Ingrown Toenail

An ingrown toenail happens when your nail grows into the skin around your toe instead of growing straight out. This is very common and usually affects your big toe, though it can happen to any toe.

What Does It Look Like?

If you have an ingrown toenail, you might notice:

• Your toe looks red and swollen
• It feels sore and painful
• The nail seems to curve into your toe
• The skin around your nail feels tender

When Your Toe Gets Infected

Sometimes an ingrown toenail can get infected. You need to speak to your GP straight away if you notice:

• Yellow or green pus coming from your toe
• You feel hot, cold or shivery
• You have a very high temperature
• The pain gets much worse

If you have diabetes, always speak to your GP about any foot problems - even small issues can become serious quickly.

What You Can Do at Home

Your GP will usually suggest trying these things first:

Do:

• Soak your foot in warm, salty water for 10-15 minutes (this helps soften the skin and reduces infection risk)
• Keep your foot dry for the rest of the day after soaking
• Wear wide, comfortable shoes or sandals that don't press on your toe
• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if your toe hurts

Don't:

• Cut your toenail - let it grow out naturally
• Pick at your toe or toenail with your fingers
• Wear tight or pointy shoes that squeeze your toes

Getting Help From Your Pharmacy

Your local pharmacist can help you choose:

• Pain relief medicines
• Treatments to prevent infection
• Advice about whether you need to see your GP

When to See Your GP

Speak to your GP if:

• Home treatments aren't helping after a few days
• Your toe is very painful with pus coming out
• You feel unwell with a high temperature
• You have diabetes and any foot problem

What Your GP Can Do

Your GP will check your toe and might:

• Give you antibiotic medicine if your toe is infected
• Refer you to a foot specialist (called a podiatrist) if the problem is severe

Treatment From a Foot Specialist

A podiatrist might:

• Cut away part of the nail that's growing into your skin
• Remove the whole nail if needed
• Give you an injection to numb your toe before treatment

You might be able to refer yourself directly to a podiatrist without seeing your GP first - ask at your GP surgery about this.

Stopping Ingrown Toenails

To prevent ingrown toenails:

• Don't cut your toenails too short
• Cut straight across, not down the sides
• Wear shoes that fit properly and aren't too tight
• Keep your feet clean and dry them well after washing

Most ingrown toenails get better with simple home care, but don't ignore signs of infection or if you have diabetes.

---

Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.