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Toenail Removal

Ingrown Toenail Removal - Treatment Procedure & Benefits at Curific Health Care

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    What is Ingrown Toenail Removal?

    Ingrown toenail removal, also called matricectomy or matrixectomy, is a medical procedure performed to treat chronic or severe ingrown toenails. This condition occurs when the edges or corners of the toenail grow into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, redness, or infection.

    The procedure involves removing part or all of the nail matrix, the tissue at the base of the nail responsible for nail growth. It is usually recommended when non-surgical treatments, such as soaking, antibiotics, or nail trimming, fail to provide relief.

    Techniques for Ingrown Toenail Removal

    The removal process can be done using various techniques depending on the severity of the ingrown toenail:

    1. Chemical Matricectomy:
      • The affected part of the nail matrix is treated with a chemical like phenol or sodium hydroxide to prevent regrowth.
    2. Surgical Matricectomy:
      • Involves physically cutting and removing part or all of the toenail and its underlying matrix.
    3. Electrosurgical Matricectomy:
      • High-frequency electrical currents are used to destroy the nail matrix.

    Why is Ingrown Toenail Removal Done?

    • Persistent Pain: When the ingrown nail consistently causes pain and discomfort.
    • Infection: Chronic infections that do not respond to antibiotics.
    • Recurring Ingrown Nails: Repeated occurrence despite conservative treatments.
    • Skin Damage: When the nail causes severe damage to the surrounding tissue.

    If you’re experiencing recurrent or painful ingrown toenails, consulting a specialist is the best way to determine whether a matricectomy is the right option for you.

    What Happens If an Ingrown Toenail is Not Treated?

    An untreated ingrown toenail can lead to various complications that worsen over time. These include:

    1. Infection
      • The skin surrounding the nail can become infected, causing pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes pus formation.
      • If left untreated, the infection can spread to deeper tissues, leading to conditions like cellulitis (a bacterial skin infection) or even bone infections (osteomyelitis).
    1. Chronic Pain and Discomfort
      • Persistent pressure and irritation from the ingrown nail can result in long-term pain, making it difficult to walk, stand, or wear footwear comfortably.
    1. Nail Deformity
      • Repeated trauma from an untreated ingrown nail can lead to nail thickening, abnormal growth, or permanent nail loss.
    1. Complications in High-Risk Individuals
      • For people with diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or compromised immune systems, untreated ingrown nails can lead to more severe problems like:
        • Foot ulcers: Open sores that take a long time to heal.
        • Gangrene: Tissue death due to a lack of blood flow, potentially requiring amputation.
    1. Formation of Granulation Tissue
      • Over time, the body may respond to the persistent irritation by forming granulation tissue (red, bumpy tissue), which can further worsen the infection and discomfort.

    Importance of Early Treatment

    Early medical intervention can prevent these complications and restore normal function. If you notice symptoms like redness, swelling, pain, or drainage around the nail, consult a doctor or podiatrist promptly for evaluation and treatment.

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      Ingrown Toenail Removal a t Curific Health Care

      Ingrown Toenail Treatment Methods

      The treatment for ingrown toenails can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Here are common approaches:

      1. Home Remedies and Conservative Care (for mild cases):
        • Warm Water Soaks: Soaking the affected foot in warm water 2–3 times daily for 15–20 minutes can reduce pain and swelling. Adding Epsom salt or an antiseptic solution to the water can help prevent infection.
        • Lifting the Nail: A doctor may place a small piece of cotton, gauze, or dental floss under the edge of the ingrown nail to lift it slightly, allowing it to grow above the skin.
      1. Medications:
        • Topical Antibiotics: Creams or ointments like mupirocin may be applied to prevent or treat infection.
        • Oral Antibiotics: Prescribed if there are signs of a significant infection, such as pus, severe redness, or swelling.
      1. Medical Procedures:
        • Partial Nail Removal (Partial Nail Avulsion): The ingrown portion of the nail is removed surgically under local anesthesia. This is effective for moderate cases.
        • Total Nail Removal (Complete Nail Avulsion): In cases of recurrent or chronic ingrown toenails, the entire nail may be removed. Sometimes, the nail bed is treated with a chemical (phenol) to prevent regrowth.
      1. Preventive and Lifestyle Measures:
        • Wearing loose, comfortable footwear to reduce pressure on the toes.
        • Proper nail trimming: Cutting nails straight across rather than rounding them reduces the risk of recurrence.

