Ingrowing and involuted toenails
Involuted nails
An involuted nail has a very pronounced curve so the edge digs sharply into the groove down the
side of your toe.
Pressure on your nail will cause pain, your skin getting hard forming callous or corns if pressure continues, redness may be present around your nail.
Ingrowing nails
An ingrowing toenail is one in which a rough edge or spike of nail pierces into your flesh.
Swelling and redness may be present around the nail and it will be painful. Discharge and pus may also be seen at the site, especially if your skin is infected.
Ingrowing nails can be caused by:
- excess sweating
- heredity – there may be a family history
- cutting your nails incorrectly
- tight fitting shoes – see our Footwear page.
Preventing ingrowing nails
- avoid wearing tight shoes or socks
- don’t cut down the sides/corners of your nails
- follow the shape of the end of your toe when cutting your toe nails
- file any rough edges
- don’t pick at your toenails.
Treating ingrowing nails and involuted nails
The problem edge will be cut away. For your involuted nail any corns or callous will be removed and the edge of your nail smoothed. Any redness should settle down.
Minor surgery can be performed to remove all or part of your problem toenail if conservative treatments are unsuccessful. You will be advised of your treatment options during your consultation.
Consult a podiatrist for advice
The podiatry administration office can be contacted on 01274 221165.
We value your feedback
If you have used our podiatry service, please rate and review your care at:
Involuted nails
An involuted nail has a very pronounced curve so the edge digs sharply into the groove down the
side of your toe.
Pressure on your nail will cause pain. If pressure continues hard forming callous or corns will form. Redness may be present around your nail.
Ingrowing nails
An ingrowing toenail is one in which a rough edge or spike of nail pierces into your flesh. Swelling and redness may be present around the nail and it will be painful. Discharge and pus may also be seen at the site, especially if your skin is infected.
Ingrowing nails can be caused by:
- excess sweating
- heredity – there may be a family history
- cutting your nails incorrectly
- tight fitting shoes – see our Footwear and Footwear Advice pages.
To prevent ingrowing nails:
- avoid wearing tight shoes or socks
- don’t cut down the sides/corners of your nails
- follow the shape of the end of your toe when cutting your toe nails
- file any rough edges
- don’t pick at your toenails.
Treating ingrowing nails and involuted nails
The problem edge will be cut away. For your involuted nail any corns or callous will be removed and the edge of your nail smoothed. Any redness should settle down.
Minor surgery can be performed to remove all or part of your problem toenail if conservative treatments are unsuccessful. You will be advised of your treatment options during your consultation.
Consult a podiatrist for advice
The podiatry administration office can be contacted on 01274 221165.
We value your feedback
If you have used our podiatry service, please rate and review your care at: