Ingrown Toenail
What Is An Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection.
It most commonly affects the big toe but can occur on any toe.
It most commonly affects the big toe but can occur on any toe.
Common Causes of an Ingrown Toenail
Improper Nail Trimming: Cutting nails too short or rounding the edges can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.
Ill-Fitting Footwear: Tight or narrow shoes place pressure on the toes, pushing the nail into the skin.
Trauma or Injury: Stubbing the toe or repetitive pressure (e.g., from sports) can alter nail growth.
Genetics: Some people have naturally curved or wide nails that are more prone to ingrowing.
Poor Foot Hygiene: Excess moisture or sweat can soften the skin around the nails, increasing the risk of ingrowth.
Underlying Medical Conditions: Conditions like fungal nail infections or arthritis can deform the nail and make it more likely to grow inward.
Ill-Fitting Footwear: Tight or narrow shoes place pressure on the toes, pushing the nail into the skin.
Trauma or Injury: Stubbing the toe or repetitive pressure (e.g., from sports) can alter nail growth.
Genetics: Some people have naturally curved or wide nails that are more prone to ingrowing.
Poor Foot Hygiene: Excess moisture or sweat can soften the skin around the nails, increasing the risk of ingrowth.
Underlying Medical Conditions: Conditions like fungal nail infections or arthritis can deform the nail and make it more likely to grow inward.
How To Treat An Ingrown Toenail?
We will examine the nail to confirm the ingrowth and check for infection or other complications. If required, the practitioner may assess underlying causes, such as footwear or nail-cutting habits.
Treatment Summary:
(Click to expand)
(Click to expand)
Non-Surgical Treatment
- Trimming and Filing: We will carefully trim the ingrown edge and shape the nail to relieve pressure on the skin.
- Clearing Debris: We’ll remove any build-up of dead skin or debris under the nail edge.
Pain Relief & Infection Management
- Antiseptic Treatment: Once the initial procedure is complete, we shall clean the affected area and apply antiseptic to prevent or treat infection.
- Cushioning: We will use protective dressings or padding to reduce pressure and allow healing.
Footwear Advice
- We recommend wide, well-fitting shoes to avoid further irritation.
Advanced Care (if required)
- If the ingrowing nail is severe or recurring, referral to a podiatrist or GP for partial or full nail removal (e.g., partial nail avulsion) may be necessary.
Preventative Advice
- We’ll demonstrate the importance of proper nail trimming techniques
- Maintain foot hygiene to prevent infections and soften skin around the nails.
- Wear comfortable, breathable footwear that reduces toe pressure.
Foot Care For Everyone
Book An Appointment To Treat Your Ingrown Toenail
If an ingrown toenail is left untreated, the skin around the nail can become infected, leading to redness, pus, and pain as infection sets in.
By addressing ingrown toenail issues early and providing tailored treatment, we can relieve discomfort and prevent complications, ensuring healthy nail growth.
By addressing ingrown toenail issues early and providing tailored treatment, we can relieve discomfort and prevent complications, ensuring healthy nail growth.
Book an appointment at The Barefoot Clinic for just £35 and our friendly practitioner will help you put your best foot forward.
Not Sure What You Need?
If you’re unsure what treatment you need, we’ll be able to uncover your symptoms and recommend the required treatment during your appointment. You can also send us a photo via WhatsApp to see if we can identify the issue in advance.