Ingrowing Toenail Treatment in Islington
An ingrowing toenail happens when the edge of the nail penetrates the skin alongside it. It is disproportionately painful for something so small, and it rarely settles without help once the skin has broken.
Symptoms
- Pain or tenderness along the edge of the nail
- Swelling of the skin at the nail fold
- Redness around the affected side
- Oozing pus or clear fluid
- Increasing discomfort in enclosed shoes
If pus is present, the area is infected and needs professional attention rather than another week of hoping.
Why it happens
Cutting nails down at the corners is the most frequent cause, as it leaves a spike that grows into the skin. Tight footwear, sweaty feet, trauma to the toe and naturally curved or involuted nails all contribute. Some people are simply more prone to it because of nail shape. A thickened or fungal nail can make the problem more likely.
Conservative treatment
Where the problem is caught early, your podiatrist can often resolve it in a single appointment by removing the offending spike of nail and clearing the nail sulcus. This brings immediate relief in most cases, and your podiatrist will show you how to cut your nails to prevent recurrence, which is straight across rather than curved down at the corners.
Nail surgery
For nails that keep recurring, or where the problem is severe, partial nail avulsion offers a permanent solution.
The toe is numbed with local anaesthetic. The offending section of nail is removed along its length, and a chemical is applied to the nail matrix so that section does not regrow. The rest of the nail is left intact, and the cosmetic result is usually a slightly narrower but otherwise normal-looking nail.
You will be given a dressing, aftercare instructions and a review appointment. Plan for comfortable, roomy footwear afterwards and a quiet day or two rather than sport or long walks.
Soula Henderson carries out nail surgery at the clinic.
Practitioners
Both work across the full range of our podiatry care.
Fees
Conservative treatment is £65 per appointment. Nail surgery is quoted individually at your assessment, since the fee depends on the procedure required. Your podiatrist will confirm the cost, and what it covers, before you commit to anything. Other treatment charges are listed on the fees page.
Please do not attempt this at home
Digging out the nail edge with scissors or tweezers is how a manageable ingrowing nail becomes an infected one. If you have diabetes, reduced circulation or reduced sensation in your feet, do not attempt any self-treatment and arrange an appointment.
Questions
Does nail surgery hurt?
The anaesthetic injection stings for a few seconds. After that you should feel pressure but not pain. The toe is usually sore for a day or two once the anaesthetic wears off.
Will the nail grow back?
The treated portion is intended not to regrow, which is the point of the procedure. Your podiatrist will explain the expected outcome for your specific case.
How soon can I return to work or sport?
Most people manage desk-based work quickly. Sport and anything requiring tight footwear needs longer, and your podiatrist will advise based on how the toe is healing.
Can I have both sides done?
Yes, if both edges are affected. This will be discussed at your assessment.
