surgical procedure for ingrown toenail

3 min read 14-03-2025

Ingrown toenails, a common and painful condition, occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. While home remedies can sometimes help, more severe cases often require surgical intervention. This article provides a detailed overview of the surgical procedures used to treat ingrown toenails.

Understanding Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail can cause significant discomfort, redness, swelling, and even infection. The pressure of the nail digging into the skin leads to inflammation and pain, making it difficult to walk. Several factors contribute to ingrown toenails, including improperly trimmed nails, tight shoes, injury to the toe, and underlying medical conditions.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Improper Nail Trimming: Cutting nails too short or curving the edges can increase the risk of ingrown toenails.
Tight Shoes: Shoes that are too tight put pressure on the toes, forcing the nail to grow into the skin.
Injury: Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing it, can also contribute to ingrown toenails.
Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to developing ingrown toenails.
Fungal Infections: Fungal infections can alter the nail's shape and increase the likelihood of ingrowing.

Surgical Procedures for Ingrown Toenails

Several surgical procedures address ingrown toenails, ranging from minor in-office procedures to more extensive surgery. The choice of procedure depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail and the patient's overall health.

1. Partial Nail Avulsion (Nail Matrixectomy):

This is the most common surgical procedure for ingrown toenails. It involves removing the portion of the nail that is growing into the skin. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area. The doctor will then carefully remove the ingrown section of the nail using a small surgical instrument.

Procedure: The affected portion of the nail is removed, along with a small amount of the underlying nail matrix (the tissue from which the nail grows). This prevents regrowth of the ingrown section.
Recovery: Typically involves mild pain and swelling. The toe may need to be bandaged for a few days.
Risks: Minimal risks, including bleeding, infection, and some discomfort.

2. Complete Nail Avulsion:

In more severe cases, especially those involving significant infection or damage, a complete nail avulsion may be necessary. This involves removing the entire nail. This procedure is less commonly performed due to the risk of nail dystrophy.

3. Chemical Matrixectomy (Phenol):

This procedure uses a chemical called phenol to destroy the nail matrix. It is less invasive than surgical removal and is sometimes used for recurring ingrown toenails.

Procedure: Phenol is applied to the nail matrix to prevent future nail growth. This method causes less scarring than surgical removal.
Recovery: Similar to partial avulsion, but may have slightly more discomfort due to the chemical.
Risks: Potential for temporary or permanent nail discoloration.

4. Laser Treatment:

Laser treatment is a newer technique that uses a laser to destroy the nail matrix. It is minimally invasive and often requires less recovery time than traditional surgery. This is a relatively new method, so more research is needed to determine the long-term efficacy.

Post-Operative Care

Regardless of the procedure used, proper post-operative care is crucial for a successful outcome. This includes:

Keeping the area clean and dry: Avoid soaking the affected toe.
Regularly changing bandages: Follow your doctor's instructions.
Taking pain medication as prescribed: Mild pain relievers can help manage any discomfort.
Wearing loose-fitting shoes: This prevents further irritation to the toe.
Elevating the foot: To help reduce swelling.
Following up with your doctor: Ensure proper healing.

Choosing the Right Procedure

The best surgical procedure for an ingrown toenail depends on several factors including the severity of the condition, the presence of infection, and the patient’s medical history. Consult with a podiatrist or other qualified healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. They can assess your specific situation and recommend the best approach. Self-treatment is not recommended; always seek professional medical advice.

Preventing Ingrown Toenails

Prevention is always better than cure. Following these tips can help reduce your risk of developing ingrown toenails:

Trim your toenails straight across: Avoid rounding the edges.
Keep your toenails at a moderate length: Don't cut them too short.
Wear shoes that fit properly: Avoid shoes that are too tight.
Treat any injuries to your toes promptly: This prevents infections.
Maintain good foot hygiene: Wash your feet regularly.

This information is for general knowledge and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of ingrown toenails. They can accurately assess your condition and recommend the best course of action for your individual needs.