An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the skin on one or both sides of the nail bed
Common problem in both adults and children
Often painful and can result in swelling, redness, pus and infection
Most commonly in the big toe, but can also affect smaller toes
Causes: - Poor nail cutting technique - Tight fitting footwear - Poor nail shape – involuted or incurvated nails - Family history - Picking or trauma to the nail - Poor Hygiene
Treatment by a Podiatrist:
Podiatrists are experts in dealing with ingrown toenails
If the ingrowing toenail is mild, conservative treatment may involve removal of the spike of nail, draining any infection and packing a small piece of foam in the side of the nail to help elevate it and separate the nail from the skin
Advice to see your doctor for antibiotics if there are signs of bacterial infection
For chronic or recurring ingrowing toenails, podiatrists are able to perform a minor surgical procedure to more permanently remove a side of the affected nail
Minor Nail Surgery:
Nail surgery is generally only recommended where conservative treatments have failed or for a chronic recurring ingrown toenail
It is a procedure that, in the majority of cases, provides a permanent solution
The procedure involves: - Local anaesthetic being injected into the toe to numb it - Removing the offending ingrowing segment or side of nail. If necessary, the entire nail can be removed - Cauterising the nail bed where the nail has been removed. This is to avoid the nail growing back
The procedure takes about an hour and requires a long consultation booked by the Podiatrist
Generally, patients have minimal pain and discomfort following the procedure and over the counter pain relief is adequate to manage this. Most people actually have immediate pain relief
The procedure does not require any stitches
At home, the patient will need to bathe, clean and apply dressings to the toe as instructed by the Podiatrist
Open toed shoes need to be worn for several days following the procedure
Following instructions will assist healing and recovery which may take 4-6 weeks to be complete
Like any surgical procedure, there is some risk of complications which the Podiatrist will discuss with you
Post-operative infection is the most common side effect – this can be minimised by following instructions for appropriate care. If the site becomes infected, you will be required to get antibiotics from your doctor
