Ingrowing (Recurrent) Toenail
It is a relatively common painful condition which can affect the nails of toes and fingers. It is seen most commonly in the big toe. In an ingrowing toenail, the nail grows into the substance of the nail fold. This is associated with inflammation and granuloma and there may be redness with a watery discharge from the nail fold. Affected individuals have severe pain precipitated by slight pressure or tight fitting shoes.
What causes ingrown toenail?
The factors responsible for this condition include:
What is the treatment of ingrowing nail?
Initially, treatment comprises of conservative management like soaks and gentle cleansing and splinting of the nail folds. Predisposing factors such as tight fitting footwear should be avoided. Nails should be trimmed straight across instead of being rounded at the corners.
Surgical treatment includes partial wedge resection of a segment of the nail that is growing into the nail folds. In cases which recur in spite of the wedge resection, the abnormal matrix is ablated at the lateral side. The ablation can be carried out with a blade or certain chemicals.
Surgical treatment is carried out as an office based procedure.
What causes ingrown toenail?
The factors responsible for this condition include:
- Tight fitting footwear
- Improper technique while trimming the nail
- Trauma to nail
- Abnormal shape of the nail
What is the treatment of ingrowing nail?
Initially, treatment comprises of conservative management like soaks and gentle cleansing and splinting of the nail folds. Predisposing factors such as tight fitting footwear should be avoided. Nails should be trimmed straight across instead of being rounded at the corners.
Surgical treatment includes partial wedge resection of a segment of the nail that is growing into the nail folds. In cases which recur in spite of the wedge resection, the abnormal matrix is ablated at the lateral side. The ablation can be carried out with a blade or certain chemicals.
Surgical treatment is carried out as an office based procedure.
Right big toe has been treated with matricectomy whereas the left is untreated
