An ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis) occurs when the edge or corner of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and in some cases infection. The big toe is most commonly affected, though any toenail can be involved. Ingrown toenails are one of the most frequent conditions we treat at Deal Podiatry and, with the right intervention, can be resolved quickly and permanently.
Left untreated, ingrown toenails can progress from mild discomfort to severe infection, particularly in patients with diabetes or poor circulation who are at increased risk of serious complications. Early professional treatment is always recommended.
Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail
Pain and tenderness – Particularly along one or both sides of the nail, often worse with pressure or footwear.
Redness and swelling – The skin beside the nail becomes red, puffy, and inflamed.
Discharge or infection – Oozing of clear fluid or pus indicates the nail has broken the skin. Seek prompt care if you notice signs of infection.
Overgrowth of skin – A fold of inflamed tissue (hypergranulation tissue) may develop alongside the nail edge in chronic cases.
Causes of Ingrown Toenails
Incorrect nail cutting – Cutting nails too short, rounding the corners, or tearing the nail encourages the edges to grow into the skin.
Tight or narrow footwear – Shoes with a narrow toe box compress the toes and push the nail into the surrounding skin.
Involuted (curved) nails – Some people naturally have nails with a more pronounced curve, which are more prone to becoming ingrown.
Hyperhidrosis – Excessive sweating softens the skin around the nail, making it easier for the nail to penetrate.
Trauma – A stubbed toe or repetitive pressure from sport can cause the nail to grow abnormally.
Genetic predisposition – Nail shape and foot structure are partly inherited, making some individuals more susceptible.
Treatment Options
The appropriate treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail, whether infection is present, and how frequently the problem recurs. Our podiatrists will assess your nail and recommend the most suitable option.
Conservative nail care – For mild or early-stage ingrown toenails, we carefully remove the offending nail spike and apply a dressing to settle the inflammation. Nail cutting advice and technique guidance is provided.
Partial nail avulsion (nail surgery) – The definitive treatment for recurring or severe ingrown toenails. A section of the nail is removed under local anaesthetic, and a chemical (phenol) is applied to prevent regrowth of that portion. The procedure has a very high success rate and most patients return to normal activity quickly.
Total nail avulsion – Occasionally the entire nail requires removal. This is usually reserved for cases where the nail is severely damaged or repeatedly problematic.
Nail Surgery at Deal Podiatry
Nail surgery at Deal Podiatry is performed under local anaesthetic so the procedure is virtually painless. The toe is numbed using a small injection, and the offending nail edge (or the whole nail) is removed using specialist instruments. Phenol is then applied to the nail matrix to permanently prevent regrowth of that section.
The procedure typically takes 30–45 minutes in total and most patients walk out of the clinic immediately afterwards. Post-operative dressings are provided and follow-up appointments are included to monitor healing. The success rate for partial nail avulsion with phenolisation is over 95%.
For more detail on the surgical procedure, see our dedicated Nail Surgery page.
Preventing Ingrown Toenails
Cut nails straight across – Avoid cutting down the sides of the nail or rounding the corners. Leave nails long enough to reach the end of the toe.
Wear well-fitting footwear – Choose shoes with sufficient width and depth in the toe box to avoid compressing the toes.
Keep feet clean and dry – Good foot hygiene reduces the risk of infection if a nail does begin to ingrow.
Regular podiatry – Routine nail care appointments at Deal Podiatry can prevent ingrown toenails from developing, particularly if you have curved or thickened nails.
Ingrown Toenails in Diabetic Patients
People with diabetes are at significantly higher risk of complications from ingrown toenails due to reduced sensation (peripheral neuropathy) and impaired blood supply (peripheral arterial disease). An ingrown toenail can progress to infection, abscess, or even ulceration without obvious pain in diabetic patients. If you have diabetes and suspect an ingrown toenail, please contact us promptly. We provide specialist diabetic foot care and will prioritise your appointment.
Related Treatments at Deal Podiatry
Our podiatrists in Deal, Kent offer the following treatments for ingrown and problematic toenails:
Book Your Ingrown Toenail Appointment at Deal Podiatry
Ingrown toenails rarely resolve on their own and can quickly become infected. Our experienced podiatrists in Deal, Kent provide prompt, effective treatment to get you back on your feet.