An ingrown toenail is a small problem that causes a lot of pain, and it has a habit of coming back. It happens when the edge of the nail digs into the surrounding skin, most often on the big toe. The good news is that it is very treatable. Here is how to handle an ingrown toenail.
What Causes an Ingrown Toenail?
Ingrown toenails usually come from a few familiar causes: cutting nails too short or curved down the sides, tight footwear that presses the toes, an injury to the toe, or naturally curved nails. The nail edge grows into the skin, which becomes sore, red and sometimes infected.
How to Ease a Mild Ingrown Toenail at Home
For an early, mild ingrown nail, a few things help:
- Soak the foot in warm water to soften the skin and ease soreness
- Keep the area clean and dry
- Wear roomy footwear that does not press on the toe
- Cut nails straight across, not down the sides, in future
- Avoid digging down the side of the nail, which makes it worse
If it is painful, keeps returning, or looks infected, it needs professional treatment rather than home care.
How a Podiatrist Treats an Ingrown Toenail
A podiatrist can carefully remove the part of the nail that is causing the problem to give quick relief. For nails that keep becoming ingrown, our ingrown toenail service offers a minor procedure under local anaesthetic that treats the edge of the nail so it does not recur. It is common and straightforward.
How to Stop Ingrown Toenails Coming Back
Prevention is mostly about how you cut your nails and what you wear. Cut straight across and not too short, choose footwear with room for the toes, and deal with any recurring nail promptly. If ingrown nails are a repeated problem, the minor procedure often ends the cycle for good.
At Advanced Footcare Group we treat painful and recurrent ingrown toenails and give lasting relief.
If an ingrown toenail is causing you pain, call 01306 883 332 or book an appointment.
Frequently asked questions.
What causes an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. Common causes include cutting nails too short or down the sides, tight footwear, injury to the toe, and naturally curved nails. It most often affects the big toe and can become painful and infected if left.
How do I treat an ingrown toenail at home?
For a mild ingrown nail, soaking the foot in warm water, keeping it clean, and wearing roomy footwear can ease it. Do not dig down the side of the nail, which tends to make it worse. If it is painful, recurring or shows signs of infection, it needs professional treatment.
How does a podiatrist treat an ingrown toenail?
A podiatrist can relieve an ingrown toenail by carefully removing the offending portion of nail, and for recurrent cases can offer a minor procedure under local anaesthetic to prevent it coming back. It is a common, straightforward treatment that gives lasting relief.