Ingrown Toenail Removal

Ill-fitting shoes and improper nail trimming are two of the most common causes of an ingrown toenail. Other causes include fungal infection or nail injury.

Swelling, pain, redness and sometimes infection are symptoms of an ingrown toenail.

Conservative treatment includes regular podiatry and wearing comfortable spacious shoes.

Surgical Solutions
There are a number of surgical procedures to cure an ingrown toenail which are done as day surgery .

A nail ablation is where the nail growing into the skin is cut away. This procedure is not permanent as the germinal matrix of the nail is not affected.

A wedge or partial resection will leave a cosmetic nail.

The most reliable procedure involves removing a wedge of nail and destroying the germinal matrix. This will then inhibit the cells from growing a new nail. This results in a permanently narrower nail.

3 days will be needed off work. The toe will be sore after this procedure and pain medication and oral antibiotics will be provided.

Dressings are removed on day 3 when the foot is soaked in warm, salty water and re-dressed.