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 95%+ success rate. See our ingrown toenail removal in Belfast page for what happens on the day: £365 all-inclusive, or a £58 assessment first, deducted if you go ahead. Same-week appointments, no GP referral needed.
Conservative Treatment
Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA)
Total Nail Avulsion
Antibiotics
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
Clinically reviewed by Paul McMullan, BSc(Hons) MSc FRCPSGlasg MRCPod
BSc (Hons) Podiatry · MSc Podiatric Sports Medicine (QMUL) · FRCPSGlasg · MRCPod
Lead Podiatrist & Clinical Director, Lower Limb Clinic Belfast