. Reyzelman, DPM

## Question

I have an ingrown toenail that is causing pain and swelling. How should I treat this? Also, is there anything I can do to prevent the other toenails from doing the same thing?

## Answer

An ingrown toenail is a very painful problem, and if you're having redness and swelling, you should see a podiatrist.

The treatment will almost always involve removing the offending nail border. It's a very simple procedure with immediate pain relief. If you don't have it taken care of, the ingrown nail almost always gets worse.

To prevent ingrown nails, you should try to trim the nails straight across.

## Explore related topics

Foot healthFoot Problems

## Meet our care team

Alexander M. Reyzelman, DPM

Podiatry

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