An ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis) is a common and often painful condition where the edge of the nail plate grows into the surrounding soft flesh of the toe. This penetration causes inflammation, swelling, and discomfort. Finding the correct medical professional is the first step toward safe and effective resolution, preventing the condition from progressing into a severe infection.
The Foot and Ankle Specialist
The definitive specialist for ingrown toenails is the Podiatrist, a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). Podiatrists possess targeted expertise in the anatomy, pathology, and comprehensive treatment of the foot and ankle, including the full spectrum of nail disorders. They are highly skilled in both conservative care and minor surgical procedures.
A Podiatrist’s office is equipped to handle the condition from a simple inflamed toe to a recurring, infected ingrown nail requiring a permanent solution. Their scope of practice includes accurately diagnosing the cause of the ingrowth, such as improper trimming, tight footwear, or a genetic predisposition. When home care fails or the condition is complex, the Podiatrist is the recommended specialist.
Other Healthcare Providers for Initial Treatment
While a Podiatrist is the expert, other medical professionals can provide initial care for mild, non-infected cases. A General Practitioner (GP) or Family Doctor can assess the condition, offer guidance on conservative home management, and prescribe oral antibiotics if a minor infection is present. They often serve as the first point of contact, especially if the patient has underlying systemic health concerns.
A Dermatologist, who specializes in conditions of the skin, hair, and nails, can also treat ingrown toenails. Their training in nail disorders allows them to perform minor procedures, such as partial nail removal, and to identify other contributing factors like a fungal infection. However, for recurring issues or conditions involving foot mechanics, the Dermatologist may refer the patient to a Podiatrist for specialized foot care.
Recognizing the Need for Professional Care
Knowing when to stop home treatment and seek professional help is crucial for safety and preventing complications. Clear signs that necessitate a doctor’s visit include evidence of infection, such as increasing redness, significant swelling, warmth in the toe, or the presence of pus or drainage. If the pain is severe, persistent despite home care, or if it makes walking difficult, medical intervention is required.
Patients with certain underlying health conditions must seek care immediately. Individuals with diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD), or nerve damage (neuropathy) have compromised circulation and sensation. This can cause minor infections to rapidly escalate into serious, limb-threatening complications. For these high-risk patients, home treatment is not advised.
Common Medical Procedures for Ingrown Toenails
For cases that do not respond to conservative measures, a Podiatrist will typically perform a minor procedure in the office under local anesthetic, which is injected into the toe to completely numb the area. The most common procedure is a Partial Nail Plate Avulsion (PNA), where the ingrown section of the nail is carefully trimmed and removed from the nail groove. This procedure provides immediate relief of the pressure and pain.
If the ingrown toenail is chronic or has a high likelihood of recurrence, the Podiatrist may follow the PNA with a Matrixectomy. This involves applying a chemical agent, most commonly Phenol, to the nail matrix—the tissue at the base of the nail from which the nail grows. The Phenol application destroys the cells responsible for growing the problematic portion of the nail plate, which significantly reduces the chance of the ingrown section growing back. This combined procedure is highly effective, with success rates often reported above 90% in preventing future episodes.