Tel: 02392 388149 or 07795 522700

Ingrown Toenail (Onychocryptosis)

What are they and what are the symptoms?

An ingrown toenail develops when the edges or corners of the toenail grow into the surrounding skin. Often, the nail curls and pierces into the skin.

It is usually occurs with the big toe, although it is not uncommon to see on little digits sometimes.

Symptoms can include:

  • Swelling, redness or inflammation of the skin surrounding the nail.
  • Infection: fluid building up around the toe or pus coming from the affected area.
  • Bleeding.
  • Overgrowth of skin around the toenail.
  • Pain or warm feeling when the toe is touched.
  • Odorous.

What causes them?

  • Cutting toenails incorrectly.
  • Irregular shaped, curved toenails (known as ‘involuted’) and/ or thickened nails.
  • Fungal toenail infection.
  • Tight fitting footwear, socks and/ or tights that place a lot of pressure on the big toes.
  • Poor posture.
  • Enclosed shoes that cause excessive sweating or poor foot hygiene.
  • Genetic predisposition.
  • Softening of nail plates.

What is the treatment?

Sheridan Foot Health will undertake a full foot health assessment and a treatment plan will be devised to suit your individual needs and requirements.

The area will be appropriately cleaned and cleared. Where possible the nail will be reduced to extract the ingrown nail. We do not numb the area as this hinders the client’s ability to tell the practitioner if the pain has been alleviated. If there is presence of an infection and access can not be made to the site, we will refer you to your GP for antibiotics.

Never cut a V shape into the middle of your nail, this is not a clinically proven method. If you have diabetes, heart disease or problems with your circulation, do not try to treat the ingrown toenail yourself. These conditions can make foot problems more serious. Seek professional assistance for routine toenail trimming.

Contact the team on 02392 388149 or 07795 522700 for a consultation and treatment.