      When to Seek Medical Attention

      If home remedies don’t relieve symptoms within a few days or if there are signs of infection (e.g., redness, swelling, pus, or severe pain), consult a healthcare provider promptly to avoid complications.

      How is Ingrown Toenail Surgery Performed?

      Ingrown toenail surgery involves the partial or complete removal of the toenail that has grown into the surrounding skin. This can be done through procedures like avulsion or matricectomy, depending on the severity. The steps of the procedure may differ based on the method chosen by the surgeon, but generally follow these guidelines:

      • Local anesthesia is administered to numb the toe and minimize discomfort during the procedure.
      • Using a scalpel and specialized nail nippers, the surgeon removes the affected portion of the toenail. In some cases, the entire toenail may be removed.
      • If matricectomy is performed, the surgeon may utilize chemical (phenol), surgical, laser, or radiofrequency techniques to carefully remove the nail matrix.
      • After the nail is removed, the surgeon will clean and treat the nail bed to avoid infection.
      • A sterile dressing is then applied to protect the nail bed and aid in the healing process.

      Ingrown toenail surgery is generally a quick and straightforward outpatient procedure, typically completed in a doctor’s office or clinic. The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes, and the patient is observed for an hour before being sent home the same day. Post-surgery, the doctor will provide instructions on how to care for the toe and prevent any complications.

      Techniques Used for Ingrown Toenail Surgery

      There are several techniques for ingrown toenail surgery, and the choice depends on the severity of the condition. Below are some common methods used:

      • Partial Nail Avulsion: This is the most frequently used technique for ingrown toenail removal. It involves removing the edge or corner of the toenail that is growing into the skin, leaving the remaining portion intact.

      • Total Nail Avulsion: This technique entails removing the entire toenail, including the nail bed beneath it. It is typically used for severe or recurrent cases of ingrown toenails.

      • Chemical Matricectomy: This method uses a chemical, usually phenol, to destroy the nail matrix (the tissue responsible for nail growth) in the affected area. Phenol is a caustic agent that eliminates the matrix cells, preventing the nail from regrowing in the same location.

      • Laser Surgery: Laser surgery can remove the ingrown toenail and cauterize the surrounding tissue to prevent regrowth. The laser energy destroys tissue and seals blood vessels, which helps reduce bleeding and post-surgical discomfort. This approach is typically reserved for more severe cases.

      • Radiofrequency Ablation: In this technique, a device delivering high-frequency electrical current is used to destroy tissue in the affected area, preventing the ingrown toenail from reappearing.

      The surgeon will select the most appropriate and effective technique for toenail removal, taking into account the patient’s condition. It is also recommended to understand the benefits and risks of each technique to make an informed decision.

      Risks & Complications of Toenail Removal Surgery

      Although toenail removal is generally a straightforward procedure, there are some risks and potential complications, including:

      • Infection: This is the most common risk with any surgical procedure. Failure to keep the wound clean and dry increases the likelihood of infection.

      • Bleeding: Mild to moderate bleeding is typical in toenail removal surgery and is usually controlled with pressure or a cauterizing agent. However, in certain cases, such as with diabetic patients, there is a risk of excessive bleeding.

      • Scarring: While scarring is usually minimal, improper healing or impaired healing abilities may lead to significant scarring on the toe.

      • Numbness or Tingling: Nerve damage is a common risk in surgical procedures, including toenail removal. Damage to the nerves may cause temporary or long-term numbness or tingling sensations in the toe.

      • Anesthesia Reactions: Some patients may experience reactions to anesthesia, such as nausea, dizziness, vomiting, or disorientation, which can last for a few days.

