Ingrown toenail treatment clinic with nail doctors, podiatrists, specialists, nail surgery. Book with Alpaca Health at Novena Medical Centre.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of your toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Common causes include improper nail trimming, tight footwear, nail trauma, genetic predisposition, and fungal infections. This condition is especially prevalent in Singapore due to our climate and footwear habits

Pain or tenderness along the nail edge

Redness and swelling of the toe

Pus or yellowish discharge (if infected)

Difficulty wearing shoes or walking

Formation of extra tissue (granuloma) in severe cases

Seek professional help if you experience:

Persistent pain and swelling

Signs of infection (pus, warmth, fever)

Recurring ingrown toenails

Difficulty walking or performing daily activities

You have diabetes or poor circulation (higher risk of complications)

Conservative treatments: Soaking, proper nail trimming, cotton packing, nail bracing

Medical management: Antibiotics for infection (if prescribed)

Surgical procedures: Partial nail avulsion, wedge resection, total nail avulsion, chemical matrixectomy (phenolisation) for permanent solutions

Local anaesthesia is applied to numb the toe

The ingrown section of the nail is removed (partial nail avulsion)

Chemical matrixectomy (phenolisation) may be used to prevent regrowth

The procedure is minimally invasive, usually completed in 30 minutes, and allows for quick recovery

GP/Polyclinic: $150–$300 for basic removal

Podiatry clinics: $800–$1,500 for surgical procedures (partial nail avulsion with phenolisation)

Public hospitals: $343–$1,029 (subsidised day surgery)

Prices vary by clinic, severity, and procedure type. Some treatments may be Medisave-claimable.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so pain is minimal during surgery

Mild discomfort may occur after the anaesthesia wears off

Recovery takes 2–4 weeks for most, with dressing changes and follow-ups recommended

Most patients return to normal activities quickly

For mild, non-infected cases: soak feet in warm water, keep toes clean and dry, trim nails straight across

Do not attempt to dig out or cut the nail yourself if there is severe pain, swelling, or infection

Home remedies are not recommended for diabetics or those with poor circulation—see a doctor or podiatrist promptly. 

Some of the well-known ingrown toenail doctors, clinics and podiatrists in Singapore are: Alpaca Health, Dr Nieh Chih Chiang an expert ingrown toenail removal doctor, Safinah Kalifulla an experienced Podiatrist, Dr Foot Podiatry Clinic, Straits Podiatry, East Coast Podiatry, Physio & Sole Clinic, My FootDr Singapore, The Foot Practice, Zenith Medical Clinic, TOPS Clinic (The Orthopaedic Practice and Surgery Clinic), Advanced Orthopaedics (Dr Poh Seng Yew), The Orthopaedic Clinic, Healthway Medical, Dr Poh Seng Yew (Advanced Orthopaedics), The Skin Doctors (The Skin Drs), Feet First Podiatry Clinic, Epi Dermatology, Spire Orthopaedic Group, Orthopaedics International, Atlas Podiatry, UFIT Clinic.

Trim nails straight across, not rounded

Avoid cutting nails too short or digging into corners

Wear well-fitted, breathable shoes with enough toe space

Maintain good foot hygiene and avoid trauma to the toes

Seek early treatment for any nail or foot problems

Podiatrists and foot doctors use sterile, precise techniques to minimize pain and recurrence

They offer advanced options like nail bracing and permanent solutions for chronic cases

Specialist care reduces risk of complications, especially for children, seniors, diabetics, and athletes