Ingrown Toenails

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails can develop from improper nail trimming, tight footwear, genetic nail shape, trauma to the nail, or excessive sweating. They most commonly affect the big toe and can occur at any age.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Pain and tenderness along one or both sides of the toenail
• Redness and swelling around the nail
• Warm sensation in the affected area
• Drainage or pus if infected
• Difficulty wearing shoes comfortably

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the severity. Conservative care may include proper trimming technique, soaking, and padding. For more severe or recurring cases, our chiropodists may recommend a partial nail avulsion — a minor in-office procedure performed under local anaesthetic to remove the offending nail border and prevent regrowth.

Why You Should Not Cut It Out Yourself

Attempting "bathroom surgery" on an ingrown toenail almost always makes things worse. Cutting down the side of the nail at home typically leaves a spike of nail behind that grows deeper into the skin, increasing pain and the risk of infection. A chiropodist can remove the offending nail edge safely and comfortably — often in a single visit — using sterile instruments and, when needed, local anaesthetic. For recurring cases, a partial nail avulsion addresses the problem at its source and is a well-established option for reducing the likelihood of regrowth.

Preventing Ingrown Toenails

Cut nails straight across rather than rounding the corners, and avoid cutting them too short. Choose footwear with a roomy toe box — tight, narrow shoes are a leading cause of ingrown nails. If you have diabetes, reduced circulation, or thick nails you find difficult to cut, regular professional nail care is the safest way to prevent painful problems before they start.

Frequently Asked Questions