What is it?

• A painful foot condition in which the edge of a nail grows into the flesh around the toe.
• In some cases, this can force the skin to fold over the nail itself. This can lead to infection.
• Ingrown toenails are a common problem, often caused by cutting nails too short or attempting to taper the corners with the shape of the toe.

How do I treat it?

• See your chiropodist (or ask your GP to recommend one) as ingrown toenails commonly require professional treatment (and a fine, steady cutting hand). If the toe has become infected as a result of the ingrown nail, medication may be required.
• Soaking the foot in warm salty water may relieve the pain temporarily.
• If you can barely walk because you've left it so long, or the nail keeps growing into the skin despite treatment, your doctor may recommend the removal of part of the toenail (partial plate avulsion). In chronic cases, the whole nail may have to go (complete plate avulsion), which means looking at three to four months regrowth.

Never again

• Prevent by trimming toenails regularly: Use special toenail clippers or nail scissors, and then cut straight across the top, level with the top of your toe. Pruning into a crescent shape might look nice and streamlined, but it does increase the chance of repeat problems.
• Get your shoes properly fitted: Best of all, go for open-toe sandals (how stylish)!!
• Cross your fingers for the next generation: Ingrown toenails can be an inherited problem.

Updated: 06/06/2011