What are ingrown toenails?

What is an ingrown toenail?

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An ingrown toenail is a common condition in which the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, most often affecting the big toe. This can cause pain, redness, swelling and inflammation, making everyday activities such as walking and wearing shoes uncomfortable.

In some cases, the affected area may become infected, leading to discharge, bleeding or the formation of excess tissue around the nail edge. Without appropriate treatment, symptoms can persist or recur.

Ingrown toenails may develop due to improper nail trimming, naturally curved or wide nails, tight-fitting footwear, injury to the toe or inherited nail shape. While mild cases may improve with conservative treatment, more persistent or recurrent ingrown toenails may require a minor surgical procedure to remove the offending nail edge and help prevent the problem from returning.

How do I know if I need ingrown toenail treatment?

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You may benefit from a podiatric medical assessment if you experience:

  • Persistent pain or tenderness: Discomfort around the nail edge that affects walking or wearing shoes.

  • Redness and swelling: Inflamed or swollen skin around the affected toenail.

  • Signs of infection: Pus, discharge, increasing warmth or worsening redness around the nail.

  • Overgrowth of skin: Excess tissue developing around the nail edge.

  • Recurring ingrown toenails: Repeated episodes affecting the same toe, particularly if conservative treatment has not provided lasting relief.

  • Difficulty with everyday activities: Pain that interferes with walking, exercise or your usual routine.

People with diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system should seek professional advice early.

Treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail. Options may include conservative care, nail-edge management, or a minor procedure to remove part or, in some cases, all of the affected nail.

What are non- surgical treatment options for ingrown toenails?

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Mild ingrown toenails may be managed with simple measures, including wearing comfortable, wide-fitting shoes, avoiding pressure on the affected toe and good nail cutting technique.

Conservative treatment options offered by our podiatrists include

  • Debridement of hard skin (hyperkeratosis) around the nail, to ‘open’ up the area and relieve pressure against the toe

  • Treatment of fungus or infections

  • Correction of the curvature of the nail by application of a nail brace.

  • If there has been loss of length and the nail can’t progress forward, the nail can be extended to encourage growth

What are the surgical options for ingrown toenails?

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When an ingrown toenail causes persistent pain, recurrent inflammation or repeated episodes despite conservative treatment, surgical treatment may be recommended.

Ingrown toenail surgery is commonly performed under local anaesthetic, which numbs the toe during the procedure. Depending on the condition, treatment may involve:

  • Partial nail avulsion: Removing the section of toenail that is growing into the surrounding skin.

  • Partial nail matrixectomy: Treating or removing the corresponding section of the nail root to reduce the likelihood of that portion of the nail growing back.

The most appropriate procedure depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail, whether it has recurred and your individual circumstances. Your surgeon will explain the recommended treatment and expected recovery before proceeding.

Read more about surgical options here.