One of the biggest reasons at-home nail treatment is unsuccessful is because it takes months of daily diligence to correct a growth problem and many people simply neglect caring for their toes over time. Also, constrictive footwear, improper foot hygiene, or activities like soccer, football, or ballet can cause the toenail to grow into the surrounding skin.

A nail that is curling (involuted or convoluted) into the flesh, but isn’t actually piercing the skin, isn't an ingrowing toenail but can feel very painful and can also appear red and inflamed. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections. While toenail growth can be corrected in a number of ways, devices that draw the most attention clamp around the edges of the toe and lift the edges out of the nail folds, gradually correcting the nail’s growth. Further Reading Hallux Rigidus Toe Deformities Ageing feet Athlete's Foot Blisters What are bunions? To contact an NHS podiatrist, please contact your GP practice for information on an NHS referral (in some areas you can self-refer).Not usually, unless you have an existing condition such as diabetes, poor circulation or a reduced immune system. If you cut the corners off the front of your toenail, as the dead cells are pushed forward, they will burrow into the nail folds and cause pain and possibly infection.

The fungus starts out mild, growing in the moist area beneath the nail bed, but over time it can spread and cause the toenail to thicken and become discolored. You should see a podiatrist urgently if you have symptoms of infection, and also have diabetes, poor circulation or a reduced immune system. Nail clipper/nipper/scissors: If you don’t already own a nail clipper, nipper, or scissors, look for a toenail correction kit that has one or more of these devices. Individuals have varying degrees of success with this device, often requiring the use of a longer-term toenail brace to more effectively correct the toenail’s growth. Adhesive tape: Some toenail correction sets include adhesive tape that is applied over the toenail brace to help hold it in place for extended periods of time.This procedure is done under a local anaesthetic where part of the nail is removed (including the root), leaving a permanently narrower nail. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. It’s best to use nail nippers (available from chemists) because they have a smaller cutting blade but a longer handle.