INGROWING TOENAILS

Our friendly team are highly skilled in the assessment and management of ingrown toenails; you can trust you are in safe hands. We aim to make you more comfortable non-surgically where possible, though in some circumstances we may recommend toenail surgery.

What is an ingrowing toenail?

An ingrowing toenail is where a piece of nail pierces the flesh of the toe. It can feel as if you have a splinter, and be extremely painful and inflamed or infected. In more severe cases, it can cause pus and bleeding. Ingrowing toenails most commonly affect the big toenail, but can affect the other toes too.

What causes it?

There are many factors that can make you prone to ingrowing toenails, including:

• The way you walk/stand

• Foot deformities such as bunions/hammer toes/excessive pronation

• Poor cutting technique/picking

• Tight footwear or hosiery

• Brittle nails

• Fungal infections

• Certain types of medication

What ARE THE SYMTPOMS?

The most common symptom is pain followed by inflammation in the surrounding nail area. There may also be a strange smell or pus coming from the toe.

What are the treatments?

Your treatment will depend largely on the severity of your condition. Where possible treatment will be started immediately, which will involve having the nail cut back. In some cases this may require a local anaesthetic or antibiotics.

In the most severe cases, nail surgery may be recommended for a more permanent solution to the underlying condition.