Why You Should Never Try to Cut Out Your Own Ingrown Toenail
Ingrown toenails are one of those deceptively small problems that can create incredibly big headaches. What starts as a little soreness at the edge of your nail can quickly turn into throbbing pain, swelling, and even infection. Because the discomfort can be so frustrating, many people are tempted to “just fix it” themselves by trying to cut the nail out at home. It seems simple enough just trim the corner, right?
Unfortunately, this is exactly where things can go very wrong. Cutting out your own ingrown toenail is not only painful, but it can make the situation dramatically worse. In fact, podiatrists consistently warn that DIY ingrown toenail removal is one of the most common causes of severe infections, recurring ingrown nails, and long-term nail deformities.
Here’s why you should never attempt it yourself and why seeing a specialist is the safest, smartest choice.
1. You Can Accidentally Dig the Nail In Deeper
When your toe is throbbing, it’s natural to want fast relief. So people often grab a pair of scissors or clippers and try to “carve out” the part of the nail that hurts. The problem? Without proper training, it’s incredibly easy to cut the nail at the wrong angle. Instead of relieving the pressure, you may push the sharp nail edge further into the skin.
This causes the nail to curve and grow deeper into the flesh. What was once mild pain can turn into a severe, recurring ingrown toenail that becomes harder to treat each time.
2. You Risk Creating or Worsening an Infection
Ingrown toenails are prone to infection because the nail punctures the skin, creating an opening for bacteria. Attempting to cut it out yourself often introduces even more bacteria especially since home tools are rarely sterilized properly.
Signs of infection include:
Increased swelling
Yellow or green discharge
Redness and warmth
Throbbing, persistent pain
If the infection spreads, it can move deeper into the toe and, in rare cases, into the bone. People with diabetes or circulation issues face even higher risks and should never attempt home treatment.
3. You Might Cut Too Deep Without Realizing It
The skin around an ingrown toenail is already tender and inflamed. Cutting around that area when you’re in pain makes it easy to slip, dig too far, or accidentally cut living tissue. This can cause:
Bleeding
Damage to the nail bed
Permanent changes to nail shape
A cycle of repeat ingrown toenails
A podiatrist that provides nail surgery uses precision instruments, numbing agents, and sterile techniques none of which you have access to at home.
4. Professional Treatment Is Safer, Faster, and Helps Prevent Future Ingrown Nails
A licensed podiatrist doesn’t just remove the painful part of the nail; they diagnose the underlying cause. Your ingrown toenail might be due to:
Nail shape or curvature
Incorrect trimming
Tight footwear
Past injury
Genetics
Depending on the severity, they may perform a small, controlled procedure often under local anesthesia to remove the offending nail edge. They can also treat infection properly and advise you on long-term prevention.
Some podiatrists can even permanently fix chronic ingrown toenails with a simple procedure that stops the problematic edge of the nail from growing back.
5. Trying to Fix It Yourself Usually Makes It Last Longer
The biggest irony? People try to cut out ingrown toenails to get quick relief, but DIY attempts often prolong the problem for weeks or months. What could have been handled swiftly by a specialist turns into a repeating cycle of pain, swelling, and frustration.
The Bottom Line
It may be tempting to take matters into your own hands when dealing with an ingrown toenail, but doing so can lead to deeper nail penetration, severe infection, and long-term complications. A podiatrist has the tools, training, and sterile environment needed to treat it safely and effectively.
If you’re dealing with persistent pain, swelling, or signs of infection, don’t try to cut it out yourself schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who specialises in nail surgery. Your toes will thank you.
