Ingrown toenail
An ingrown toenail develops when the sides of the toenail grow into the surrounding skin. The nail curls and pierces the skin, which becomes red, swollen and tender.
The big toe is often affected, either on one or both sides. Other symptoms include:
- Pain if pressure is placed on the toe
- Inflammation of the skin at the end of the toe
- A build-up of fluid in the area surrounding the toe
- An overgrowth of skin around the affected toe (hyperkeratosis)
- Bleeding
- Discharge of pus from the affected area
Causes of ingrown toenails
- Improper nail cutting – cutting your toenails too short, or cutting the edges, will encourage the skin to fold over your nail and the nail to grow into the skin
- Wearing tight-fitting shoes, socks or tights – this places pressure on the skin around your toenail; the skin may be pierced if it’s pressed on to your toenail
- Injury – for example, stubbing your toe can sometimes cause an ingrown toenail to develop
- Natural shape of the nail – involuted toenails are more likely to press into the skin surrounding the nail.
Treating ingrown toenails
Without treatment, an ingrown toenail can become infected, so it’s important that you see a podiatrist if you experience any of the symptoms above.
Please feel free to contact the Didsbury, Manchester G4 Clinic to speak to a member of the team for any questions that you may have.
contact the clinic on 0161 445 5133 or email admin@g4physio.co.uk or book online
