Ingrown toenails are the most common toenail problem. As the nail irritates the skin, it often creates pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the toe. If the ingrown nail causes a break in the skin, bacteria may enter and cause an infection in the area.

Ingrown toenails may be caused by:

– Improperly trimmed nails

– Very curved edges of the nails

– Shoe pressure or repeated trauma to the feet from normal activities

– They can be inherited

– Previous or current nail problems, such as fungal infections or losing a toenail due to trauma

Most cases will require conservative treatment, while others may need surgical correction that can be conducted by your Local Podiatrist using local anaesthesia.

Nail surgery is a minor procedure that involves removing part or the entire toenail. This is done in such a way that the nail does not grow back.

When is Nail Surgery Required?

– When an ingrown toenail repeatedly gets infected

– When the toe is continually painful

– When you are unable to wear closed shoes

What does the Nail Surgery involve?

A pre-operative appointment is required at which a complete neurovascular examination is performed, history taken including a list of current medications and allergies to determine whether the patient is fit for surgery. Chronically infected toes may require an X-ray to rule out secondary bone infection and a visit to the GP for a course of antibiotics. All of the benefits and possible complications of nail surgery will be discussed by your Local Podiatrist at this appointment.

Procedure:

– At the operation appointment a local anaesthetic is injected to either side of the toe to numb it.

– Once the toe is numb a tourniquet is applied to prevent blood loss.

– The complete toenail or a small section of the offending toenail is removed from the side or sides of the nail while the rest of the nail remains intact.

– A chemical called phenol is then applied to the ‘matrix’ or ‘root’ of the toenail area to prevent the nail re-growing.

– The area is flushed with saline.

– Sterile dressings are applied to the toe and no stitching is required.

– A sandal, thong or a deep wide shoe is to be worn home.

– The dressing will need to be kept dry and will be changed by your Local podiatrist after 2-3 days, and will advise self-care instructions.

– A second follow-up visit will be booked after 5-7 days.

– The toe generally becomes completely healed in approximately 4-6 weeks.