HOME

Ingrowing Toenails / Ingrown Toenails

This condition is where the edge of the nail (usually the first toe nail) grows into the skin at the side of the nail producing intense pain. Caused by tight shoes, poor foot function or incorrect toe nail cutting. Conservative treatment such as slightly removing the side of the nail often relieves the pain and will help resolve any bacterial infection present.

If however the nail is constantly a problem and you have frequent episodes of infection then permanent removal of a small section of the side of the nail should be considered, using local anaesthetic.

Do you suffer from:

• Pain Swelling Redness
• Infection

You can have the side portion of the offending nail or the total nail removed to stop these symptoms.

Infected toenail

Infected ingrowing toenail

Why do ingrowing nails occur?

• The nail is involuted (curved)
• The nail is sharp and ragged
• Incorrect cutting
• Nail picking or tearing
• Incorrect shoes
• Genetic factors

When should I consider nail surgery for my ingrown nail?

You should consider nail surgery if you have frequent episodes of infection and/or you constantly need the side of the nail trimmed away.

Prior to Nail Surgery Procedure

A local anaesthetic is injected near the toe nail to numb the toe so that the procedure is painless. If you have ever had an allergic or adverse reaction to an anaesthetic before it is extremely important to mention this.

Nail Surgery Procedure

Once the area is numb, the troublesome section of the nail is removed. To prevent the nail from growing again a strong chemical is then applied to the nail matrix to destroy the nail producing cells. The toe is then dressed.

After the Nail Surgery

• You need to rest with your foot up for a few days after the procedure, especially on Days 1 and 2
• The procedure must be carried out at least 8 weeks prior to any holidays
• Comfortable shoes/sandals should be worn for 6 weeks or more
• High heels should not be worn for several weeks
• Your activity must be modified for 4-8 weeks after the procedure while healing occurs

Guarantee - if regrowth

Very occasionally re-growth of the toenail will occur. Should this happen and the toenail is still a problem the procedure will be redone at no expense.

Nail Surgery
Partial Nail Avulsion
Total Nail Avulsion
with local anaesthetic

Permanent removal of one or both sides of a painful ingrowing nail or total removal of the nail.

Partial or Total Nail Removal?

This will depend on your problem and the condition of the nail. Most patients will only require a small section of the side of the nail removed. This will leave you with a slightly narrower nail which no longer digs into the skin. The cosmetic appearance of the nail is always a consideration and as small a part of the nail as possible will be removed. Occasionally the whole nail will have to be removed. This is sometimes the best course of action if the nail is extremely thick and deformed.

What else can be done besides nail surgery?

• Routine removal of a sliver of nail every 4-6 weeks or as and when the toe becomes painful
• If the area is infected soak the foot in warm salt water for 10 minutes twice/day
• Try to push back the skin at the side of the nail
• Push a tiny piece of cotton wool under the nail to help keep the nail and the skin away from each other
• Cut nails straight across