Ingrown toenail (Onychocryptosis)
A toenail grown into the skin, can affect adults and children. If you or your child's ingrown toenail isn't getting better, we can help to treat it.
About ingrown toenails
An ingrown toenail happens when the side of a toenail grows into the skin surrounding it, leaving it red and swollen. Ingrown toenails can happen for a number of reasons, from wearing tight shoes to sweaty feet as well as poor nail cutting techniques. If your symptoms don't improve, following simple changes we can help.
Need to know
Ingrown toenails are quite common, especially in teens and young adults. You or your child's symptoms might include:
- pain when pressure is placed on the affected toe
- swollen skin around the affected toe
- build-up of fluid surrounding the toe
- overgrowth of skin around the toe
- pus from the affected area
Your GP, foot and ankle specialist (an orthopaedic surgeon) or podiatrist (foot care specialist) will discuss your symptoms with you and examine your or your child's affected toe.
Making simple changes, like changing your or your child's footwear or cutting your or their nails properly, may help to relieve the symptoms. If the ingrown toenail isn't getting better, your GP, foot and ankle specialist (orthopaedic surgeon) or podiatrist may recommend surgery. This might include removing part of your toenail (partial nail avulsion) or removing your whole toenail (total nail avulsion).
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.