An ingrown toenail is a painful condition of the toe that happens when the corner of a toenail digs into the skin at the side of the toe. It can happen to any toe but it usually occurs to the big toenail.
We asked Emma Supple, podiatrist and podiatric surgeon, what she would want to know about an ingrown toenail.
How did I get it?
Ingrown toenails happen when the edge of the nail starts to dig into the toe itself. It’s usually caused by over zealous cutting of the toenail or if the shape of the individual nail is fan-shaped or too broad for the toe. Shoes that don’t fit properly can also be a cause.
Is there any way that I avoid an ingrown toenail?
You should always cut your toenail straight across and never at an angle or dig down the side of the nail. You might still get an ingrown toenail with well-kept nails, especially if you have had one before. You should always wear shoes that have room for the toes.
How is it treated?
Often a small operation is needed to remove the part of the nail that is cutting into the skin and a chemical is applied that should prevent that section of the nail growing again.
There are two types of nail surgery:
- Partial nail avulsion: removal of one or both sides of the nail affected
- Total nail avulsion: complete removal of the affected nail
Will the operation hurt?
Nail surgery is performed under local anaesthetic (where the area is numbed so that you can’t feel it). You will be awake throughout the operation. You will still be able to feel your toe being moved around, but you will not feel any pain.
What happens if I don’t get it treated?
An ingrown toenail will require immediate attention. If you leave the nail to grow, it will become inflamed, extremely sore and will often lead to an infection.
