Ingrown toenail: treat it early, stop it coming back
An ingrown toenail hurts with every step. Caught early, it can usually be treated in a single session at the practice, without surgery.
What is it?
The edge of the nail, usually on the big toe, digs into the surrounding skin. The area becomes painful, red and swollen. Left untreated, it can become infected and form a bulge of overgrown tissue.
- How to recognise it
- Pain along the side of the nail, worse in shoes or even under a bed sheet; redness, swelling, sometimes a little pus.
- Common causes
- Nails cut too short or rounded at the corners, tight shoes, a naturally very curved nail, a knock to the toe.
- At the practice
- At an early stage, the offending spike of nail is gently freed with sterile instruments and the area is protected. Relief often comes during the session. If the toe is badly infected or the problem keeps coming back, you will be referred to a doctor: some treatments are surgical.
- Day to day
- Cut toenails straight across, not too short, without digging into the corners. Wash with soap and water and dry well. Do not try to dig the corner out with scissors.
- See a doctor
- If redness spreads, there is a lot of pus, you have a fever, or you have diabetes.
The three stages of an ingrown toenail
Inflammation
The corner of the nail presses into the skin: redness, slight swelling, pain when touched or in shoes. This is the right time to see a pédicure-podologue.
Infection
The area weeps, pus appears, the pain throbs. Treatment is still possible, but a doctor's opinion is often needed as well.
Overgrown tissue
A red bulge of tissue forms along the nail, or the problem keeps coming back. This is then a matter for a doctor, sometimes with a minor surgical procedure.
How to cut your toenails
- Cut straight across, without rounding or digging into the corners.
- Leave the nail slightly longer than the tip of the toe.
- Soften the corners with a file, without going down into the groove.
- Cut after a shower, when the nail is softer, with clean clippers.
Travellers, runners and teenagers
Long days of walking in new or tight shoes, running downhill, sweaty trainers and nails cut too short are the usual triggers. If an ingrown toenail flares up while you are in Paris, do not wait for it to become infected: an early treatment is quick and usually brings immediate relief.
Price
€44A pedicure treatment or foot reflexology: the same price at the practice.
Home visits: from €55, depending on the area and travel. The price is confirmed when you book.
Saturday: appointments possible on request — €70. By appointment only.
Frequently asked questions
Does an ingrown toenail always need surgery?
No. At an early stage, chiropody treatment is usually enough. Surgery is kept for badly infected nails, overgrown tissue or nails that keep coming back despite treatment.
Does the treatment hurt?
The area is tender, but the technique is gentle and precise. Relief is usually immediate, because the piece of nail that was digging into the skin is removed.
How much does it cost?
A chiropody session costs €44 at the practice.
Book an appointment
Dominique Rozan sees patients at 72 avenue de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris, Monday, Thursday and Friday. Call; if she is with a patient, leave your name and number and she will call you back.
06 08 10 86 61From a non-French number: +33 6 08 10 86 61