Ingrown Toenail Treatment

What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling and sometimes infection. The big toe is most commonly affected, though any toe can develop the problem.

Left untreated, ingrown toenails can worsen over time and become infected, making early assessment and treatment important.

Common Causes

Ingrown toenails can develop for a number of reasons, including:

• Incorrect nail cutting technique — cutting nails too short or rounding the edges
• Tight or ill-fitting footwear placing pressure on the toes
• Naturally curved or involuted nail shape
• Trauma or injury to the nail
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of the feet)
• Genetic predisposition

Treatment Options

At Sydney Podiatry Co, we tailor treatment to the severity of your condition, your symptoms and your preferences. Our two main approaches are:

Conservative Management

For mild to moderate ingrown toenails without significant infection, conservative treatment is often highly effective. Your podiatrist will carefully remove the offending nail edge and relieve the pressure on the surrounding skin.

A topical numbing agent or local anaesthetic is available for conservative treatments, so patients who are anxious about discomfort — including children — can be treated comfortably and without distress.

Following treatment your podiatrist will advise on correct nail cutting technique, appropriate footwear and any other contributing factors to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Partial Nail Avulsion (Nail Surgery)

For recurrent, severely painful or persistently infected ingrown toenails, a partial nail avulsion is often the most effective long-term solution.

This is a minor in-clinic surgical procedure performed under local anaesthetic. Your podiatrist will remove the offending portion of the nail and, where appropriate, apply a chemical called phenol to the nail matrix to prevent that section of nail from regrowing.

The procedure is well tolerated by most patients and is performed entirely at our Balgowlah clinic — no referral to a hospital or specialist surgeon required.

What to Expect

• Local anaesthetic is administered before the procedure begins — you will not feel pain during treatment
• The procedure typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes
• You will walk out of the clinic on the same day
• A simple dressing is applied and aftercare instructions are provided
• Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two
• A follow-up appointment is recommended to monitor healing

When Should I See a Podiatrist?

You should book an appointment if your ingrown toenail is:

• Causing persistent or worsening pain
• Red, swollen or showing signs of infection
• Recurring after previous treatment
• Affecting your ability to walk, exercise or wear shoes comfortably

Do not attempt to cut out the nail yourself. This frequently worsens the problem and increases the risk of infection.

Ingrown Toenails in Children and Teenagers

Ingrown toenails are particularly common in children and teenagers due to rapid nail growth, active lifestyles and footwear that doesn't always fit well. Our children's podiatry team are experienced in treating younger patients in a calm, patient and reassuring environment. Topical numbing agents and local anaesthetics are available to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ingrown toenail surgery hurt?
No. Partial nail avulsion is performed under local anaesthetic — you will not feel pain during the procedure. You may feel mild tenderness for a day or two afterwards, which settles quickly. Most patients are surprised by how straightforward and comfortable the experience is.

Will my ingrown toenail come back after surgery?
Partial nail avulsion with phenolisation has a success rate of over 95% for permanent resolution of the treated nail edge. Recurrence is uncommon when the procedure is performed correctly by an experienced podiatrist.

How long does recovery take after nail surgery?
Most patients walk out of the clinic on the same day and return to normal activities within one to two days. You will need to keep the toe dry and dressed for approximately one to two weeks while the surgical site heals. Your podiatrist will provide full aftercare instructions.

Can children have ingrown toenail surgery?
Yes. Partial nail avulsion is suitable for children and teenagers. Local anaesthetic is used so the procedure is pain-free, and our podiatrists are experienced in treating younger patients in a calm, reassuring environment.

Is ingrown toenail treatment covered by Medicare or private health insurance?
Ingrown toenail consultations and nail surgery are claimable through most private health funds with podiatry extras cover. We offer HICAPS on-the-spot claiming at our Balgowlah clinic. Medicare rebates may also be available under a Chronic Condition Management Plan (CCMP) for eligible patients referred by their GP.

Health Fund Rebates

Ingrown toenail consultations and nail surgery are claimable through most private health funds with podiatry cover. We offer HICAPS on-the-spot claiming at our Balgowlah clinic.

Medicare rebates may also be available for eligible patients under a Chronic Condition Management Plan (CCMP). Speak to your GP or contact our clinic for more information.