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Ingrown toenail

An ingrown toenail is a common problem where the nail grows into the toe.

Check if you have an ingrown toenail

You usually get an ingrown toenail on your big toe. But you can get them on any toe. An ingrown toetail can cause an infection.

See what an ingrown toenail looks like
A big toe. The nail of the toe is thick and yellow. The skin around the nail is red and swollen
Your toe may be red, painful and swollen
The tip of a big toe. A thick, yellow nail is curving inwards on one side and growing into the centre of the toe.
Your toenail may curve into your toe.

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment if

you have

  • diabetes - foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes
  • pain and swelling in your toe
  • pus coming out of your toe
  • a high temperature

Managing an ingrown toenail at home

An ingrown toenail can be painful. But there are things you can do to ease the pain and reduce the risk of infection.

Do

  • soak your foot in warm, salty water - soaking helps soften the skin around your toe

  • keep your foot dry

  • wear wide, comfortable shoes or sandals

  • take paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease the pain

Don't

  • do not cut your toenail - leave it to grow out

  • do not pick at your toe or toenail

  • do not wear tight, pointy shoes

Medical treatment for an ingrown toenail

If treatment at home does not help, see your GP.

Your GP may:

  • prescribe antibiotics if your toenail is infected
  • recommend that you see a podiatrist or chiropodist

Podiatrists and chiropodists are specialists who treat the foot and toenails. You can pay privately to go to a podiatrist or chiropodist.

Find a podiatrist - podiatryireland.ie

Treatment from a podiatrist

A podiatrist may:

  • cut part of the nail
  • remove the whole nail

The podatrist will give an injection of local anaesthetic to numb your toe. After treatment, you need to rest your foot and keep it raised for 1 to 2 days.

The podatrist will explain how to care for your nails at home.

Chiropody services

You may be able to get free chiropody services if you:

  • have a medical card and you are age 65 or over
  • live with a condition such as diabetes or arthritis
  • have a health amendment act card
  • have a disability

Your GP, public health nurse or local health office can tell you about chiropody services in your area.

Preventing ingrown toenails

To help stop ingrown toenails:

  • do not cut your toenails too short
  • cut straight across your nail
  • do not wear shoes that are too tight or do not fit properly
  • keep your feet clean and dry

Page last reviewed: 23 March 2026
Next review due: 23 March 2029

This project has received funding from the Government of Ireland’s Sláintecare Integration Fund 2019 under Grant Agreement Number 123.