Inflamed ingrown nails, develop from the common ingrown toenail, by inducing inflammation at the skin where the nails have dug into.

Therefore, it is crucial that the ingrown toenail is treated as soon as possible before any inflammation.

How to treat inflamed ingrown nails

Treatment is done by removing a section of the nail to create an artificial nail, and minimise the angle of growth. Other treatments include inserting a highly elastic wire to minimise the angle of growth overtime. Like braces on teeth, these methods take a long time. If these methods are ineffective, surgery also becomes an option.

Treatment using wire can’t be covered by insurance and costs from 4000 to 20,000 yen.

Furthermore, a typical surgeon may just cut the nail for treatment, yet other plastic surgery clinics may undergo methods to remove the entire nail.



The treatment for ingrown toenails has not been standardised, is based heavily on treatment culture of the hospital and the judgement of the doctor. It is recommended to research a hospital before you visit for treatment.

Regardless, it’s better to have ingrown toenails treated earlier. If the condition has been left unattended for prolonged period of time, there is a risk of infection in the bones. Any signs of ingrown toenails creating any discharge or causing pain requires the immediate attention of a doctor.