Should I Go to a GP or Podiatrist for an Ingrown Toenail?

If you are dealing with the sharp, throbbing pain of an ingrown toenail, it is very common to wonder should I go to a GP or podiatrist for an ingrown toenail. At Leading Health Podiatry in Modbury, we treat this every day and the answer depends on whether the nail is infected and what is causing the problem.

When to See a GP

A GP is the right person to see if your ingrown toenail is infected. Infection can look like redness that is spreading, swelling that keeps getting worse, or pus coming from the side of the nail. You might also notice the pain feels deeper or throbbing.

Your GP can prescribe antibiotics to settle the infection, but antibiotics alone will not fix the ingrown toenail. They do not remove the part of the nail that is digging into the skin.

When to See a Podiatrist

In most cases, the main cause of an ingrown toenail is the corner of the nail growing into the skin. A podiatrist is the health professional trained to remove this nail edge safely and comfortably.

At Leading Health Podiatry Modbury, we can:

• Remove the sharp nail corner that is causing the pain

• Provide immediate relief

• Prevent it from returning

• Offer long term solutions including permanent nail surgery when needed

Should You See the GP or Podiatrist First

Here is the easiest way to decide.

A. Podiatrist First

Most people can see a podiatrist first. We remove the painful nail corner and if there is infection present, we will advise you to see your GP for antibiotics.

B. GP First

If your toe already looks very infected, you can see the GP first for antibiotics. Your GP may then refer you to us to remove the corner of the nail that caused the problem.

Why You Should Not Ignore an Ingrown Toenail

An untreated ingrown toenail can get worse quickly. It may lead to severe pain, ongoing infection, difficulty walking and in some cases you may eventually require surgery. Seeing a health professional early can prevent all of this.

Expert Ingrown Toenail Care in Modbury

At Leading Health Podiatry, we provide fast, effective treatment for ingrown toenails. Whether you need a simple nail corner removal, advice on prevention or permanent ingrown toenail surgery, we can help you get back on your feet comfortably.