Treatment for Ingrown Toenails

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An ingrown toenail is a condition in which a nail spike or portion of nail grows into the skin. As the nail continues to grow, the offending nail pierces the skin deeper causing redness and swelling to occur which often becomes infected.

What causes an ingrown toenail?

• Incorrect nail cutting 
• Cutting your toenail too short
• Picking or tearing the nails
• Tight footwear

How do we treat an ingrown toenail?

1. Conservatively
2. Surgically 

Conservative care

In uncomplicated cases where there is either mild or no infection the nail spike can be carefully removed using a very small scalpel blade, file and clippers. Little to no pain is felt during this procedure.

Surgical

Ingrown toenail surgery is recommended in severe cases or when conservative care is no longer effective. The procedure is performed in the office under a local anaesthetic and will involve removing the offending nail. In some cases  we may need to remove the entire nail but this is less common. A chemical called phenol is applied to the toe to prevent the ingrown toenail from growing back again. Most people usually experience very little pain after the surgery and can resume normal activity the next day.

 

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.