Ingrowing Toenail

An ingrowing toenail happens when the edge or corner of your toenail grows into the skin next to it. This can be painful and cause redness, swelling, and infection. Here's what you need to know:

• Improper Nail Trimming: Cutting nails too short or rounding the edges can cause them to grow into the skin.
• Tight Shoes: Shoes that squeeze your toes can press the nails into your skin.
• Toe Injuries: Stubbing your toe or getting it stepped on can lead to abnormal nail growth.
• Natural Shape: Some people have nails that naturally curve into the skin.
• Poor Hygiene: Keeping feet too moist or not clean can contribute to nail issues.

• Pain: Tenderness around the nail, especially when pressed.
• Redness and Swelling: The skin around the nail becomes red and swollen.
• Infection: If the nail breaks the skin, it can get infected, causing pus and more pain.

During a foot health practitioner visit for an ingrowing toenail, the appointment typically includes several steps to assess and treat the condition. Here’s an overview of what you can expect during your visit:

• Health History: The practitioner will ask about your medical history, previous issues with ingrowing toenails, and current symptoms.
• Visual Examination: They will closely inspect your toenail to assess the severity of the ingrowth, looking for signs of infection, redness, swelling, and the nail's condition.

• Foot Cleaning: Your foot will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection.
• Disinfection: All tools and instruments are sterilised to ensure a safe treatment environment.

• Nail Trimming: The practitioner will carefully trim the ingrown part of the nail. This might involve cutting the nail straight across and avoiding rounding the edges to prevent further ingrowth.
• Filing: The edges of the nail may be filed to smooth any sharp points that could dig into the skin.

• Partial Nail Resection: In more severe cases, they may remove part of the nail 

• Antibiotics: If there is an infection, a GP referral might be necessary to treat the infection with antibiotics
• Cleaning the Area: Any pus or infected material may be carefully cleaned to promote healing.

• Home Care Instructions: You will receive advice on caring for your toe at home, including keeping the area clean and soaking your foot in warm water.
• Preventive Tips: The practitioner will give tips on preventing future ingrown toenails, such as proper nail trimming techniques, choosing suitable footwear, and maintaining good foot hygiene.

• Follow-Up Appointments: They might schedule a follow-up visit to check your progress and ensure the nail is healing properly.
• Permanent Solutions: For recurring ingrown toenails, the practitioner might discuss further referral to a specialist, such as a podiatrist.

• Proper Nail Cutting: Always trim your nails straight across without rounding the edges.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Choose shoes that fit well and provide plenty of room for your toes.
• Good Foot Hygiene: Keep your feet clean and dry to prevent infections.

Ingrowing toenails can be a real pain, but with the proper care and treatment, they can be managed and prevented. If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to consult a foot health professional. This decision can bring reassurance and confidence in managing your condition.

*Partial nail resection of ingrowing toenails: some ingrowing toenails might need specialised attention, such as a podiatrist. Some ingrowing toenails might reoccur and will need regular follow-up appointments.