Do Doctors Remove Ingrown Toenails? Understanding Treatment Options
Yes, doctors often remove ingrown toenails when home remedies fail or infection is present. They offer several effective treatment options to alleviate pain and prevent recurrence.
What is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, usually on the big toe. This penetration can cause pain, redness, swelling, and infection. While often minor, if left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to more serious complications, especially for individuals with diabetes or compromised immune systems.
Causes of Ingrown Toenails
Several factors contribute to the development of ingrown toenails, including:
- Improper Nail Trimming: Cutting toenails too short or rounding the edges encourages the nail to grow into the skin.
- Tight-Fitting Shoes: Constricting footwear can put pressure on the toes, forcing the nail to grow inward.
- Nail Injury: Trauma to the toe or nail can alter nail growth and increase the risk of ingrown nails.
- Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals are simply more prone to developing ingrown toenails due to the shape of their nails or toes.
- Poor Foot Hygiene: Not properly cleaning and drying the feet can contribute to bacterial or fungal infections that exacerbate the condition.
Conservative Treatment at Home
Many ingrown toenails can be managed at home with conservative treatments:
- Soaking: Soak the affected foot in warm water with Epsom salts two to three times a day for 15-20 minutes.
- Lifting the Nail: Gently lift the edge of the nail with a clean cotton swab and place a small piece of cotton or dental floss underneath to prevent it from digging into the skin. Change this packing daily.
- Topical Antibiotics: Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
- Proper Footwear: Wear comfortable, open-toed shoes or sandals to avoid pressure on the affected toe.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain and inflammation.
When to See a Doctor
While home remedies are often effective, it’s important to seek medical attention if:
- The pain is severe or worsening.
- There are signs of infection (pus, redness spreading, fever).
- Home treatments are not improving the condition after a week.
- You have diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or another condition that affects circulation.
Do doctors remove ingrown toenails? In these situations, medical intervention is usually required.
Medical Procedures for Ingrown Toenail Removal
Do doctors remove ingrown toenails? Yes, and several procedures are available:
- Partial Nail Avulsion: This is the most common procedure. The doctor numbs the toe with a local anesthetic and then cuts away the ingrown portion of the nail.
- Total Nail Avulsion: In severe cases or if the entire nail is affected, the doctor may remove the entire toenail. This is less common.
- Matrixectomy: This procedure involves destroying the nail matrix (the root of the nail) with chemicals (phenol) or surgery to prevent the nail from growing back in that area. This is often done alongside a partial or total nail avulsion to prevent recurrence.
The choice of procedure depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail and the patient’s individual circumstances.
Recovery After Ingrown Toenail Removal
Recovery time after ingrown toenail removal varies depending on the procedure performed. Typically, patients can expect:
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers may be needed for a few days.
- Wound Care: Regular cleaning and bandaging of the treated area are essential to prevent infection.
- Antibiotics: In some cases, oral antibiotics may be prescribed.
- Rest and Elevation: Limiting activity and elevating the foot can help reduce swelling and promote healing.
- Follow-up: A follow-up appointment with the doctor is usually scheduled to monitor healing and address any concerns.
Potential Complications
While ingrown toenail removal is generally safe, potential complications include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Recurrence of the ingrown toenail
- Nerve damage
- Delayed healing
Following the doctor’s instructions carefully can help minimize the risk of these complications.
Prevention of Ingrown Toenails
Preventing ingrown toenails is often easier than treating them. Key preventive measures include:
- Proper Nail Trimming: Cut toenails straight across, avoiding rounding the edges.
- Proper Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes with adequate toe room.
- Good Foot Hygiene: Keep feet clean and dry.
- Avoid Trauma: Protect toes from injury.
These simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Comparing Ingrown Toenail Removal Options
| Procedure | Description | Recurrence Rate | Pain Level (Post-Op) | Healing Time (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partial Avulsion | Removal of the ingrown portion of the nail. | 10-20% | Mild | 2-4 weeks |
| Total Avulsion | Removal of the entire toenail. | Higher if not treated with matrixectomy | Moderate | 4-8 weeks |
| Partial Avulsion + Matrixectomy | Removal of ingrown portion + destruction of nail root to prevent regrowth in that area. | <5% | Mild-Moderate | 2-6 weeks |
FAQ Section
What type of doctor treats ingrown toenails?
A podiatrist is a specialist in foot and ankle care. They are the best choice for diagnosing and treating ingrown toenails. General practitioners can also treat ingrown toenails, but may refer you to a podiatrist for more complex cases.
How painful is ingrown toenail removal?
Typically, the procedure itself is not painful because a local anesthetic is used to numb the toe. However, some discomfort is common after the anesthetic wears off. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient to manage this pain. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe stronger pain medication.
Can I remove an ingrown toenail myself?
Attempting to remove an ingrown toenail yourself is not recommended as it increases the risk of infection and other complications. Home remedies are acceptable for minor cases, but seeking professional medical help is crucial for more severe or persistent ingrown toenails.
How long does it take for an ingrown toenail to heal after removal?
Healing time varies depending on the procedure performed and individual factors such as overall health and adherence to post-operative instructions. Generally, a partial nail avulsion may take 2-4 weeks to heal, while a total nail avulsion can take 4-8 weeks. Matrixectomy will generally result in a slightly longer initial healing time.
What happens if I don’t treat an ingrown toenail?
Leaving an ingrown toenail untreated can lead to several serious complications, including infection, bone infection (osteomyelitis), and the formation of a painful growth called a granuloma. In severe cases, untreated ingrown toenails can lead to amputation, especially in individuals with diabetes or poor circulation.
Will my toenail grow back normally after removal?
After a partial nail avulsion, the nail will usually grow back normally. However, if a matrixectomy is performed, the portion of the nail that was removed will not grow back. This is intentional and aims to prevent recurrence.
Are ingrown toenails hereditary?
While there isn’t a specific gene for ingrown toenails, certain foot and toe structures can be inherited, making some individuals more prone to developing them. If your parents or siblings have frequent ingrown toenails, you may be at higher risk.
What shoes are best for preventing ingrown toenails?
The best shoes for preventing ingrown toenails are those that fit properly and provide ample toe room. Avoid shoes that are too tight, narrow, or pointed. Look for shoes made of breathable materials to keep your feet dry.
Can an ingrown toenail cause a fever?
Yes, a severe infection caused by an ingrown toenail can potentially cause a fever. This is a sign that the infection has spread and requires immediate medical attention.
How can I tell if my ingrown toenail is infected?
Signs of an infection include redness, swelling, pain, pus drainage, and a foul odor around the toenail. If you suspect an infection, see a doctor immediately.
Is it safe to cut a V-shape in my toenail to prevent ingrown toenails?
This is a common misconception. Cutting a V-shape in the toenail does not prevent ingrown toenails and may even worsen the problem. The best approach is to cut your toenails straight across.
Do doctors remove ingrown toenails from both sides of the toe simultaneously?
Sometimes, ingrown toenails occur on both sides of the same toe. In these cases, the doctor may remove the ingrown portion of the nail from both sides during the same procedure, if appropriate. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis.