An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail curves sideways into the skin alongside the nail. This can cause pain, especially when wearing tight shoes. It can also lead to an infection with redness and swelling.
The side of the nail will need to be removed in order to stop the pain and release any infection present. If there is a lot of redness and swelling, then an antibotic may also be used. The redness and pain should begin to go away within 48 hours. It will take about two weeks for the exposed nail bed to become dry and all the swelling to go down.
If only the side of the nail was removed it will begin to grow back in a few months. To prevent recurrence, that side of the nail bed may be treated with a strong chemical to prevent the nail from regrowing.
