Understanding ingrowing toenails & nail surgery
An ingrowing toenail occurs when the edge of the nail penetrates the surrounding skin, causing pain, inflammation and often infection. It most commonly affects the big toe.
Mild cases can be resolved with careful conservative treatment. Recurrent or severe ones are best treated with a straightforward minor procedure under local anaesthetic.
Signs you might notice
- Pain along the side of the nail, worse with pressure
- Redness and swelling around the nail edge
- Fluid, discharge or signs of infection
- Overgrown tissue at the nail fold
- Pain from bedsheets or shoe pressure
Common contributing factors
- Cutting nails down the sides rather than straight across
- Footwear that compresses the toes
- Naturally curved or involuted nail shape
- Trauma to the toe
- Excessive moisture softening the skin
How we assess and treat it
We assess the nail and surrounding tissue, treat any infection appropriately, and discuss whether conservative care or a minor procedure is the sensible route for your situation.
Nail surgery is performed under local anaesthetic. The affected portion of nail is removed and, where recurrence is likely, a phenol treatment prevents that part regrowing. It is a routine, well tolerated procedure.
- Assessment and conservative nail care
- Local anaesthetic partial or total nail avulsion
- Phenolisation to prevent recurrence where appropriate
- Post-procedure dressing and follow up
- Advice on nail cutting and footwear to prevent recurrence
Common questions
Does nail surgery hurt?
The toe is fully numbed with local anaesthetic, so the procedure itself is not painful. Most people find the anticipation considerably worse than the reality.
How long is recovery?
Most people return to normal activity quickly, with a dressing for a short period and a few follow up checks. We will give you clear aftercare instructions.
Will the nail grow back?
If phenol is used on the treated portion, that part is intended not to regrow, which is what prevents recurrence. We will explain exactly what to expect for your nail.