Ingrown toenails can be very painful, become infected and need addressing by a HCPC registered podiatrist. Occasionally they require antibiotics (issued by the podiatrist) to assist in treating the infection.

They are caused by the side of the nail digging into the skin, which can lead to an infection that makes the toe swell. If caught early they may be helped by professional attention – however often they require surgery.

A small section is removed from one or both sides of the nail under Local Anaesthetic. A substance called phenol is then applied, which stops the nail growing back incorrectly.

Very occasionally patients require the whole toenail to be removed.

The majority of our patients report that they are pain-free and back to normal after a few days.

Head to The Royal College of Podiatry website for more information on this procedure.