30/06/2025
INGROWN TOENAIL
An ingrown toenail is a common problem where the nail grows into the toe. It can be painful, but there are things you can do to ease the pain.
Symptoms
You usually get an ingrown toenail on your big toe. But you can get them on any toe.
Your toe may be red, painful and swollen.
Your toe nail may curve into the side of the toe.
Your toe can also get infected.
Signs of an infected toe include:
* pus coming out of it
* you feel hot or shivery
Treatment
How to treat an ingrown toenail at home
* soak your foot in warm, salty water to help soften the skin around your toe and reduce the chances of infection
* keep your foot dry for the rest of the day
* wear wide, comfortable shoes or sandals
* take paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease the pain
* do not cut your toenail – leave it to grow out
* do not pick at your toe or toenail
* do not wear tight, pointy shoes
See a GP if:
* treating your ingrown toenail at home is not helping
* your toe is painful and swollen with pus coming out of it
* you have a very high temperature or you feel hot or shivery
* you have diabetes and an ingrown toenail – foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes
A GP can:
* check to see if you have an ingrown toenail
* give you antibiotics if your toenail is infected
If you have a badly ingrown toenail, they may refer you to a foot specialist (podiatrist).
A podiatrist may offer further treatments, such as:
* cutting away part of the nail
* removing the whole nail
Prevention
How to prevent ingrown toenails
To help stop ingrown toenails:
* do not cut your toenails too short
* cut straight across the nail, and file the edges
* do not wear shoes that are too tight or do not fit properly
* keep your feet clean and dry them thoroughly
