Introduction

An ingrown toenail develops when the sides of the toenail grow into the surrounding skin.The nail curls and pierces the skin, which becomes red, swollen and tender.

The big toe is often affected, either on one or both sides. Other possible symptoms include:

  • pain if pressure is placed on the toe
  • inflammation of the skin at the end of the toe
  • a build-up of fluid in the area surrounding the toe
  • an overgrowth of skin around the affected toe
  • bleeding
  • white or yellow pus coming from the affected area
Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 6 Dec 2016