An ingrowing toenail is a severely painful condition. It occurs when your nail has punctured and grown into the skin. This can sometimes be misdiagnosed as an infection. Infection sets in secondary to an ingrown toenail, accompanied by pain and swelling, and requires prompt medical treatment. If treated quickly, the nail spike can be cut back gently allowing the toenail to grow straight without causing more pain. Following this early treatment, the toe is dressed with a powerful antiseptic dressing and in some cases antibiotics will need to be prescribed.

Nail Surgery 

If an ingrown toenail has become a more advanced problem, or is left untreated, the side of the nail needs to be permanently removed. This procedure is known as ‘nail surgery’. 

Nail surgery is a safe procedure, it doesn’t require stitches and provides an aesthetically pleasing finished result. A local anaesthetic injection is required for ‘nail surgery’ and dressings will be required for approx. 2 weeks following surgery. 

It’s important you have a skilled, professional Podiatrist perform this kind of procedure to avoid further problems. Here at The Bell Practice, we have a group of highly skilled, fully qualified, extensively trained and audited personnel who have been performing nail surgery for several years. 

If you’re suffering from symptoms of an ingrown toenail, to help reduce the risk of infection, we recommend cleaning the toe in a salt water bath and applying a plaster to cover the wound until your Podiatry appointment.

Paul Tennant

Clinical Specialist Podiatrist

The College of Podiatry

HCPC Registered

Vicky McCarthy

Clinical Specialist Podiatrist

The College of Podiatry

HCPC Registered

Julie Bishop

Clinical Specialist Podiatrist

The College of Podiatry

HCPC Registered

Rionne Mukasafari

Clinical Specialist Podiatrist

The College of Podiatry

HCPC Registered

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