Ingrown toenail

Ingrown toenail | NHS inform Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Illnesses and conditions Skin, hair and nails Ingrown toenail Ingrown toenail An ingrown toenail develops when the sides of the toenail grow into the surrounding skin. Symptoms of ingrown toenail An ingrown toenail often affects the big toe, either on one or both sides. The nail curls and pierces the skin which becomes red, swollen and tender. Other possible symptoms include: pain if pressure is placed on the toe inflammation of the skin at the end of the toe a build-up of fluid (oedema) in the area surrounding the toe an overgrowth of skin around the affected toe (hypertrophy) bleeding white or yellow pus coming from the affected area Get help from a pharmacist If you have an ingrown toenail, you can ask a pharmacist about: treatments to help ease the pain and prevent an infection whether you need to see a GP Find your nearest pharmacy Speak to your GP practice if: treating your ingrown toenail at home is not helping your toe is painful and swollen with pus coming out of it you have a very high temperature or you feel hot or shivery you have diabetes and an ingrown toenail  foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes Causes of an ingrown toenail A number of things can cause an ingrown toenail to develop, including: badly cut toenails  cutting your toenails too short, or cutting the edges, will encourage the skin to fold over your nail and the nail to grow into the skin wearing tight-fitting shoes, socks or tights  this places pressure on the skin around your toenail and the skin may be pierced if its pressed on to your toenail sweaty feet  if the skin around your toenails is soft, its easier for your nail to pierce it and embed itself within it injury  for example, stubbing your toe can sometimes cause an ingrown toenail to develop natural shape of the nail  the sides of curved or fan-shaped toenails are more likely to press into the skin surrounding the nail A fungal nail infection can cause your toenail to thicken or widen. Treatment for ingrown toenails Left untreated, an ingrown toenail can become infected. Its important that you: Do keep your feet clean by washing them regularly with soap and water change your socks regularly cut your toenails straight across to stop them digging into the surrounding skin gently push the skin away from the nail using a cotton bud (this may be easier after using a small amount of olive oil to soften the skin) wear comfortable shoes that fit properly Surgery for ingrown toenail Surgery may be recommended if your toenail doesnt improve. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, this may involve removing part or all of your toenail. Partial nail avulsion Partial nail avulsion removes part of your toenail and is the most common operation for treating ingrown toenails. Its about 98% effective. A local anaesthetic is used to numb your toe and the edges of your toenail are cut away. A chemical called phenol is applied to the affected area to prevent the nail growing back and becoming ingrown in the future. A course of antibiotics may be prescribed if your nail is infected, and any pus will be drained away. Total nail avulsion Total nail avulsion completely removes your toenail. This may be necessary if your nail is thick and pressing into the skin surrounding your toe. After your toenail has been removed, youll have an indentation where your nail used to be. However, its perfectly safe for you not to have a toenail. After surgery After toenail surgery, your toe will be wrapped in a sterile bandage. This will help stem any bleeding and prevent infection. Rest your foot and keep it raised for 1to 2days after the operation. To help reduce the pain, you may need to take a painkiller like paracetamol . You may also need to wear soft or open-toed shoes for the first few days after surgery. Preventing ingrown toenails Taking care of your feet will help prevent foot problems like ingrown toenails. Its important to cut your toenails properly (straight across, not at an angle or down the edges). Wash your feet every day, dry them thoroughly and use foot moisturiser. You can also use a foot file or pumice stone to remove hard or dead skin. Wearing shoes that fit properly will help to ensure your feet remain healthy. You should also change your socks (or tights) every day. Visit your GP practice or a podiatrist as soon as possible if you develop problems with your feet. Source: NHS 24 - Opens in new browser window Last updated: 05 April 2024 How can we improve this page? Help us improve NHS inform Thank You Your feedback has been received Dont include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions. 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