Ingrown toenails: prevention, first aid and when to get help
An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail presses into, or grows into, the skin beside it. It's most common on the big toe. It can be anything from mildly sore to red, swollen and infected.
Why it happens
Cutting technique. Cutting nails too short, or rounding the corners down, encourages the edge to dig in.
Tight shoes or socks. Pressure on the toes pushes the skin against the nail.
Nail shape. Some people simply have curved or wide nails and are more prone to it.
Knocks and picking. Stubbing a toe, or tearing at the nail, can leave a sharp spike.
Cutting your nails
Generally, cut straight across, not too short, and gently file any sharp corners. Use proper nail clippers rather than scissors, and cut after a bath or shower when nails are softer. Don't dig down the sides.
Important: if you have diabetes, poor circulation, reduced feeling in your feet, or you take blood-thinning medication, don't cut into the corners or try to treat an ingrown nail yourself. A small cut can become a serious problem. See a podiatrist or your GP promptly.
Simple first aid
For mild soreness with no sign of infection:
keep the area clean and dry
wear roomy shoes or open-toed footwear
avoid "bathroom surgery" with scissors or tweezers.
Get it looked at if there's redness spreading, pus, swelling, increasing pain, or if it keeps coming back.
What we can do
A podiatrist can usually remove the offending piece of nail during a routine appointment, often with little discomfort. If the problem keeps coming back, we may talk to you about nail surgery under local anaesthetic. This removes the troublesome edge and treats the nail root so that the edge is much less likely to regrow. Regrowth can occasionally happen, and we'll talk you through the risks, aftercare and recovery before you decide.
If you have an infection, we'll advise you and liaise with your GP if antibiotics may be needed.
Book online: https://bipedpodiatry.cliniko.com/bookings
Or call: 01642 937295 (Redcar, 24a Cleveland Street, TS10 1AP, and Guisborough, 7 Westgate Road)
Biped Podiatry: HCPC-registered podiatrists. This article is general information, not a diagnosis. New patient assessment and treatment £60, routine treatment £45 (prices correct November 2026).
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