Service

Ingrown Toenail Management

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of a nail grows into the surrounding skin rather than over the top of it. It most commonly affects the big toe and can cause pain, redness, swelling, and — if left untreated — infection. A podiatrist assesses and treats ingrown toenails with the goal of relieving pain, reducing infection, and preventing recurrence, so you can get back to walking comfortably.

What causes an ingrown toenail?

Ingrown toenails have several common triggers, and identifying the cause is an important part of effective treatment. Contributing factors include:

Incorrect nail cutting — trimming nails too short or rounding the corners encourages the nail to grow into the skin
Tight or ill-fitting footwear that places pressure on the toes
Trauma or injury to the toe, such as stubbing it or repetitive pressure from sport
Naturally curved or thick nails, which may be hereditary
Excessive sweating or poor foot hygiene, which softens the skin around the nail

How a podiatrist treats an ingrown toenail

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and whether infection is present. During your appointment, your podiatrist will examine the toe, discuss your symptoms, and recommend the most appropriate approach.

For mild to moderate cases, the podiatrist carefully trims or removes the ingrown portion of the nail, then cleans and dresses the area. If an infection is present, it is treated at the same time, and you may be advised on wound care to support healing at home. This conservative treatment often provides immediate relief and, in many cases, resolves the problem completely.

Treatment for recurring or severe ingrown toenails

When an ingrown toenail keeps coming back or is particularly severe, a minor surgical procedure known as a partial nail avulsion may be recommended. Under local anaesthetic, the podiatrist removes the problematic section of the nail. Where recurrence is likely, a chemical solution (typically phenol) is applied to the nail root to prevent that section from regrowing. This is a safe, routine procedure performed in the clinic, and most people return to normal activity within a short recovery period.

Preventing future ingrown toenails

Prevention is a key part of long-term care. Your podiatrist will provide tailored advice to help you avoid recurrence, including guidance on:

Correct nail-cutting technique — trimming straight across rather than curving down the sides, and not cutting too short
Choosing well-fitting footwear that allows enough room in the toe box
Good foot hygiene to keep the skin around the nails healthy
Managing underlying nail shape or thickness where relevant

When to see a podiatrist

You should book an appointment if you notice ongoing pain, redness, swelling, discharge, or if the toe feels warm to the touch — these can be signs of infection. Early treatment is especially important for people with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced sensation in the feet, as even minor foot problems can become serious if left unmanaged.

At People Podiatry, our team provides gentle, effective ingrown toenail treatment and practical prevention advice to keep your feet healthy and pain-free. If an ingrown toenail is causing you discomfort, get in touch to arrange an assessment.