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Skin Condition

Ingrown toenail

An ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis) occurs when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, inflammation, and sometimes infection. Podiatry and foot health practitioners provide effective treatment and, for recurrent cases, minor surgical procedures to prevent recurrence.

See therapies that may help

What is Ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs most commonly on the big toe, when the side edge of the nail pierces the skin of the nail fold. This causes pain, redness, swelling, and — if infection develops — discharge.

Contributing factors include incorrect nail cutting (cutting down the sides), tight footwear, sweaty feet, trauma, and nail abnormalities. Most ingrown toenails can be treated conservatively, but recurrent or severely infected cases may require a minor surgical procedure called a partial nail avulsion (PNA).

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of an ingrown toenail include:

  • Pain and tenderness along the edge of the nail
  • Redness and swelling of the nail fold
  • Discharge (pus) if infection is present
  • Difficulty wearing footwear
  • The condition ranges from mild discomfort to significantly limiting pain

In people with diabetes or poor circulation, even mild ingrown toenail infections can become serious and require prompt professional attention.

How therapy can help

Treatment options for ingrown toenails include:

  • Podiatry — the primary profession; conservative treatment involves careful trimming, packing, and nail edge treatment
  • Foot health practitioners — can manage milder presentations
  • Partial nail avulsion (PNA) — a minor surgical procedure under local anaesthetic that permanently removes the offending nail edge for recurrent cases

Medical prescribing of antibiotics is required if significant infection is present.

Seeking help

People with diabetes or poor circulation should seek podiatric care promptly for any ingrown toenail rather than attempting self-treatment.

Seek urgent medical attention if significant infection, red streaking, or systemic symptoms such as fever develop.

Therapies that may help with Ingrown toenail

Showing 2 therapies linked to Ingrown toenail.

Therapy Evidence Notes
Chiropodist
strong

Common reason for podiatry; treatment varies by severity.
Foot Health Therapist
strong

Core use for ingrown toenails.

Frequently asked questions

Can I treat an ingrown toenail at home?

Mild cases may be managed with warm soaks and careful hygiene, but self-treatment carries risks. Professional podiatric care is recommended, particularly for painful or infected nails.

What is a partial nail avulsion?

A minor surgical procedure under local anaesthetic that permanently removes the offending nail edge, preventing regrowth. It is highly effective for recurrent ingrown toenails.

Will the nail look normal after treatment?

Conservative treatment leaves the nail intact. After partial nail avulsion, the nail appears slightly narrower but otherwise normal.