What is an ingrown toenail?
While you may think an ingrown toenail can be effectively treated at home by clipping the sharp edge digging into the skin, a large percentage of the population require a professional to assist as the condition is recurring, swollen or infected.
An ingrown toenails is a common foot ailment which most of us will experience at some point in our life. Regular foot maintenance and ensuring the nails are cut straight across the top goes a long way towards preventing this painful condition.
But some people’s feet are more prone to ingrown toenails, especially if the nail is too narrow or wide for the nail bed, or the surrounding tissue particularly soft.
In instances of recurring ingrown toenails, or when the area has become swollen or infected, surgical treatment may be required. These treatments are quick and easily done in our state-of-the-art theatre using a local anaesthetic (just numbing the affected area). If you are particularly concerned about the procedure at The Westbourne Centre you can choose to be sedated, as we are able to perform all of our procedures using local anaesthetic with or without sedation.
Your consultant will discuss all of the options with you and together you’ll agree the best course of treatment.
