INGROWN TOENAIL

Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown Toenail Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a common but painful foot condition where the nail grows inward or is too wide, often piercing and irritating the surrounding skin. This can lead to inflammation, pain, and even infection, potentially requiring antibiotics if left untreated.

The 5 most common causes of Ingrown Toenails:

Improper nail trimming or picking
Ill-fitting shoes
Trauma to the toe (stubbing, squashing)
Congenital nail shape and bed structure
Health conditions like diabetes or poor circulation

Treatment options for Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails don’t have to cause ongoing pain or embarrassment. With a 98% success rate in treating ingrown nails, we offer effective solutions to address both pain relief and long-term correction.

If left untreated, chronic ingrown toenails can lead to more serious complications like osteomyelitis (bone infection). Our podiatrists recommend prompt evaluation and treatment if you experience recurring or infected nails.

At the Gold Coast Foot Clinic our certified podiatrist does an initial assessment of the patients toenail pain and then decides the plan for treatment.

In most cases, antibiotics, or over the counter creams or ointments will not resolve the issue long term.

Ingrown Toenail Surgery

If ingrown nails are a recurring issue, our podiatrist may recommend a common wedge resection procedure to remove the problematic nail portion permanently.

This procedure is done under local anesthetic and includes applying phenol to the nail bed to prevent regrowth, creating a narrower nail plate that won’t become ingrown again.

Generally, after this procedure, the nail region will drain for approximately 4 weeks. During that time the patient will need to dress the region with a simple sterile gauze and apply a gel that acts as a cleaning agent.

At the Gold Coast Foot Clinic, we use a specialised hydrogel product (supplied to each patient after an ingrown toenail procedure). The gel product is applied over the post-operative nail and increases wound healing time.

Onyfix Nail

Onyfix® is a non-invasive, pain-free nail correction system applied by our certified podiatrist. It’s an excellent option for treating both ingrown and involuted nails, reshaping the nail as it grows naturally. Onyfix® is safe for all ages and conditions, including children and those with diabetes.

This treatment offers:

Immediate pain relief
No surgery or needles
Activity flexibility—safe with swimming, nail polish, etc.

Click here to learn more about Onyfix® and how it can help correct your nail shape permanently.

Diabetes and ingrown nails

Ingrown nail infections can be more serious if you suffer from Diabetes. This is due to sensitive nerves and a lack of blood flow to the toes which can delay healing.

It is important to see a qualified and experienced podiatrist to treat problems early on to avoid future complications.

The good news is that recent advances in diabetic wound care have proven to be successful in the treatment of the nail.

This condition should never be ignored as with no treatment it will get worse and cause further toe pain. Read more on Diabetes foot conditions.

If you are located on the Gold Coast, and require treatment for an ingrown and / or fungal nail, call us to book an initial appointment. We service all Gold Coast areas.