Removing an Ingrown Toenail with Professional Care

Dr Muhammad Faizan November 05, 2025

Removing an Ingrown Toenail with Professional Care: What You Need to Know

An ingrown toenail may seem like a small problem, but anyone who’s had one knows how painful it can be. When the edge of your toenail grows into the skin surrounding it, it causes swelling, redness, and tenderness — and if left untreated, infection can follow. While mild cases can sometimes be managed at home, more severe or recurring ingrown toenails often need professional treatment to heal properly and prevent complications..

What Causes an Ingrown Toenail?

Ingrown toenails usually affect the big toe but can happen on any toe. The problem starts when the nail grows sideways or downward into the skin rather than straight out.

Common causes include:

  1. Improper nail trimming – Cutting toenails too short or rounding the corners encourages the nail to grow into the skin.

  2. Tight shoes or socks – Pressure on the toes can push the nail edge inward.

  3. Injury – Stubbing your toe or other trauma can change how the nail grows.

  4. Genetics – Some people naturally have curved or thick nails that are more prone to ingrowth.

  5. Poor foot hygiene – Not keeping the feet clean and dry increases the risk of infection.

Signs and Symptoms

You might have an ingrown toenail if you notice:

  • Redness or swelling along the side of your toenail

  • Pain when you press on or walk on the toe

  • Tenderness or warmth

  • Pus or drainage (a sign of infection)

  • Thickened or overgrown skin near the nail edge

Early detection is important — mild cases can often be corrected easily, but if infection sets in, professional care becomes essential.

Why You Shouldn’t Try to Remove It Yourself

Many people attempt to “dig out” or cut away an ingrown toenail at home, but this often makes things worse. Without sterile tools and medical knowledge, you risk causing:

  • Bleeding or infection

  • Nail deformity (if you damage the nail bed)

  • Severe pain or inflammation

If you have diabetes, circulation problems, or immune issues, you should never attempt self-removal, as even a small infection can become dangerous.

Professional Care: What to Expect

When you visit a podiatrist or healthcare provider for an ingrown toenail, the first step is a proper examination. The doctor will assess how deep the nail has grown into the skin and whether infection is present.

Here’s what typically happens during professional treatment:

1. Cleaning and Numbing the Area

The toe is cleaned thoroughly, and a local anesthetic is applied to numb the area. This ensures that you don’t feel pain during the procedure.

2. Lifting the Nail Edge (for Mild Cases)

If the nail is only slightly ingrown, the doctor may gently lift the edge and place a small piece of cotton or gauze underneath. This helps guide the nail to grow above the skin rather than into it. The area is then treated with an antiseptic.

3. Partial Nail Removal (for Moderate to Severe Cases)

If the ingrown nail has penetrated deep into the skin, your doctor may remove a small portion of the nail edge. This procedure, known as partial nail avulsion, eliminates the ingrown section while preserving most of the nail.

In some cases, a chemical (phenol) or laser treatment may be applied to the nail root to prevent that part from regrowing, reducing the risk of recurrence.

4. Complete Nail Removal (for Chronic or Recurrent Cases)

If the problem keeps coming back or the entire nail is severely infected, a full nail removal might be necessary. Don’t worry — toenails usually regrow over time unless the nail root is treated to stop regrowth intentionally.

Aftercare: Healing and Prevention

After professional toenail removal, proper aftercare is essential to promote healing and avoid reinfection.

Follow these steps:

  1. Keep the area clean and dry: Wash gently with warm water and mild soap, then pat dry.

  2. Apply prescribed ointment: Use antibiotic cream or ointment as directed by your doctor.

  3. Change dressings daily: Keep the toe covered with a sterile bandage until it heals.

  4. Wear open-toed or loose shoes: This reduces pressure on the toe and allows air circulation.

  5. Take pain medication if needed: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help with discomfort.

  6. Avoid strenuous activity: Limit walking or running until the area heals completely.

Healing time varies depending on the procedure — most people recover in 1 to 3 weeks after partial nail removal, while full removal may take a bit longer.

When to Seek Medical Help Immediately

Contact your doctor if you notice:

  • Worsening pain or swelling

  • Redness spreading around the toe

  • Pus, foul odor, or signs of infection

  • Fever or chills

These symptoms may indicate that the infection is spreading and needs additional medical attention.

How to Prevent Future Ingrown Toenails

  1. Trim nails properly: Cut toenails straight across — not too short, and avoid rounding the corners.

  2. Choose comfortable footwear: Avoid tight shoes that squeeze the toes.

  3. Maintain good foot hygiene: Wash and dry feet daily, especially between the toes.

  4. Protect your toes: Wear closed shoes when doing heavy work or sports to prevent injury.

  5. Regular podiatrist visits: If you have recurring problems, periodic professional care can prevent reoccurrence.

Final Thoughts

While it might be tempting to treat an ingrown toenail at home, professional removal is the safest and most effective option, especially if pain, swelling, or infection is present. A trained podiatrist can remove the problem nail precisely, reduce infection risk, and help your toe heal quickly.

Taking care of your feet is more than just a cosmetic concern — it’s an important part of overall health. With professional care and good hygiene habits, you can keep painful ingrown toenails from coming back and walk comfortably again.

Post a Comment

0 Comments