Ingrown toenails
A nail edge pressing into the skin beside it, causing pain, redness and sometimes infection.
What it is
An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of a nail presses or grows into the skin beside it. The big toe is affected most often. Tight shoes, the way a nail is cut and the natural shape of the nail can all play a part.
What you might notice
- Pain along the side of the nail, especially in shoes
- Redness and swelling
- Discharge, if the area has become infected
How a podiatrist can help
Many ingrown nails can be relieved in a routine appointment by carefully removing the offending edge. If the problem keeps coming back, minor nail surgery under local anaesthetic can treat it for the long term.
This is general information and doesn't replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.