Ingrowing toe nails

Do I need antibiotics?

Ingrowing toe nails are a common problem that we see in our Urgent Care Centre. You can get them on any of your toes. They are often over treated with antibiotics and unnecessary medications.

Symptoms of an ingrowing toe nail include:

1. Swelling around the nail
2. Pain when applying pressure to the affected toe
3. Overgrowth of skin around the toe nail
4. Bleeding around the nail
5. White or yellow puss coming from the side of the nail

So what causes them?

1. Badly cut nails
2. Wearing tight shoes, socks or tights
3. Sweaty feet
4. Stubbing your toe or injuring the nail
5. Sometimes just the natural shape of the nail cuts cuts into the skin

The general advice to look after them is:

1. Soak in salty water at least twice daily
2. Keep your foot clean and dry for the rest of the day
3. Wear wide comfortable shoes to avoid any friction
4. Take simple painkillers to reduce any discomfort
5. Cut your nails straight across to avoid getting them in the first place