Ingrowing toenails conservative care, or surgery, your choice.
Most ingrowing nails can be settled with careful cutting and aftercare. For nails that keep recurring, nail surgery under local anaesthetic offers a permanent solution.
An ingrowing toenail is a spike or edge of nail that pierces the skin alongside the nail bed. It's painful, often infected, and almost never gets better on its own. There are two routes — conservative care for first-time cases and surgical resolution for recurrent ones.
Two routes
For first-time or mild cases. The offending spike is carefully removed, the skin is treated, and you're given aftercare instructions to prevent recurrence. Most cases settle within days.
Partial nail avulsion under local anaesthetic — the problem edge is removed and phenol applied to prevent regrowth. Permanent, day-case, with a clear aftercare protocol.
Nail surgery — what to expect
Phenol is a chemical that destroys the cells of the nail matrix in the area treated. It's been the standard for partial nail avulsion for decades — success rates are above 95% and the cosmetic result is excellent (the nail simply grows a little narrower).
About ingrowing toenails
How long until I can wear normal shoes?
Will the nail grow back?
Can I drive afterwards?
Is it covered by Bupa or WPA?
You might also need
A clear plan for your ingrowing toenails.
Hall Green on Saturdays, Hollywood on Thursdays, or a home visit around either clinic.