An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of a nail, usually on the big toe, presses or grows into the skin beside it. The skin becomes sore, red and swollen, and it can become infected. Mild cases often settle with careful self-care and roomier footwear. Nails that are infected or keep coming back are treated by a podiatrist, and a minor procedure under local anaesthetic is the most reliable way to stop recurrence.
Also known as ingrowing toenail, onychocryptosis
Anatomy: where the problem is
Top view of the foot. Highlighted in the diagram: skin at the edges of the nail and big toenail.
Symptoms
- Pain and tenderness along one or both edges of the nail
- Redness and swelling of the skin beside the nail
- Pain when pressure is put on the toe, including from shoes or bedclothes
- Fluid, pus or bleeding from the edge of the nail if it becomes infected
- Extra tissue growing over the edge of the nail in long-standing cases
Causes and risk factors
- Cutting toenails too short or down at the corners
- Shoes or socks that are tight around the toes
- An injury to the toe, such as stubbing it
- Sweaty feet, which soften the skin
- Naturally curved or fan-shaped nails
- Picking or tearing the nails
What the evidence says helps
- Mild cases can be managed with self-care: soaking the foot in warm salty water, keeping it dry afterwards, and wearing wide, comfortable shoes or open sandals.2
- A podiatrist can remove the offending spike or edge of nail and advise on nail care, which settles many cases.2
- For nails that are infected or keep recurring, a Cochrane review found that surgical treatment is more effective than non-surgical treatment at preventing the problem coming back.1
- The usual procedure removes a narrow strip from the side of the nail under local anaesthetic. Applying a chemical called phenol to the nail root greatly reduces the chance of regrowth.1
- Antibiotics are used if there is a spreading infection, but they do not remove the cause.1
Things you can try at home
- Soak the foot in warm, salty water to soften the skin, then dry it well
- Wear wide, comfortable shoes or open sandals
- Cut toenails straight across, not too short, and do not cut down the sides
- Do not dig at the nail or try to cut out the corner yourself
- Take simple pain relief if needed: ask a pharmacist
- Do not treat it yourself if you have diabetes or poor circulation: see a podiatrist or your GP
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency if you have:
- An ingrown toenail if you have diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system: contact your GP or foot protection service urgently
- Redness spreading up the toe or foot, or red streaks: get same-day medical help
- Pus with a fever, or feeling shivery and unwell: get same-day medical help
- A toe that is very swollen, dark or extremely painful: get same-day medical help
- A nail that has not improved after two weeks of self-care, or keeps coming back: see a podiatrist
How Apollo can help
Our podiatrist, who is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, examines the toe and nail and checks your circulation and general foot health. Many ingrown nails can be eased at the first appointment by carefully clearing the edge of the nail and dressing the toe, followed by advice on cutting, footwear and skin care. If the nail keeps recurring or is badly infected, we explain the nail surgery options and how to access them, and we contact your GP if antibiotics are needed.
No GP referral needed. Clinics in Sheringham, Coltishall and Norwich.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Can I treat an ingrown toenail at home?
Mild cases often settle with warm salty soaks, keeping the foot dry and wearing roomy shoes. Do not cut down the side of the nail. If it is not improving within two weeks, is infected, or you have diabetes or poor circulation, see a podiatrist or GP.
Does nail surgery hurt?
The procedure is done under local anaesthetic, so the toe is numb. The injection stings briefly. Afterwards the toe is usually sore for a few days, and it takes several weeks to heal fully.
Will an ingrown toenail come back?
It can, particularly if the nail is naturally curved. When a strip of nail is removed and the nail root is treated with phenol, the chance of that edge growing back is much lower.
References
- Eekhof JA, Van Wijk B, Knuistingh Neven A, van der Wouden JC (2012). Interventions for ingrowing toenails. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2012. View source
- NHS. Ingrown toenail. NHS website, accessed November 2026. View source
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or a registered healthcare professional. Content prepared from the sources above, November 2026.
