An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, irritation and sometimes infection. It most commonly affects the big toe and can make everyday activities such as walking, exercising and wearing shoes uncomfortable.

Ingrown toenails can develop for several reasons, including cutting the nails too short, wearing tight footwear, naturally curved nails or trauma to the toe. For some people, the problem becomes recurrent despite careful nail care.

Ingrown Toenail care and surgery

Our Process

For mild ingrown toenails, simple nail care and footwear changes may be enough. However, when the problem is painful or keeps coming back, partial nail avulsion with phenolisation can offer a more permanent solution.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so the toe is numb during treatment. We carefully remove the small strip of nail growing into the skin, then apply a chemical called phenol to the nail's growth area to prevent that section from growing back.

Why do we use phenol? Simply removing the nail edge can allow it to grow back and become ingrown again. Treating the growth area helps reduce this risk. Research suggests phenol treatment can significantly reduce recurrence, with success rates of around 90–95% commonly reported, although results vary and regrowth can still occur.

We find this approach particularly valuable for recurring ingrown toenails because it addresses the underlying problem rather than repeatedly removing the same nail edge. Although some practitioners prefer to begin with conservative treatment, we believe partial nail avulsion with phenolisation is an excellent option for suitable patients who want a more lasting result.

Because we only treat a narrow section of the nail, the remainder is preserved, generally allowing for a natural-looking cosmetic result once healing is complete.

If you're struggling with a painful or recurring ingrown toenail, our podiatry clinic in Echuca can assess your toe and discuss whether this procedure is right for you.