Non-surgical foot & ankle care · New York City
Ingrown Toenail Treatment
Relief for a painful ingrown nail, and care so it does not keep coming back.
Board-certified
Foot surgery, ABPS
24 years
Private practice
4.96 ★ on ZocDoc
2,618 verified reviews
Conservative
Patient-first care
Our specialized treatments
Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail grows into the skin beside it instead of over it. The big toe is the usual culprit. It starts as tenderness along one side, then the skin becomes red, swollen, and sore to touch, and pressure from a shoe is enough to make walking miserable.
Left alone, the broken skin can become infected. Dr. Scott Melamed, D.P.M. offers both surgical and non-surgical solutions to relieve the pain and stop it returning.
A healthy nail grows straight out with its corners clear of the skin. In an ingrown nail, the corner turns into the fold beside it and the skin reacts.
When to seek care
Pain or tenderness along one side of the nail
Redness and swelling in the skin beside the nail
Drainage, or skin that feels warm to touch
Pain that returns every time the nail grows out
Any ingrown nail if you have diabetes or poor circulation
Common causes
Cutting the nail rounded rather than straight across
Shoes that press on the toes
A nail that is naturally curved or thickened
Stubbing the toe or repeated pressure from sport
Picking or tearing the nail rather than trimming it
A normally curved nail sits flat with its edges clear of the skin. An over-curved nail curls down at both sides and presses into the skin folds, which is where the soreness starts.
Why It Keeps Coming Back
Trimming the sore corner away feels like a fix, but it usually is not. Cutting into the corner leaves a spike of nail behind, and when it grows out it goes straight back into the same piece of skin.
Nail shape matters too. Some nails are naturally curved enough that the edges press into the skin folds however carefully they are cut, which is why a nail settles for a few weeks and then flares again.
How We Treat Ingrown Toenails
Advanced surgical and non-surgical solutions to relieve pain and restore foot function
Pain management for the affected toe
Personalized recovery plans for an effective return to activity
Preventive and therapeutic care if you are managing diabetic foot complications
Conservative, patient-first care throughout
What is right for you depends on how far the nail has grown in, whether the skin is infected, and whether this is a first episode or one that keeps returning. Dr. Melamed will talk that through with you at the visit.
Trimming straight across, rather than rounding the nail down at the corners, keeps the edges clear of the skin fold as the nail grows out.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Getting seen
Same-week appointments are usually available, and most major insurance is accepted.
Understanding your options
Non-surgical first. Dr. Melamed explains what is going on with your toe and what your options are.
A second opinion, if you need one
Told surgery is your only option? A second opinion is worth the visit.
Appointments and insurance
We accept most major plans, including Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, BlueCross BlueShield, Medicare, Oxford Health Plans, and GHI / EmblemHealth. Don’t see yours? Call 212-228-5230 and we’ll check.
Diabetes or poor circulation? An ingrown toenail should not be treated at home. Call 212-228-5230 rather than waiting to see whether it settles.
Common Questions
Ingrown Toenails, Answered
Can I treat an ingrown toenail at home?
Mild irritation sometimes settles with sensible footwear and leaving the nail alone, but digging the corner out yourself usually makes it worse. If the toe is red, swollen, or draining, it should be looked at.
How should I cut my toenails?
Straight across, and not shorter than the end of the toe. Rounding the nail down at the corners is what buries the edge in the skin fold, which is where ingrown nails start.
Why does mine keep coming back?
Usually a spike of nail was left behind at the corner, or the nail is curved enough that the edge presses in however it is trimmed. A recurring ingrown nail is worth assessing rather than trimming again.
How do I book an appointment?
Send an appointment request through the form on this page, or call 212-228-5230. Dr. Melamed also takes bookings through ZocDoc.
Is it more serious if I have diabetes?
It needs more caution, because reduced sensation means a small break in the skin can become a bigger problem before you feel it. Call rather than treating it yourself.
My child has an ingrown toenail. Should they be seen?
Ingrown nails are common in teenagers, often from tight sports shoes or trimming the nail too short. If the toe is painful, red, or keeps flaring, it is worth an exam. See Pediatric Podiatry.
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A better life starts with healthy feet.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Scott Melamed, D.P.M. in New York City.
What our patients say
Verified reviews from our patients on ZocDoc.
Sean K.
★★★★★
Bunny H.
★★★★★
Rita W.
★★★★★