Ingrown toenails and infection of the nail fold (skin)

Ingrown toenails are a painful and uncomfortable condition that can lead to infection.

Below is some information about this condition and how our podiatrist can help you.

Symptoms ingrown toenails

The most common symptom of ingrown toenails is:

  • Pain, tenderness, swelling, and redness around the affected toe

  • Big toes are more commonly affected

  • Chronic ingrown toenails can also present with infection, pus, drainage, and foul odour.

  • Pressure over area causes pain - e.g. wearing enclosed footwear, and bed sheets over toe at night

A physical examination by our podiatrist can help recommend the best treatment direction for your ingrown toenails.

ingrown toenail

Why did I get ingrown toenails?

Ingrown toenails can affect all age groups, some examples of common causes and risk factors include:

  • Improperly trimmed nails

  • Trauma to the nail

  • Tight fitting shoes or socks

  • Family history of the condition

  • Medical conditions such as diabetes, peripheral arterial disease can also increase the risk of developing ingrown toenails

How are ingrown toenails diagnosed?

  • Physical examination by a podiatrist or other medical professional

  • Imaging tests such as x-rays and MRIs are used in severe cases to exclude bone infections

ingrown nail cut

What is the treatment for ingrown toenails?

Some of the treatments available in podiatry include.

  • Non-surgical treatments such as proper nail trimming by a podiatrist, foot soaking, avoiding tight fitting shoes

  • Surgery may be necessary in severe or recurrent cases.

    • These are minor procedures performed by a podiatrist to permanently remove the ingrown edge of the nail - a chemical is applied to stop the nail edge from re-growing, and can be done in our Hendra clinic under local anaesthetic

    • Total nail removal may be advised in severe cases

How do I prevent ingrown toenails?

  • Lifestyle and environmental changes such as: proper fitting footwear, proper nail trimming (cutting the nail straight across), avoiding toe trauma, can help prevent ingrown toenails

  • Routine foot care, including regular visits to a podiatrist, can also help prevent ingrown toenails

Differential Diagnosis

  • Paronychia - infection of the nail fold that is not due to ingrown toenail

  • Retronychia - Damage of the base of the nail causing malalignment of nail plate

  • Fungal nail infection

ingrown toenail surgery

Concluding statement

Ingrown toenails often require proper care and attention, our Podiatrist at Glide Podiatry Hendra are experts in diagnosing and treating this condition, and they can provide you with the proper care and advice to treat and prevent them from recurring.

Visit our Hendra clinic today if you are struggling with ingrown toenails

Make an appointment with Philip below.

Servicing the residents of Brisbane

Hendra, Ascot, Hamilton, Clayfield, Albion, Nundah, Clayfield, Eagle Farm, Northgate, Wavell Heights, Kedron, Gordon Park, Lutwyche, Windsor, Newstead, Stafford, Grange, Kelvin Grove

Keywords: Ingrown Toenail, Infected Toenail, Red and Swollen Toe