Ingrown toenails are very common and can be treated without undergoing surgery. Normally, there are home remedies for treating a painful ingrown toenail. Maybe you have tried pushing cotton under the nail, hoping the pain will go away, but such methods are ineffective and can increase the risk of infection.
But in extreme cases, surgery might be needed to treat ingrown toenails. So, here’s what to expect during and after ingrown toenail surgery.
When is surgery needed?
An ingrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis, is very common among individuals. About 2 out of 10 individuals consult the doctor for foot problems and seek advice for ingrown toenails. This condition can affect the big toe due to the nail’s corner growing into the nail bed.
Common home remedies for ingrown toenails include wearing sandals to ease pressure on the toe, dipping the toes in warm water, and maintaining cleanliness in the area to heal.
However, if there is a possible infection, it is best to see a doctor instead of performing home remedies yourself. Surgery may be needed for people with a health condition, such as nerve damage, diabetes, or poor blood circulation. Home remedies may be risky in these conditions. In addition, if there is swelling or inflammation, there might be an infection, and antibiotics might be prescribed.
What happens during surgery?
Depending on your situation, your doctor may partially or fully remove the nail during ingrown toenail surgery. Before the procedure, your doctor will apply a cleaning and numbing agent on the toenails with anesthesia. Here’s how the procedure will go:
- They will then apply an elastic band near the area where your toe connects to the foot. Moreover, they might put a wedge under your nail to hold up the area to be operated on.
- When the ingrown toenail is ready, the doctor will use scissors and a special tool to separate your toenail from the bed. They will then make a vertical cut from the ingrown area to the cuticle. Afterward, they will remove the cut section. If needed, the doctor may completely remove the entire nail, especially if both sides are ingrown.
- Next, the doctor will use cautery, a device that combines heat and electricity, or an acidic solution to disrupt the nail matrix where growth happens to keep the nail from bleeding. This means that the area of the nail will not grow again. Take note that your nails will never look the same after the procedure. The doctor will then apply a petroleum jelly-covered bandage to the area.
What to do after surgery?
After the surgery, the doctor will advise you to do the following to speed up its recovery:
- Soak the foot in warm water, or Epsom salts every day
- Keep the bandage until the wound heals after several weeks
- Ensuring that the wound is clean and dry, except when in the shower showering or cleaning the wound
- Apply an antibiotic ointment two times a day or as frequent as the doctor recommends, if the area is infected
- Avoid strenuous activities that will add more pressure on the nail until the doctor gives his go-signal to resume exercise
- Avoid picking the wound
- Wear properly fitted shoes
Watch out for possible complications such as toenail deformity, subsequent ingrown toenails, infection, allergic reactions, or anesthesia complications.
Conclusion
Ingrown toenails can bring discomfort to your foot but can be treated with proper home remedies or medical procedures for serious ones. Don’t forget to seek medical advice when needed.
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