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Ingrown toenail

An ingrown toenail is a common problem where the nail grows into the toe. It can be painful, but there are things you can do to ease the pain.

Prescription review online

Prescription review online

A doctor will review your case and issue a prescription if medically appropriate.

Talk to a doctor online

Talk to a doctor online

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

An ingrown toenail is a common problem where the nail grows into the toe. It can be painful, but there are things you can do to ease the pain.

Symptoms of an ingrown toenail

You usually get an ingrown toenail on your big toe. But you can get them on any toe.

Your toe can also get infected.

Signs of an infected toe include:

  • pus coming out of it
  • you feel hot or shivery

How to treat an ingrown toenail at home

If you go to a GP with an ingrown toenail, they'll usually suggest you try these things first.

Do

  • soak your foot in warm, salty water to help soften the skin around your toe and reduce the chances of infection

  • keep your foot dry for the rest of the day

  • wear wide, comfortable shoes or sandals

  • take paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease the pain

Consult with a doctor about Ingrown toenail

Consult with a doctor about Ingrown toenail

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

Don’t

  • do not cut your toenail – leave it to grow out

  • do not pick at your toe or toenail

  • do not wear tight, pointy shoes

A pharmacist can help with an ingrown toenail

You can ask a pharmacist about:

  • treatments to help ease the pain and prevent an infection
  • whether you need to see a GP

See a GP if:

  • treating your ingrown toenail at home is not helping
  • your toe is painful and swollen with pus coming out of it
  • you have a very high temperature or you feel hot or shivery
  • you have diabetes and an ingrown toenail – foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes

Treatments for an ingrown toenail

A GP can:

  • check to see if you have an ingrown toenail
  • give you antibiotics if your toenail is infected

If you have a badly ingrown toenail, they may refer you to a foot specialist (podiatrist).

Treatment from a foot specialist

A podiatrist may offer further treatments, such as:

  • cutting away part of the nail
  • removing the whole nail

You may have an injection of local anaesthetic to numb your toe when this is done.

Self-refer to a podiatrist

If you have an ingrown toenail, you might be able to refer yourself directly to a podiatrist without seeing a GP.

To find out if there are any services in your area:

  • ask the reception staff at your GP surgery
  • check your GP surgery's website
  • contact your integrated care board (ICB) – find your local ICB

How to prevent ingrown toenails

To help stop ingrown toenails:

  • do not cut your toenails too short
  • cut straight across the nail, not the edges
  • do not wear shoes that are too tight or do not fit properly
  • keep your feet clean and dry them thoroughly

Online doctors for Ingrown toenail

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Ingrown toenail with a doctor online.

5.0 (2)
Doctor

Alexander Nazarchuk

Allergology 7 years exp.

Dr. Alexander Nazarchuk is a physician specialising in allergology and internal medicine. He provides online consultations for adults, following the principles of evidence-based medicine — no outdated treatments or unnecessary tests, with clear explanations and a personalised approach. He helps patients with a wide range of allergic and therapeutic conditions, from common day-to-day complaints to complex cases involving allergies, gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular concerns, respiratory symptoms, and more.

You can consult Dr. Nazarchuk for:

  • Test interpretation and guidance on diagnostic plans.
  • Allergic rhinitis, hay fever, bronchial asthma (including severe cases).
  • Food and drug allergies, skin rashes, angioedema.
  • Atopic dermatitis, urticaria, contact allergies.
  • Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) – initiation and ongoing management.
  • Abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits, nausea, heartburn.
  • High blood pressure and adjustment of baseline antihypertensive therapy.
  • Hyperlipidaemia and elevated cholesterol.
  • Cough, nasal congestion, fever, sore throat.
  • Anaemia, including iron deficiency and related conditions.
  • Other issues related to allergology and internal medicine.

During consultations, Dr. Nazarchuk takes a thorough, structured approach — analysing symptoms, identifying potential causes, and helping patients make informed decisions. Whether treatment, further investigation, or monitoring is needed, he explains each step clearly so you understand your health and how best to manage it.

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€66
5.0 (5)
Doctor

Tomasz Grzelewski

Dermatology 21 years exp.

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is an MD, PhD specialist in allergy, paediatrics, general practice and sports medicine, with a clinical focus on dermatology, endocrinology, allergology and sports-related health. He has more than 20 years of clinical experience and completed his medical training at the Medical University of Łódź, where he defended his PhD thesis with distinction. His doctoral research was recognised by the Polish Society of Allergology for its innovative contribution to the field. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of allergic and paediatric conditions, including modern allergen desensitisation techniques. For five years, Dr Grzelewski served as the Head of two paediatric departments in Poland, managing complex clinical cases and leading multidisciplinary teams. He also worked in medical centres in the United Kingdom, gaining experience across both primary care and specialist environments. With over a decade of telemedicine experience, he has provided online consultations across Europe and is valued for his clear, structured and evidence-based medical guidance. Dr Grzelewski is actively involved in clinical programmes focused on modern anti-allergic therapies. As a Principal Investigator, he leads research projects on sublingual and oral allergen desensitisation, supporting evidence-based progress in allergy treatment for both children and adults. In addition to his background in allergology and paediatrics, he completed dermatology studies through the Cambridge Education Group (Royal College of Physicians of Ireland) and a Clinical Endocrinology course at Harvard Medical School. This advanced training enhances his ability to manage skin manifestations of allergies, atopic conditions, urticaria, endocrine-related symptoms and complex immunological reactions. Patients commonly seek his care for: 

  • seasonal and perennial allergies
  • allergic rhinitis and chronic nasal symptoms
  • asthma and breathing difficulties
  • food and medication allergies
  • urticaria, atopic dermatitis and skin reactions
  • recurrent infections in children
  • sports-related health questions
  • general family medicine concerns

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is known for his clear communication style, structured medical approach and ability to explain treatment options in a concise and accessible way. His multidisciplinary background across allergy, paediatrics, dermatology and endocrinology allows him to provide safe, up-to-date and comprehensive care for patients of all ages.

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€86
0.0 (0)
Doctor

Joao Silva

General medicine 6 years exp.

Dr. João Silva is a physician with training and experience in the field of General and Family Medicine, dedicated to providing healthcare focused on the well-being and quality of life of his patients. Throughout his professional career, he has developed broad clinical competencies, striving to maintain a medical practice based on scientific evidence and continuous knowledge updates.

Between 2013 and 2019, he completed the Integrated Master's Degree in Medicine at the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences in Porto, where he acquired a solid academic and clinical education.

Subsequently, between January 2021 and December 2021, he completed the General Internship at the Entre Douro e Vouga Hospital Center in Santa Maria da Feira, where he had the opportunity to work in different hospital settings and deepen his competencies in several areas of medicine.

From January 2022 until March 2026, he works as a Resident Physician in General and Family Medicine at USF Salvador Machado in Oliveira de Azeméis, developing clinical activities in primary healthcare, follow-up of chronic patients, and health promotion in the community.

Complementing his medical training, Dr. João Silva also completed a Postgraduate Degree in Continuing and Palliative Care at CESPU, strengthening his preparation in the comprehensive approach to patient care, especially in situations requiring prolonged care and multidisciplinary support.

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€61
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