Ingrown toenail - Symptoms of an ingrown toenail

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail will vary depending on how severe it is.

Mild symptoms

Mild symptoms of an ingrown toenail may include:

• inflammation of the skin at the end of the toe
• pain if pressure is placed on the toe
• red skin in the affected area
• a build-up of fluid (oedema) in the area surrounding the toe

Moderate symptoms

Moderate symptoms of an ingrown toenail may include:

• increased inflammation of the toe
• white or yellow coloured pus coming from the affected area
• bleeding
• infection of the toe 

Severe symptoms

Severe symptoms of an ingrown toenail may include:

• severe pain, redness and inflammation
• an overgrowth of skin around the affected toe (hypertrophy)
• severe infection of the toe

You should visit your GP or a podiatrist (foot care specialist) if you have a persistent or severe ingrown toenail.