Ingrown toenails can be acute or chronic. Both types of ingrown toenails are generally treated gently and successfully by our podiatrists. Here are the main differences:
Acute ingrown toenails are usually caused by incorrect cutting or ripping of the toenail, leading to a piece of nail penetrating the skin and causing infection. Acute ingrown toenails are often very painful, red, hot & swollen and the lightest of pressure from shoes or sheets can cause extreme discomfort. If you have an acute ingrown toenail it is best to put Betadine or saline on it regularly and see one of our podiatrists at your earliest convenience. Acute ingrown toenails usually resolve quickly once removed however can require antibiotics, a local anaesthetic or surgery.
Chronic ingrown toenails are often experienced when the nail is thickened, damaged or misshapen, which can be caused by a multitude of factors including trauma. Recurrent ingrown nails usually cause discomfort when the nail becomes long and therefore require ongoing and regular management. Our Podiatrists are highly trained in the non-surgical and surgical removal of ingrown toenails.