Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are common and develop when the sides of the toenail grow into the surrounding skin.  The nail pierces the skin, which becomes red, swollen and tender.

 

 The big toe is often affected, either on one or both sides. Other symptoms include:

1.          Pain if pressure is placed on the toe
2.          Inflammation of the skin at the end of the toe
3.          A build-up of fluid in the area surrounding the toe
4.          An overgrowth of skin around the affected toe (hypergranulation tissue)
5.          Bleeding
6.          White or yellow pus coming from the affected area

 

         A number of things can cause an ingrown toenail to develop, including:

1.          Badly cut, picking, or fungal infection of toenails
2.          Wearing tight-fitting shoes, socks or tights
3.          Injury or trauma
4.          Natural shape of the nail

 

Conservative treatment includes cutting back the affected portion of nail. However, if it is an ongoing problem and causes pain and infection, nail surgery may be recommended. This is very effective and commonly performed for problematic ingrown toenails. A local anaesthetic is used to numb your toe, and the edges of your toenail (or in some cases, all of the toenail) are removed. A chemical called phenol is applied to the affected area to prevent the nail growing back and becoming ingrown in the future.

If you think you may have an ingrown toenail, contact us for a consultation.