Ingrown Toenail
Some skin diseases can be identified by nail involvement, and nail biopsies can assist in diagnosing both nail and skin conditions. The color, thickness, and texture of the nail can provide valuable information. For ingrown toenails, nail surgery offers a permanent cure.
Nail Surgeries
Nail surgery is a minor procedure involving the removal of the entire nail or part of it, followed by the removal of any pathology, such as benign growths on the nail bed, or matrixectomy using electric cautery or chemicals like phenol. Proximal nail fold pathologies sometimes don’t require nail plate removal. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
Common Indications for Nail Surgery
- Ingrown nail: When home care fails, and the ingrown nail persists.
- Benign tumor: Pyogenic granuloma.
- Wart.
What is an Ingrown Nail?
An ingrown nail occurs when the corner or top of the nail grows into the surrounding flesh, causing discomfort and pain. Redness and swelling may also be present, potentially leading to infection, especially in individuals with conditions like diabetes. Ingrown nails typically affect the big toe. Common causes include:
- Wearing tight-fitting shoes, especially around the big toe.
- Toenail or toe injury.
- Cutting toenails too short.
- Natural curved growth of the nail.
Surgical Treatment for Ingrown Toenail
The most common surgical treatment for an ingrown toenail is partial nail matrixectomy. At Dr. Tanreet’s Clinic in Amritsar, this procedure is performed using 80% carbolic acid, which is highly effective with minimal recurrences.
Preparation for Ingrown Toenail Surgery
- Wear open-toe footwear to accommodate post-surgery dressing.
- Arrange for transportation, as walking or driving post-surgery is not advisable.
- Inform your doctor about any regular medications you are taking.
Ingrown Toenail Surgery Procedure
- Wait for a while post-procedure to check for bleeding.
- You can return home once cleared but should avoid driving or walking.
- Do not remove the dressing yourself.
- Rest with your foot elevated for a few hours upon reaching home.
- Limit physical activity for a few days post-surgery.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding antibiotics and painkillers.
- Visit your doctor for redressing, usually done a few days after surgery.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe bleeding, discharge, swelling, pain, or fever.
- Return to normal activities in a few days, avoiding strenuous activity for a few weeks.
- Toenail deformity: Toenails may grow back deformed or not at all.
- Infection: Infections at the surgery site are treatable with antibiotics.
- Rare recurrence.
Why Choose Dr. Traneet's Clinic in Amritsar for Ingrown Toenail Surgery?
- Patients who have not achieved satisfactory results with medical or light therapy.
- Adult patients with stable vitiligo for one year (no new patches or expansion of current patches).
Who Are Not Good Candidates for Surgery?
- Patients with unstable disease.
- Children.
- Patients prone to forming scars and keloids or with such a history.