Ingrowing toenails can occur when a nail has been damaged or is deformed. The nail grows into the skin causing pain and sometimes leading to infection. In more severe cases, it can cause pus and bleeding. Ingrowing toenails most commonly affect the big toenail, but can affect the other toes too.

This condition can be treated conservatively, but surgery may be necessary to prevent recurrence. Surgery is performed under local anaesthesia. Usually only part of the offending nail is removed, although it is possible to remove the whole nail if it is very deformed.