Ingrown toenails & other nail problems

Ingrown, thickened or discoloured nails can make everyday care uncomfortable, and there’s no need to feel embarrassed about asking for help.

Avoiding closed shoes because a nail edge hurts, or finding your nails difficult to trim? Ingrown, thickened or discoloured nails can make everyday care uncomfortable. There’s no need to feel embarrassed about asking for help.

On this page

What might a sore or ingrown toenail mean?

An ingrown toenail is when the edge of the nail presses into the skin beside it, which can make the toe sore, red or swollen.

Why can an ingrown nail return?

Nail shape, tight shoes and cutting nails too short or rounding the corners can contribute. Soaking and trimming may ease symptoms without addressing why it returns. Read why an ingrown nail may keep returning.

Thick, discoloured or changing nails

Not every changed nail is fungal. Thickening or colour change can also follow repeated shoe pressure, an old injury, a skin condition or bruising—but a dark streak should not be assumed to be one of these. More on fungal and thickened nails.

Dark streak in a toenail: fungal or something else?

Not usually. Fungal nail changes are more often yellow, white or brown, with thickening or crumbling. A new, widening or changing dark streak, or colour spreading onto the skin around the nail, should be checked by your GP promptly because it can occasionally be a sign of melanoma.

What should I do now about an ingrown or sore toenail?

Book for recurrent ingrowing, painful or discoloured nails, or difficulty trimming. You don’t need to wait for severe pain.

Until then, do not dig out or cut into an ingrown nail yourself. If a closed shoe presses on it, a roomier pair may be more comfortable.

What could happen at an ingrown toenail appointment in Burwood?

How we assess and manage nail concerns

We examine the nail edge, surrounding skin and any thickening or colour change, and ask how it affects shoes, walking or nail care.
We explain whether it looks more like an ingrown edge, a fungal change or something else—not every thick or discoloured nail is fungal—and whether testing or medical review may help.
Before any nail care, we explain what it involves and what it may feel like.
If the problem is persistent or recurring, we discuss home care, footwear and longer-term options.

Can an ingrown nail be treated without surgery?

Conservative ingrown-toenail care is usually without a needle. We assess the nail edge, surrounding skin and your health before discussing the approach, sensation and whether local anaesthetic is needed. Tell us if needles worry you.

Care of the troublesome nail edge where appropriate, with the approach explained before treatment
Advice about suitable home care and footwear

For recurrent or severe ingrowing, an in-clinic procedure under local anaesthetic may be discussed as one option, not an inevitable next step; recurrence, healing time and whether it suits you are part of that conversation. For anaesthetic, appearance, recovery and risks, read about nail surgery.