Expert Foot & Ankle Treatment from Michigan’s #1 Podiatrist - Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist
What is Onychocryptosis
Symptoms, Stages & BEST treatment
Onychocryptosis, commonly known as an ingrown toenail, can progress into a painful infection if left untreated. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key symptoms, stages, and the most effective treatments to help you understand and manage onychocryptosis before it worsens.
Toenail Pain (Toenail Fungus, Ingrown Toenails, Discolored Toenails)
What is Onychocryptosis:
- Onych means “nail,” and “crypto” means ingrown toenails.
- This is synonymous with an ingrown toenail.
Onychocryptosis Definition:
The definition of onychocryptosis is:
- Onychocryptosis means ingrown toenails, and this is synonymous with ingrown toenails.
- The onychocryptosis appearance is similar to ingrown toenails with various stages.
Is Onychocryptosis Contagious?
- In most cases, onychocryptosis is not contagious.
- Onychomycosis can be contagious and can cause extensive foot pain.
- This can lead to an ingrown toenail infection that can lead to pus and possible hospitalization.
Onychocryptosis Stages:
The stages of onychocryptosis include:
- Normal toenail without being ingrown.
- Ingrown toenail without pain.
- Ingrown toenail with pain.
- Ingrown toenail with infection (Aka onychocryptosis infection)
Onychomycosis Definition & Toenail Fungus:
- An ingrown toenail is also known as onychomycosis.
- Onych means “nail,” and “myco” means fungus.
- Nail fungus is often painless, but the condition can make your nails thicken and become deformed and discolored.
- The fungus is contagious and can spread to other nails and skin. It’s widespread, affecting 14% to 18% of the general population and 48% seniors.
See the causes See the long-term complications See how to relieve yourself at home.
Onychocryptosis Symptoms:
Advanced cases of onychocryptosis are easy to identify through a visual assessment.
These signs are caused by the toenail growing into the skin and become infected.
Onychomycosis Definition & Toenail Fungus:
- An ingrown toenail is also known as onychomycosis.
- Onych means “nail,” and “myco” means fungus.
- Nail fungus is often painless, but the condition can make your nails thicken and become deformed and discolored.
- The fungus is contagious and can spread to other nails and skin. It’s widespread, affecting 14% to 18% of the general population and 48% seniors.
See the causes See the long-term complications See how to relieve yourself at home.
Onychocryptosis Symptoms:
Advanced cases of onychocryptosis are easy to identify through a visual assessment.
These signs are caused by the toenail growing into the skin and become infected.
Onychomycosis Infection vs. Onychocryptosis Infection:
Onychomycosis Infection:
Initially, the tip of the nail becomes unattached. As the infection gets worse, the signs become more apparent:
- increased nail detachment
- thickening
- discoloration (white, yellow, brown, and/or black)
- brittleness (broken nails)
- debris accumulation under nails
- unpleasant odor
- skin changes on the affected foot
- Nail fungus is often painless, but patients may feel discomfort due to nail deformity (thickening, curving)
- The most frequent concern is an embarrassment. Patients with nail fungus don’t feel comfortable showing their feet in public.
Onychocryptosis infection:
An onychocryptosis infection can be very different from an onychomycosis infection. Onychocryptosis can cause extensive pain and possible hospitalization.
- One side or both sides are very sore and irritated.
- It does not have to be thickened.
- There does not have to be discoloration, but the skin can usually be very red.
- The toenail does not have to be brittle.
- There is not always debris accumulated underneath the skin.
- There is usually not odor.
- There are usually skin changes in terms of being red and sorer.
- Onychomycosis is usually painless, but onychocryptosis is usually associated with pain.
Onychocryptosis Antibiotic Treatment:
We always recommend calling your podiatrist if you have early signs of onychocryptosis or an ingrown toenail.
- When we treat ingrown toenails, we will usually take a swab of the tissue to ensure no infection is appreciated.
- If there is an infection, we run a test called culture and sensitivity.
- This will show us if there is an onychocryptosis infection to pursue the proper onychocryptosis antibiotic treatment.
Onychocryptosis Treatment:
There are 3 stages of onychocryptosis treatment that your podiatrist can pursue with you.
Stage 1 onychocryptosis treatment: No infection.
Trimming the toenail with the possible use of local anesthetic.
- For a slightly ingrown nail (redness and pain but no pus), your doctor may carefully trim the ingrowing nail edge and cut it out with specialized instruments.
- This can be helped with local anesthesia, just like a dentist would numb a tooth. This is usually not as bad as it sounds (per the average patients’ opinion!)
- In most cases, people can get back to work or on their feet very quickly and with less pain than they came in with (Although this is not a guarantee for everyone).
- This procedure separates the nail from the overlying skin and helps the nail grow above the skin edge. At home, you may soak the toe.
Stage 2 onychocryptosis treatment: Pain or infection.
Partial Onychocryptosis toenail removal surgery.
- For a more severe ingrown toenail and onychocryptosis (redness, pain, and pus), your podiatrist may trim or remove the ingrown portion of the nail.
- During this procedure, the podiatrist will trim the onychocryptosis to the root of the toenail.
- This would be especially if there is onychocryptosis with paronychia.
Stage 3 onychocryptosis treatment: Recurrent pain or infection.
Permanent onychocryptosis removal surgery:
- If you have the same onychocryptosis ingrown toenail pain repeatedly on the same toe, your podiatrist will likely suggest a permanent ingrown toenail procedure.
