An ingrown toenail (also known as onychocryptosis) develops when the sides of the toenail grow in the surrounding skin.  The toenail will pierce the skin, which can then become red, swollen, infected and tender.   The big toe is most likely to be affected.  Cutting your toenails incorrectly, tight-fitting shoes, excessive perspiration, or poor foot hygiene can all cause ingrown toenails.

As a Foot Health Practitioner, I would treat my clients ingrown toenails by doing a partial nail resection (PNR), where I would cut back part of the toenail, to remove the ingrown section.  I would then advise my client about correct toenail cutting, good foot hygiene, and well-fitting footwear.  In some more severe cases surgery may be necessary to remove part of or the entire toenail.  I would therefore refer my client to their GP.