What Causes an Ingrown Toenail?
The most common causes include:
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Improper footwear: Tight or narrow shoes — particularly those with pointed toes or high heels — press the nail into the skin, encouraging it to grow inward.
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Incorrect nail trimming: Cutting toenails too short or rounding the corners can cause the nail to dig into the skin as it grows back.
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Injury or trauma: Repeated pressure or injury to the toe, such as from running, kicking, or dropping something heavy on the foot.
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Genetics: Some people naturally have curved or fan-shaped toenails that are more likely to become ingrown.
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Poor foot hygiene or excessive sweating: These can soften the skin and make it more vulnerable to irritation.
To reduce your risk, trim your toenails straight across, avoiding rounded edges, and wear properly fitting shoes that give your toes enough room.
Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail
Common signs and symptoms include:
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Pain and tenderness along one or both sides of the nail.
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Redness and swelling around the affected area.
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Warmth or fluid drainage, which may indicate infection.
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Overgrowth of skin or tissue along the nail edge.
If infection develops, symptoms can worsen — with pus, throbbing pain, and increased swelling — and may require medical or surgical treatment.
Treatment Options
Non-surgical management
In early cases, treatment may include soaking the foot in warm, salty water, gently lifting the nail edge, and wearing open or loose-fitting shoes to relieve pressure. Antibiotic creams or tablets may be prescribed if infection is present.
Surgical management
When conservative measures fail, a minor surgical procedure can be performed under local anaesthetic to remove part or all of the affected toenail. This procedure relieves pressure, allows the area to heal, and prevents recurrence. In some cases, the underlying nail bed is treated to stop the problematic edge of the nail from growing back.
Most patients can walk immediately after surgery, and healing typically occurs within two to three weeks.
Benefits of Treatment
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Pain relief: Eliminates the discomfort caused by pressure and inflammation.
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Infection control: Prevents or resolves infections and abscesses.
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Improved mobility: Allows you to walk comfortably and wear normal footwear again.
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Recurrence prevention: Surgical correction can prevent the nail from becoming ingrown in the future.
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Quick recovery: Most patients return to normal daily activities within days.
Risks and Complications
Complications are rare but may include:
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Infection or delayed healing.
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Minor bleeding or recurrence of the ingrown nail.
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Temporary tenderness or numbness around the treated area.
These risks are small, and proper post-operative care minimises the likelihood of any issues.
Before and After Surgery
Before surgery
A simple examination is performed to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity. If infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed before surgery. You’ll be advised to wear open or roomy footwear on the day of the procedure.
Surgery
Performed under local anaesthetic, the toe is numbed and the ingrown portion of the nail is carefully removed. The surrounding tissue is cleaned and treated, and a sterile dressing is applied. The entire procedure usually takes about 20–30 minutes.
Recovery
You can walk out of the clinic after the procedure, though rest and elevation are recommended for the first 24 hours. Dressings are changed regularly, and pain is usually mild and easily managed with over-the-counter medication. Most patients can resume normal activities and footwear within one to two weeks.
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, and swelling. It most commonly affects the big toe, though any toe can be involved.
In the early stages, an ingrown toenail may cause mild discomfort and local irritation. If left untreated, it can progress to a more painful infection or even an abscess that may require surgical treatment. While ingrown toenails are common in adults, they are relatively uncommon in children and infants.
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