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Ingrown Toenail Removal

An ingrown toenail is a painful condition that occurs when the edge of the toenail actually begins to grow into the skin of the toe. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but it most commonly occurs when nails are trimmed improperly or when tight-fitting shoes are worn for too long. There are several ways of treating ingrown toenails, depending on the severity of the situation.

  1. At Home Care

    • If you're experiencing a little bit of pain and irritation in the toe but it doesn't look like it's swollen or draining, you may be able to prevent the nail from becoming completely ingrown. This is usually done by gently coaxing the nail to grow outside of the skin rather than into it. The best way to do this is to soften the nail and keep the area clean by soaking the affected foot in warm water mixed with a small amount of Epsom salt. It will also clean it, preventing infection. Dry the foot after about 20 minutes or so and completely disinfect your hands. Place a piece of dry cotton underneath the corner of the nail to encourage it to grow away from the skin. This may be enough to keep the nail from becoming fully ingrown.

    Antibiotics

    • If, after home treatment, you're still experiencing pain, swelling, redness and draining, it's time to see a doctor. If the toenail does not look completely ingrown but is showing signs of infection, your doctor may prescribe a topical or oral antibiotic. These will fight off infection while the skin heals.

    Surgical Removal

    • In most cases, a truly ingrown toenail can become a recurring problem. Some people's nails just naturally curve on the sides, leaving them more prone to grow into the skin. Even if a current irritation is treated, chances are it will happen again. Most doctors will recommend surgical removal of either part of or the entire affected nail. Though it is officially considered surgery, the process is quick, can usually be done in the doctor's office and only a local anesthetic is required. Most times, you will have to go to a podiatrist, because they have a special chemical that keeps the removed part of the nail from growing back. The toe will be numbed with an injected anesthetic. Then the podiatrist will remove the section of the nail that is the problem. Then a special chemical will be applied that kills part of the nail bed, keeping the cut away area from growing back. Then the toe is bandaged for a few weeks until it is completely healed.

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