INGROWING TOENAILS

Nails from time to time can curve as they grow, this over curvature is known as involution. Involution is not classified as true ingrowing toenail however they can be tender and painful especially if hard skin or corns build down the sides of the nail.

If a toenail penetrates the skin this is known as onychocryptosis – a true ingrowing toenail. This is usually extremely painful and will cause localised swelling and redness in the area next to the nail sometimes accompanied by a discharge or pus. Infected ingrown toenails like those described above usually require immediate medical attention and antibiotics to treat. If you're experiencing this and require treatment for your ingrown toenails, please contact us today for a treatment plan

How to prevent ingrown toenails

Whilst there is evidence that some people have a genetic predisposition to getting ingrown toenails, there are some things you can do to reduce likelihood:

• Trim nails straight across without leaving jagged edges.
• Keep toenails short and trim them every six to eight weeks
• Wear properly fitting and comfortable shoes
• Check your feet on a regular basis for ingrown toenails, especially if you are prone to them or have diabetes

Ingrown toenail treatment

Both involuted and ingrowing nails can be dealt with by your podiatrist. Conservative management is often sufficient. Some nails benefit from toenail surgery performed by a podiatrist under local anaesthesia, whereby a more long term solution can be offered.

If pain is severe or the toe is beginning to look infected (alongside the patient having a high temperature), seeing a doctor before the podiatrist is generally recommended, as they can prescribe medicine or apply an antibiotic cream. If further ingrown toenail treatment is required please don't hesitate to get in touch or book an appointment.

At City Foot Health our podiatrist is trained to administer local anaesthesia and perform Nail Surgery.