What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail (medically known as onychocryptosis) occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin rather than over it. This causes pain, redness and swelling at the affected toe and if left untreated, can lead to infection.
It’s one of the most common nail conditions we treat at Highett Podiatry, affecting people of all ages. While mild cases can sometimes be managed at home, moderate to severe cases need professional treatment to resolve properly and prevent recurrence (particularly those involving infection).
What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Ingrown toenails can develop for several reasons, including:
- Cutting toenails too short or with rounded edges rather than straight across
- Wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow, putting pressure on the toes
- Naturally curved or involuted nail shape (often hereditary)
- Trauma to the toenail from sport or footwear
- Flat feet or biomechanical issues that alter pressure distribution through the toes
Signs You May Have an Ingrown Toenail
- Pain or tenderness along one or both sides of the nail
- Redness and swelling around the nail edge
- Skin that appears to be growing over the nail
- Discharge, increased warmth or a foul odour (may indicate infection)
- Persistent discomfort when wearing shoes or walking
If you’re experiencing signs of an infected ingrown toenail, particularly redness spreading beyond the toe, pus or worsening pain, don’t delay seeking treatment. Infection can escalate quickly, especially in patients with diabetes or poor circulation.
How To Prevent Ingrown Toenails
- Proper nail care — cut your toenails straight across and avoid rounding the corners. Don’t cut your nails too short, as this can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.
- Wear proper footwear — choose shoes that fit well and have a wide toe box to prevent pressure on the toes. Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow.
- Practise good foot hygiene — keep your feet clean and dry, and change your socks regularly to help prevent fungal infections that can contribute to ingrown toenails.
- Avoid trauma to the toes — protect your toes from injury by wearing protective shoes during activities that involve kicking, such as soccer or martial arts.
- Address foot problems early — if you have flat feet, corns, calluses, or other foot problems, it’s important to address these issues early to reduce the risk of ingrown toenails.
- Avoid tight hosiery — avoid wearing tight socks, stockings, or hosiery that can put pressure on your toes.
By following these preventive measures, you can help reduce your risk of developing ingrown toenails. However, if you do develop an ingrown toenail despite these efforts, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention to prevent the condition from worsening.
Home Remedies for Ingrown Toenails
Home remedies for ingrown toenails are appropriate in cases where the condition is mild and there are no signs of infection. Here are some home remedies that can help alleviate pain and discomfort:
- Soaking the foot in warm water with salt for 15–20 minutes, twice daily
- Apply a topical antibiotic ointment to the affected area to help prevent infection
- Place a small piece of cotton under the edge of the ingrown nail to lift it up and away from the skin (change daily)
- Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and avoid tight-fitting footwear or high heels
- Maintain good foot hygiene by keeping the feet clean and dry, and avoid walking barefoot in public areas
If the pain and swelling do not improve after a few days of home treatment or if the condition worsens, it is important to seek medical attention.
How We Treat Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenail treatment at our Melbourne clinics is tailored to the severity of the condition. Your podiatrist will assess the nail, surrounding skin and any signs of infection before recommending the most appropriate approach. Options include:
- Conservative management — careful removal of the nail spike or edge causing the problem, along with packing and advice on nail care technique to prevent recurrence
- Onyfix nail bracing — a non-surgical option where a composite brace is applied to the nail plate to gradually widen and flatten the nail curve
- Partial nail avulsion — a minor in-clinic surgical procedure performed under local anaesthetic, where the ingrown portion of the nail is removed
- Complete nail removal — reserved for severe or recurrent cases where a larger portion of the nail requires removal
- Antibiotic management — where infection is present, our endorsed podiatrists can prescribe oral antibiotics alongside nail treatment
For patients who’d like to learn more, visit our dedicated Ingrown Toenail Clinic website.
Why Choose Highett Podiatry?
We offer both surgical and non-surgical ingrown toenail solutions, including Onyfix nail bracing — a needle-free alternative that suits patients with needle anxiety or those seeking a conservative first option.
Book an appointment at our Highett clinic or Mentone clinic today to consult our experienced podiatrists.