Is it serious?

If left untreated, the infection can spread to the rest of the toe and foot, if infection enters the blood stream it can lead to sepsis and could lead to surgery. The quicker you treat it, the less painful the treatment. At My Foot Doctor we offer a range of treatments for ingrown toenails.

Who gets it?

Anyone can get an ingrown toenail however active, sporty people are particularly prone, due to repetitive stress and because they sweat more. Younger people are more likely to get it (as they pick their nails more, compared to older people who may not reach their toes!).

How do I know I have it?

The most common symptom is pain followed by some form of inflammation or redness in the surrounding nail and skin area.

However, not everyone identifies an ingrowing toenail correctly. Sometimes, they have a curly nail which has a lot of debris (dirt or fluff) underneath it or a corn or callus down the side of the nail, which can be nearly as painful. However, if it’s a corn, the pain tends to be throbbing as opposed to the sharp pain you get with an ingrowing toenail. If this is the case, your podiatrist will remove the debris, and if necessary, thin the nail.

How do I prevent it?

Firstly, learn to cut your nails properly. Nail cutters aren’t a good idea because the curved cutting edge can cut the flesh and nail scissors can slip. It’s best to use nail nippers (available from chemists or podiatrist) because they have a smaller cutting blade but a longer handle. Cut your nails straight across and don’t cut too low at the edge or down the side. The corner of the nail should be visible above the skin. Also, cut them after a bath or shower when the nail is much softer.

Good hygiene can go a long way to preventing ingrowing toenails. Avoid moist, soggy feet by letting rotating your footwear so each pair has a chance to dry out thoroughly. Avoid man-made materials (synthetics) and choose socks and shoes of natural fibre and which fit properly. Keep your feet clean and dry and in the summer and wear open-toed sandals to let air get to your toes as much as possible.

If you have diabetes, are taking steroids or are on anti-coagulants, don’t attempt to cut your nails or remove the ingrowing spike of nail yourself.

When should I see a podiatrist about it?

Visit a podiatrist if you experience any:

• Persistent pain in your toe from the ingrowing nail
• Symptoms of infection (pus), especially if you have Diabetes or a poor immune system
• Condition which affects the nerves and/or feeling in your foot (neuropathy).

If you experience any foot care issues which do not resolve themselves naturally or through routine foot care within three weeks, it is recommended to seek the help of a healthcare professional such as Podiatrist who specialises in a wide variety of foot and lower limb problems, your GP may be able to refer you to the local NHS trust for free treatment, but if you do not qualify for this or need urgent attention, you should contact a private podiatrist.

To talk to a podiatrist (also known as a chiropodist) about the options available regarding treatment, you can contact a NHS podiatrist or a private practice podiatrist. In both cases, always ensure that any practitioners you visit are registered with the Health Professionals Council (HCPC) and describe themselves as a podiatrist (or chiropodist).

What are the treatments available?

Before you are seen by a podiatrist, you can relieve the discomfort by bathing your foot in a salty footbath which helps to prevent infection and reduces inflammation. Then apply a clean sterile dressing, especially if you have a discharge and rest your foot as much as possible.

How a podiatrist will treat you will depend largely on the severity of your condition:

• Conservative treatment - For involuted nails, part of the nail that is curling into the flesh is removed and then the edges of the nail are filed to a smooth surface. includes removal of the piece of nail that is digging into the skin, re-shaping of the nail plate to prevent involuted shape, application of medical grade nail softner, and antiseptic dressing applied, a sulci protector may also be applied at additional cost, this can help prevent infection and protect the side wall from swelling.
  
  
• Toenail Brace - Can help alleviate ingrown toenails and reduce pain associated with this condition, this is a great alternative to nail surgery. click link for further information 
  Toenail Brace
• Toenail Surgery - For toes too painful to touch, a local anaesthetic will be injected before removing the offending portion of nail. For any bleeding or discharge from an infection, or even excessive healing flesh (hypergranulation tissue) around the nail, antibiotics will be prescribed to beat the infection as well as having the offending spike removed. full medical history and consultation will be required prior to treatment. Late evening appointment and Emergency weekend appointments available on request. click the link for further information 
  Toenail Surgery
• For those particularly prone to ingrowing toenails from underlying problems such as poor gait, partial nail avulsion (PNA) may be recommended along with finding a more permanent solution to the underlying condition. This procedure is done under a local anaesthetic where 8-10% of the nail is removed (including the root) so that the nail permanently becomes slightly narrower. The chemical phenol cauterises the nail and prevents it regrowing in the corners. This is over 95% successful. You will, however, have to come back to our podiatrist for a number of re-dressings appointments, After Toenail surgery.
  Our Podiatrist offers some innovative treatments to help alleviate painful ingrown toenails, such as a ingrown toenail brace which can help straighten the offending ingrown toenail, similar to a teeth braces to straighten teeth.