      It’s important to discuss these risks and potential complications with the surgeon before undergoing the procedure and to follow their post-operative care instructions to minimize the chance of complications.

      What to Expect After Toenail Removal?

      After toenail removal surgery, patients can expect the following:

      • Pain and discomfort, for which the doctor will prescribe medications.
      • Swelling around the treated area for several days. It’s recommended to keep the foot elevated to help reduce the swelling.
      • Limited movement of the foot or leg for a while after surgery. Physical activities and putting weight on the foot should be avoided.
      • Disorientation or nausea may occur following the procedure.

      Most of these symptoms will resolve within a few days. The doctor or medical team will provide detailed post-surgery care instructions and a follow-up schedule to monitor recovery.

      Recovery After Ingrown Toenail Removal

      The recovery time after ingrown toenail surgery can range from 3 weeks to 3 months, depending on the severity of the ingrown toenail and the type of surgery performed. To ensure a smooth and speedy recovery, patients should follow these guidelines:

      • Take prescribed pain medications as directed to manage discomfort. The doctor may adjust the dosage as the healing progresses.
      • Don’t forget to take antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and other prescribed drugs to manage swelling, bruising, and redness.
      • Change the dressing regularly during the initial healing phase as per the doctor’s instructions.
      • Keep the dressing and wound clean and dry to avoid infection.
      • Avoid putting weight on the foot for the first few days after surgery. Gradually resume normal activities once pain subsides.
      • Rest properly and keep the foot elevated as much as possible during the first few days.
      • The toenail may take several months to regrow, which is normal. Be patient and maintain good foot hygiene.
      • Attend regular follow-ups with the doctor to monitor healing and detect any early signs of complications.

      In most cases, patients can resume normal activities within a week or so after toenail removal, though those with more severe conditions may need more time.

      Explore real-life success stories and visual transformations with our before and after treatment images of ingrown toenail removal. Start your journey towards healthier feet today.

      Benefits of Ingrown Toenail Treatment

      Ingrown toenail treatment offers several advantages, including:

      • Long-lasting pain relief: The surgery eliminates the cause of the discomfort, providing immediate relief from pain and irritation.

      • Reduced infection risk: Once the ingrown toenail is treated, the likelihood of infection in the affected area decreases significantly.

      • Improved mobility: Ingrown toenails can affect a person’s ability to walk or wear shoes comfortably. Surgery resolves these issues, enhancing mobility and enabling the patient to perform daily activities without discomfort.

      • Reduced recurrence: Surgical treatments help lower the chances of ingrown toenails returning in the future.

      • Increased foot hygiene awareness: After the surgery, patients often become more mindful of maintaining proper foot hygiene, contributing to overall foot health.

      Stages of Ingrown Toenails

      Stage I – Inflammatory Stage
      At this stage, mild swelling and pain are present, but the nail fold does not extend over the nail plate. Conservative treatments, such as general measures, are typically used. In some cases, excision of the spicule and partial matricectomy may be recommended, especially for adults and patients with Type I Diabetes Mellitus.

      Stage II – Abscess Stage
      This stage is characterized by pain, swelling, redness, heightened sensitivity, and infection. The nail fold extends over the nail plate by less than 3 mm. For young patients or those with controlled diabetes, chemical partial matricectomy using phenol is commonly used.
      If the hypertrophic nail fold extends beyond 3 mm, a wedge resection is performed to remove the nail fold and toenail, followed by aesthetic reconstruction.

      Stage III – Hypertrophic Stage
      Chronic overgrowth occurs in this stage, and granulation tissue may begin to form. The lateral nail plate overgrowth is treated with the Winograd technique, which involves wedge resection of both the toenail and nail fold.

      Stage IV – Distal Hypertrophic Stage
      This is the most severe stage, marked by chronic deformity in both lateral and distal nail folds. The hypertrophic tissue covers the entire lateral, medial, and distal nail plate. In younger patients, wedge resection is performed using the Winograd technique. In adults, total matricectomy with phenol is the recommended treatment.

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