INGROWING TOENAIL

by Royal College of General Practitioners

An ingrowing toenail is one where the nail of the big toe curves under at the sides of the nail so that is grows into the skin.

What is the cause?

Some people are more prone to ingrowing toe nails but the the two main contributing causes are the wearing of tight shoes and the incorrect cutting of the nails. If the nails are cut on a curve and down at the sides the nail edges grow into the skin A spike of nail gets imbedded in the skin and causes problems.

What are the symptoms?

Most ingrowing nails do not cause discomfort but they cause pain especially if tight shoes are worn. The problem is worse when the skin around the ingrowing toenail becomes infected.

How can ingrowing nails be prevented?

Cut the toenails so that the corners of the nail extend beyond the skin. The nails should be cut across so that the cuts slope towards the centre of the nail and not towards the edges. Make sure your shoes are not too tight.

What is the treatment?

If you have an ingrowing toenail wear good fitting wide shoes, but leave your shoes off at home. Cut the nail as described above and be careful not to leave spikes at the edges. Do not to dig the scissors into the ingrowing corners. This can injure the tissues, cause minor bleeding, and can lead to an infection that heals very slowly.

Your doctor may choose to use one of several methods to remove the ingrowing nails, including removing the side of the nail or skin fold so that the leading edge of the nail lies free.