- This means using medication at the root of the toenail to prevent the corner from ever growing back. Your podiatrist may use a laser or a chemical to accomplish this goal.
Toenail Fungus (Onychomycosis) Treatment & Cure Options
Onychocryptosis Surgery:
Trimming the toenail with the possible use of local anesthetic.
- For a slightly ingrown nail (redness and pain but no pus), your doctor may carefully lift the ingrowing nail edge and trim it with specialized instruments.
- This can be helped with local anesthesia, just like a dentist would numb a tooth.
- In most cases, people can get back to work or on their feet very quickly and with less pain than they came in with.
- This separates the nail from the overlying skin and helps the nail grow above the skin edge. At home, you may soak the toe.S
Partial Onychocryptosis Toenail Removal Surgery
- For a more severe ingrown toenail and onychocryptosis (redness, pain, and pus), your podiatrist may trim or remove the ingrown portion of the nail.
- During this procedure, the podiatrist will trim the onychocryptosis to the root of the toenail.
- This would be especially if there is onychocryptosis with paronychia.
Permanent onychocryptosis removal surgery:
- If you have the same onychocryptosis ingrown toenail problem repeatedly on the same toe, your podiatrist will likely suggest a permanent ingrown toenail procedure.
- This means using medication at the root of the toenail to prevent the corner from ever growing back. Your podiatrist may use a laser or a chemical to accomplish this goal.
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10 Facts About Onychocryptosis: Symptoms & BEST Home Treatment
Onychocryptosis, more commonly known as an ingrown toenail, is one of the most frequent foot problems podiatrists treat. It occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. Understanding this condition is key to preventing complications and knowing when to treat it at home or seek professional care. Here are 10 important facts about onychocryptosis, its symptoms, and the best home treatments available.
1. Onychocryptosis is the medical term for an ingrown toenail
The word comes from Greek: “onycho” meaning nail and “cryptosis” meaning hidden or buried. It describes the condition perfectly—where part of the nail edge burrows into the skin.
2. The big toe is the most commonly affected
Although any toe can develop an ingrown nail, the big toe is most often affected due to pressure from shoes, improper trimming, or repetitive trauma.
3. Symptoms usually start mild but can worsen
Early signs include redness, tenderness, and slight swelling along the nail edge. If untreated, the nail may dig deeper, causing infection, drainage, or pus.
4. Improper nail trimming is the leading cause
Cutting nails too short or rounding the edges increases the chance of the nail growing into the skin. The best way is to trim nails straight across.
5. Tight shoes make the problem worse
Shoes that squeeze the toes together increase pressure on the nail edges, pushing them into the skin and worsening the condition.
6. Genetics can play a role
Some people are simply more prone to ingrown toenails due to naturally curved or thick nails that tend to grow inward.
7. Infection is a common complication
If bacteria enter the skin where the nail digs in, symptoms may include pus, foul odor, and increased pain. Prompt care is important to prevent worsening infection.
8. Soaking can relieve symptoms at home
Warm water soaks (15–20 minutes, 2–3 times a day) can reduce swelling, soften the nail, and provide temporary relief. Adding Epsom salt may also help.
9. Cotton or dental floss can help lift the nail
After soaking, gently placing a small piece of cotton or waxed dental floss under the edge of the nail may help it grow above the skin instead of into it.
10. Professional care may still be needed
While home remedies work for mild cases, severe or recurring ingrown toenails often require podiatric treatment such as nail edge removal or partial nail surgery for long-term relief.
BEST Home Treatment for Onychocryptosis
For mild to moderate cases, the best approach combines several steps:
- Soak your foot in warm water with Epsom salt 2–3 times daily.
- Keep the toe clean and dry to prevent infection.
- Lift the nail edge with clean cotton or dental floss after soaking.
- Wear roomy shoes or sandals to reduce pressure.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment if the skin is irritated.
If pain worsens, pus appears, or symptoms persist, seek professional podiatric care.
Onychocryptosis Symptoms & Treatments: Trusted Foot & Ankle Information
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Why Choose Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Howell and Bloomfield Hills?
At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist, our podiatric team has extensive expertise in diagnosing and treating onychocryptosis (ingrown toenails) with precision, care, and long-term relief in mind. Whether you require conservative management or advanced surgical correction, we provide personalized solutions tailored to your needs. With modern techniques, patient-focused care, and a commitment to restoring comfort, our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices are trusted destinations for expert ingrown toenail treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Onychocryptosis Surgery:
Onychocryptosis, commonly called an ingrown toenail, occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection.
Causes include improper nail trimming, tight footwear, trauma to the toe, genetic nail shape, and conditions like fungal infections.
Symptoms include pain along the nail edge, swelling, redness, tenderness, and in severe cases, pus or drainage due to infection.
A podiatrist can diagnose onychocryptosis with a physical exam of the affected toe and, if needed, additional evaluation to rule out infection or other nail disorders.
Mild cases may improve with home care like warm foot soaks, proper trimming, and wearing roomy shoes, but moderate to severe cases usually need podiatric treatment.
Treatment may include nail edge removal, antibiotic therapy for infection, or partial permanent nail removal in recurring cases.
Trim nails straight across (not rounded), wear properly fitted shoes, keep feet clean and dry, and avoid cutting nails too short.
Seek medical care if you experience severe pain, recurrent ingrown toenails, signs of infection, or if you have diabetes or circulation problems, which increase risks.