Ingrown Toenail Treatment

Step 1: Thorough Assessment

Our podiatrist will examine your ingrown toenail, discuss your symptoms, and review your medical history. A thorough evaluation will help us understand the severity and underlying causes of your condition, allowing us to tailor an effective and appropriate treatment plan specifically for you, ensuring all contributing factors are considered.

Step 2: Routine Care and Foot Hygiene

For a mildly ingrown toenail characterised by redness and pain without pus, our podiatrist might recommend professional nail trimming and filing to prevent them from digging into the surround skin. However, this is typically a temporary solution, as patients may require monthly maintenance to prevent the condition from worsening. We will also provide education on proper foot hygiene and footwear choices to help manage the condition and support your ongoing foot health.

Step 3: Partail Nail Avulsion

For recurrent or more significant ingrown toenail issues, a partial nail avulsion might be recommended. This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia, and involves the problematic section of the nail, aiming to reduce the likelihood of the nail growing back into the skin.

Step 4: Post-Treatment Care & Follow-up

Following any procedure, we provide detailed guidance on wound care and advise on activity levels to support your recovery. Follow-up appointments allow us to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns.

Wear Properly Fitting Footwear

Ensure your shoes offer ample space, especially in the toe box. A general guideline is to have about a thumb's width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. This prevents undue pressure on your nails. Choose footwear that suits your activity and provides adequate support without squeezing your toes.

Trim Nails Correctly & Regularly

Adopt proper nail-cutting techniques. It’s often helpful to trim your nails after a bath or shower when they are slightly softened. Use clean nail trimmers and cut straight across – avoid rounding the corners or cutting them too short. Don’t dig into the sides, and gently file any sharp edges. Avoid plucking or tearing your nails.

Practice Good Foot Hygiene

Maintaining clean and dry feet is fundamental. Wash your feet regularly and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Routinely inspect your feet and nails for any changes in appearance. While keeping feet clean is important, try to avoid prolonged soaking, particularly in very hot water, as it can affect skin integrity.

Avoid Tight or Narrow Shoes

Shoes that are too tight or narrow, especially those with pointed toes, can compress your toes and force the nails to grow into the surrounding skin. Consistently choosing shoes that respect the natural shape of your foot can significantly reduce the risk of developing a painful ingrown toenail.

Protect Toes from Injury

Be mindful of activities that could cause trauma to your toes. Repetitive pressure, such as from certain sports, or accidental impacts like stubbing your toe, can contribute to ingrown nails. Wearing appropriate protective footwear during sports or work can help minimise these risks.

Consult a Podiatrist for Persistent Issues

These tips can help with prevention, but they don't replace professional care. If you experience persistent pain, signs of infection (like redness, swelling, or pus), or if your ingrown toenail frequently returns, it's important to consult a podiatrist. Our podiatry clinic in Singapore can provide a thorough assessment and discuss appropriate treatment options, which may range from conservative care to minor removal procedures for lasting relief.

Lewis Nurney

Lewis is a highly experienced podiatrist with over 5 years of practice in Singapore, bringing his expertise to UFIT's comprehensive Circle of Care. As Head of Podiatry at UFIT Club Street, he specialises in sports podiatry, innovative orthotics for adults and children (including 3D-printed custom insoles, Paediatric AFOs and SMOs for pediatric flat feet), and minimally invasive procedures.

A first-class honours graduate from the University of Huddersfield (UK), Lewis holds dual certifications in Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), Diagnostic Ultrasound and Running Gait analysis. Previously with East Coast Podiatry, he now provides patient-centred care at UFIT, specialising in non-surgical management of conditions like Foot Pain, Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinopathy in both children and adults, ultimately focused on alleviating discomfort and restoring optimal foot function.

Elliot Yeldham

Elliott is a dedicated podiatrist with over 7 years of healthcare experience, gained in both the UK's National Health Service (NHS) and private practice. He holds an Honours degree in Podiatry from Cardiff Metropolitan University (Wales), and brings a wealth of expertise to Singapore.

Specialising in Musculoskeletal (MSK) podiatry, Elliott's interests include sport podiatry and the management of gait abnormalities in both adults and children. He is also recognised for his skill and patient-focused approach in minimally invasive procedures for ingrown toenails and wart removal. Committed to a patient-centred and multidisciplinary model, Elliott actively stays informed of the latest healthcare advancements through clinical research and international conferences.