NAIL SURGERY (INGROWN NAILS)

What are the common indications for nail surgery?

Common indications of nail surgery are:

• Ingrown nail: When all the home care fails, and the ingrown nails persists.
• Benign tumour: Pyogenic granuloma
• Wart
• Fungal infection of nail:When the fungal infection won’t go away even after medical therapy.

What is an Ingrown nail?

Ingrown nail is a condition where the corner or edge of the nail grows into the surrounding flesh, resulting in discomfort and pain. Redness and swelling may also occur around the affected area. Infection can develop, particularly for individuals with conditions like diabetes. This condition often affects the nail of the big toe. Common causes of ingrown nails include:

• Wearing snug footwear, particularly around the big toe.
• Injury to the toenail or toe itself.
• Trimming toenails excessively short.
• Natural curvature of the nail leading to ingrowth.

What is surgical treatment for ingrown toe nail?

The most common surgical procedure for ingrown toenails is a partial nail matrixectomy, which can be performed using various methods. In our clinic, we utilize 80% carbolic acid for this procedure, which has shown high success rates with minimal recurrence.

How do I prepare for the Ingrown toe nail surgery?

• Use open-toe footwear to accommodate the dressing post-surgery.
• Avoid walking or driving after the procedure; make appropriate travel arrangements.
• Inform your doctor about any regular medications you are taking.

What does the Ingrown toe nail surgery Involve?

The affected toe is cleansed with an antiseptic solution, and local anesthetic is administered to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Once the area is numb, the affected nail or a portion of it is separated from the nail bed and extracted. Following this, electrical cauterization or application of an acidic solution may be performed to control bleeding and hinder nail regrowth. A dressing is then applied to the treated area.

What are the risks of nail surgery?

• Toenail deformity: Toenails may regrow in a distorted manner or may not regrow at all.
• Infection: Infections at the surgical site are possible but can typically be effectively treated with antibiotics.
• Rarely recurrence.

Who are not so good candidates for surgery?

• Unstable disease
• Children
• Patients who forms scars and keloid easily or have such history.