Updated February 2026
Dealing with a painful ingrown toenail is frustrating enough without being misled by “old wives’ tales” and online misinformation. To help you get back on your feet, we’re setting the record straight on what actually works for lasting relief.
Key Takeaways:
- Ingrown toenails are mechanical injuries; they cannot heal on their own without removing the nail fragment piercing the skin.
- Antibiotics treat the infection, but not the cause. The nail must be professionally cleared to prevent the infection from returning.
- Myths like cutting a ‘V’ in the nail or only wearing certain shoes do not work. Proper straight-cut trimming is the best defence.
- They affect everyone from infants to seniors, not just teenagers.
- Modern procedures are cosmetically discrete, resulting in a slightly narrower, pain-free nail.
Debunking The Myths To Help You Understand Ingrown Toenails
Many patients spend weeks attempting “home fixes” based on misinformation. To help you find relief faster, we have debunked the most common myths we hear at our Southwest clinics.
Myth 1: Can you only get an ingrown nail on your big toe?
While most common on the hallux (big toe), ingrown toenails can occur on any toe. Smaller toes are often neglected in foot care, but they are just as susceptible to trauma, tight footwear, and improper cutting. Signs on smaller toes include:
- Redness and swelling along the nail border.
- Sharp pain when wearing closed-in shoes.
- Discharge or debris build-up where the nail meets the skin.
Myth 2: Does cutting a ‘V’ in the nail relieve pressure?
Cutting a ‘V’ shape into the centre of your nail does not work. There is a common misconception that cutting a notch in the middle will encourage the nail edges to “grow inward” toward the gap. However, toenails grow from the base (matrix) forward toward the tip.
A ‘V’ cut does nothing to change the width or direction of the nail at the edges where it is piercing the skin. It usually just results in a jagged nail that snags on socks and hosiery.
Myth 3: Are ingrown toenails only a problem for teenagers?
Ingrown toenails affect all ages, from infants to seniors. While teenagers often get them due to growth spurts and sweaty feet (which softens the skin), we frequently treat babies and toddlers. In infants, the nail is often quite soft, and the surrounding skin can easily fold over it, leading to irritation or infection.
Myth 4: Will an ingrown toenail get better on its own?
An ingrown nail is a mechanical issue, not just a biological one. Think of it as a permanent splinter. As the nail grows, it pushes the sharp edge deeper into the flesh. This creates a wound that cannot heal because the “foreign object” (the nail) is still present. Professional removal of the nail spicule is the only way to allow the skin to close and heal.
Myth 5: Can antibiotics cure an ingrown toenail?
Antibiotics treat the infection, not the cause. If your toe is red, hot, and throbbing, you likely have a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics. However, once the course of medication finishes, the sharp nail is still lodged in your skin. Without removing the nail, the infection is highly likely to return within weeks.
Myth 6: Does surgery leave your feet looking “ugly”?
Modern podiatric surgery is designed to be visually discrete. During a partial nail avulsion, we only remove the narrow sliver of nail that is causing the problem. Once healed, the nail simply looks slightly narrower and straighter. Most people find the aesthetic of a healthy, narrow nail far superior to a chronically red, swollen, and weeping toe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to prevent ingrown nails?
Cut your nails straight across, never round the corners, deep into the sides. Ensure your shoes have an adequate toe box that doesn’t pinch your toes together.
How is a permanent fix achieved?
If you have recurring issues, ingrown toenail surgery can be performed to prevent that specific edge of the nail from ever growing back.
Who should I see for treatment?
A qualified podiatrist is the best person to manage this condition safely and effectively.
Expert Ingrown Toenail Treatment in Bunbury & Vasse
At Southwest Foot and Ankle Centre, we provide comprehensive podiatry services for ingrown toenails at both our Bunbury and Vasse rooms. For patients requiring a permanent surgical solution, we refer to Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgeon Mr Paul Armanasco, who has performed these procedures thousands of times under both local and general anaesthesia.
Contact Southwest Foot and Ankle Centre today on (08) 9791 1319 or by booking an appointment online!
