Ingrowing Toenail (Onychocryptosis)
What is it?
A painful condition where the nail grows into the surrounding skin, most commonly found on the big toes. They can lead to swelling, infection and an odour.
What causes them?
It may be just the way your nails grow, or tight footwear/ hosiery can also be a cause. Excessive sweating of the foot can also lead to them.
How can it be treated?
Soaking your feet 4 times a day in warm water can help, as can keeping a clean dressing on if the skin is broken. They often re-occur, it is best to seek professional treatment from your GP or a podiatrist.
A podiatrist can remove some of the nail and make it more comfortable for you in many cases, it is often worth considering nail surgery
Nail Surgery is done using a local anaesthetic, which leaves the toe numb for a few hours. A section or the entire nail can be removed and a chemical used to prevent the nail from regrowing and thus preventing further episodes of ingrowing nail. Partial nail surgery leaves a nail in tact but it is slightly narrower than it was before.
It can take between 4 to 6 weeks to heal completely, but normal activities can resume very soon after the procedure. At Davenport House Clinic all of your dressing appointments are included until your toe has healed. Redressings take about 15 minutes and should be done after 2-4 days and then weekly.