Ingrown Toenail Troubles: When to See a Podiatrist in Dublin 9
An ingrown toenail might seem like a small issue — until you’ve had one. That red, swollen corner of your toe can quickly become painful, tender to the touch, and even infected. If walking, wearing shoes, or even pulling on socks has started to feel like a struggle, you're not alone.
Ingrown toenails are one of the most common problems we treat at Mary Moore Podiatry. The good news? You don’t have to live with the discomfort. In this blog, we’ll explain what causes ingrown toenails, when home care is okay, and when it’s time to see a podiatrist in Dublin 9.
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail grows into the skin surrounding it, instead of growing straight out. It most often affects the big toe but can occur on any toenail.
Typical symptoms include:
Redness and swelling around the nail
Pain or tenderness, especially when pressure is applied
Warmth and inflammation
Pus or discharge if an infection has developed
Common Causes of Ingrown Toenails
Several everyday habits and factors can increase your risk of getting an ingrown nail:
Improper nail trimming: Cutting toenails too short or rounding the corners can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.
Tight or narrow footwear: Shoes that press on the toes can cause the nail to dig in.
Injury or trauma: Stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on it can cause the nail to grow abnormally.
Genetics: Some people are simply more prone to ingrown nails due to the natural shape of their nails.
Poor foot hygiene: Bacteria and moisture can increase the risk of infection if the nail becomes ingrown.
When Can You Try Home Care?
For a mild ingrown toenail — one that’s just a little sore or red but not infected — some basic home care might help relieve symptoms.
You can try:
Soaking your foot in warm, salty water for 15–20 minutes a few times a day
Gently drying the area and applying an antiseptic cream
Wearing open-toed or loose-fitting shoes
Avoiding cutting the nail any further
Important: Never attempt to “dig out” the nail yourself. This can worsen the problem and increase the risk of infection.
When to See a Podiatrist in Dublin 9
If the toenail becomes increasingly painful, swollen, or starts to ooze, it’s time to get professional help. You should book an appointment with a podiatrist if:
The pain is affecting your ability to walk or wear shoes
You notice signs of infection (redness, pus, heat, or spreading)
You have diabetes or circulation problems
The ingrown toenail keeps coming back
Home treatments haven’t worked after a few days
How a Podiatrist Can Help
At our foot clinic in Dublin 9, we offer safe, effective treatments for ingrown toenails — and relief is often quicker than you might think.
Treatment options include:
Careful nail trimming: We can gently remove the edge of the nail that's causing discomfort without causing more damage.
Antibiotic treatment: If there’s an infection, we’ll advise the right care to stop it from spreading.
Partial nail avulsion: In recurring or severe cases, we may recommend removing part of the nail under local anaesthetic to prevent the issue from returning. This is a quick, safe procedure done in the clinic with minimal downtime.
Advice on footwear and nail care: To help you avoid future problems, we’ll guide you on how to trim your nails properly and choose shoes that allow your toes to breathe.
Don’t Wait — Ingrown Toenails Don’t Fix Themselves
Ignoring an ingrown toenail often makes it worse. Infections can spread, and the pain can start interfering with your daily life. If you’re dealing with ongoing discomfort or signs of infection, visiting a podiatrist in Dublin 9 is the best step toward fast, safe relief.
At Mary Moore Podiatry, we’re here to help your feet feel better — no matter how small or sensitive the issue may seem. If your toe is giving you trouble, don’t hesitate to reach out.
