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Ingrowing Toenail

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Ingrown toenails develop when the sides of the nail pierce the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and potentially infection. Common causes include sports injury, trauma, and incorrect nail cutting.

Signs of Infection

• Swelling and redness around the nail
• Pain and heat in the area
• Pus or discharge
• Bad odour

If you suspect an infection, arrange an appointment promptly.

Treatment Options

Conservative Cut Back: If not severely infected, trimming or cutting the nail may resolve the issue and reduce pain and swelling.

Antibiotics: If infected, a course of antibiotics (typically one week) may be prescribed.

Partial or Total Nail Removal: For persistent, infected, or recurrent cases. Phenol may be applied to the nail bed to prevent regrowth. Performed under local anaesthetic as a day case. Salt water bathing of the toe is required daily for three weeks post-procedure.

Excision of the Nail Bed: For recurrent cases where the nail has been previously removed. The root is excised to prevent regrowth. Requires 3–5 days rest at home and avoidance of high-impact activities for 3–4 weeks.

Subungual Exostectomy: If a bone spur beneath the nail is causing the problem, this can be removed surgically. Confirmed with pre-operative X-rays.

Recovery

Timeframe	What to Expect
Day of procedure	Return home directly. Take a cab and rest for the remainder of the day.
0–3 weeks	Daily salt water soaks and redressing of the toe.
Next day	Return to non-manual work.
2 weeks+	Return to high-impact activities.