Ingrown Toenail Treatment
Fast, effective treatment for painful ingrown toenails. From conservative care to permanent nail surgery with a 98% success rate reported in clinical studies.
HCPC Registered Chiropodists & Podiatrists · Royal College of Podiatry Member · Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Glasgow · MCSP Chartered Physiotherapist · Physio First Member · BUPA & WPA Recognised
What is Ingrown Toenails?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of your nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. The big toe is most commonly affected, though it can occur on any toe.
While mild cases can sometimes be managed at home, persistent or infected ingrown nails require professional treatment. We offer both conservative treatment and minor nail surgery for permanent relief.
Common Symptoms
- Pain and tenderness along the nail edge
- Redness and swelling around the nail
- Infection with pus or drainage
- Overgrowth of skin around the nail
- Pain when wearing shoes
- Bleeding when touched
Common Causes
- Cutting nails too short or rounded
- Tight-fitting shoes or socks
- Nail injury or trauma
- Naturally curved or thick nails
- Poor foot hygiene
- Fungal nail infections
- Genetic predisposition
How We Treat Ingrown Toenails
We assess the severity of your ingrown nail and recommend the most appropriate treatment. For mild cases, conservative treatment may be sufficient. For recurring or severely infected nails, we offer minor nail surgery under local anaesthetic with a 98% success rate reported in clinical studies.
Conservative Treatment
Professional nail cutting, removal of the ingrown section, and advice to prevent recurrence.
Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA)
Minor surgery to permanently remove the ingrown nail section with phenol to prevent regrowth.
Total Nail Avulsion
Complete nail removal for severely damaged or repeatedly problematic nails.
Antibiotics
Prescribed when infection is present, alongside physical treatment of the nail.
Ready to get ingrown toenails treated?
When to Seek Professional Help
- The toe is very painful or swollen
- There's pus, redness spreading, or bad smell
- You have diabetes or poor circulation
- Home treatment hasn't worked
- The problem keeps recurring
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ingrown Toenails at Lower Limb Clinic.
Further Reading
In-depth guides from our clinicians on this and related topics.
Clinically reviewed by Paul McMullan
MSc Podiatric Sports Medicine (QMUL) · FRCPSGlasg · HCPC Registered
Lead Podiatrist & Clinical Director, Lower Limb Clinic Belfast
Get Expert Treatment
- Same-week appointments available
- No GP referral needed
- MSc-qualified specialists
Recommended Treatment
Ingrown Toenail SurgeryRelated Conditions
Find Your Nearest Clinic
Get specialist Ingrown Toenails treatment at your nearest Belfast clinic
Lisburn Road Clinic
385 Lisburn Road, BT9 7EP
Ormeau Road Clinic
373 Ormeau Road, BT7 3GP
We serve patients from across Belfast and Northern Ireland including East Belfast, South Belfast, Lisburn, Bangor, Holywood, Newtownards, Dundonald, Carryduff, Hillsborough, and Comber.