What is an Ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail happens when a nail grows in the skin causing pain. It can sometimes get inflamed and even infected.
Home Remedies
When the nail start to be painful you should:
-Soak in a mixture of warm water and salt
-Use an antibiotic ointment and a bandaid
-Avoid narrow shoes
Should I try to cut it out?
If only a small portion is digging in your skin, you can try to clip it. It can help improve the situation. Make sure that you use a nail clipper that is thoroughly cleaned.
BUT…
If the portion seems too deep and you are thinking “I should not be doing this“, well it means that you probably should not be doing it! Please do not try to perform “at home surgery” on your toe!
In Office Procedures
Let’s explore the options that can be offered at your podiatrist’s office:
- Slent back
- Partial nail avulsion
- Partial nail avulsion with matricectomy
- Onyfix nail correction system
1. Slent back
This is basically cutting the nail at an angle to remove the piece growing in the skin. There is minimal to no pain so anesthesia is typically NOT required.
This is helpful when a small nail spike has been left behind when you cut your toenails. It also can be a good option when the pain is only at the tip of the nail.
2. Partial Nail Avulsion
This is done with local anesthesia.
It entails to numb the toe and remove the side of the nail that has been painful. It is a really effective procedure.
It is necessary when the inflammation is affecting the whole side of the nail, not only the tip of it.
It is also usually necessary when there is an infection
3. Partial Nail Avulsion with Matricectomy
This is basically the same procedure as the last one, but with an added step to it. We “kill” the root of the nail. This is usually done with a chemical.
This is a GREAT procedure for patients having RECURRENT ingrown toenail who want a permanent solution
4. Onyfix
This is a newer treatment in the USA, but has been used in Europe for a few years.
This system helps change the nail curvature over time. It is not painful.
It can be used even in at risk population like diabetics.
It does take a while to work (based on the growth of the nail) so it cannot be used when there is an infection
Do you have an ingrown toenail? If so, do not hesitate to call the office to make an appointment and have your toe evaluated!
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