Isla Bennett
Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition that occurs when the corner of the toenail grows into the surrounding nail bed. This can cause pain, redness, and swelling around the toenail. Treatment options range from home remedies to minor surgical procedures. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend partial or complete nail avulsion, which involves removing part or all of the toenail. While the nail typically regrows within a few months, there is a risk of complications, including toenail deformity and subsequent ingrown toenails. In rare cases, the nail may not regrow at all. Therefore, it is important for individuals experiencing ingrown toenails to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment option and reduce the likelihood of future complications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Regrowth time | 2 to 4 months |
| Regrowth issues | The nail may grow back deformed or misshapen |
| Regrowth prevention | A chemical can be applied to the nail bed to prevent regrowth |
| Home treatment | Soak the toe and place cotton or dental floss under the nail to separate it from the skin |
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What You'll Learn
Ingrown toenail surgery
Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition, usually affecting the big toe. They occur when the toenail grows into the surrounding nail fold or the skin around the nail bed. Symptoms include pain, redness, swelling, and yellow discharge. In most cases, they are caused by ill-fitting footwear or improper nail trimming.
If left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to bacterial or fungal infections, which can cause further complications. Therefore, it is important to seek medical care, especially for those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, nerve damage, or poor circulation.
For mild cases, ingrown toenails can often be treated at home by wearing open-toed shoes or sandals, soaking the toe in warm water, and keeping the area clean. However, if there are signs of infection or other risk factors, minor surgery may be recommended.
During ingrown toenail surgery, the healthcare provider will first numb the toe with a local anesthetic. Then, they will cut away either part or all of the affected toenail. In some cases, they may also remove the underlying nail bed tissue to prevent regrowth. The procedure typically lasts an hour or less, and patients can usually go home the same day.
After the surgery, patients can expect to feel pain once the anesthetic wears off and should take a recommended pain reliever. The dressing should be changed within 12 to 24 hours, and the foot should be soaked in warm water before removing it. The toenail may take a few months to regrow, and in some cases, it may not reach its previous length or may grow back misshapen. To prevent the recurrence of ingrown toenails, good foot care practices should be followed.
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Toenail regrowth time
In the case of ingrown toenail removal, the regrowth timeline depends on the type of surgery. For partial nail removal, the nail usually regrows within 2 to 4 months, though it may look different. For total nail removal, regrowth starts after the wound heals, often within 6 to 8 weeks, with full regrowth in 12 to 18 months. However, if the nail bed is chemically treated to prevent regrowth, the nail may not return at all.
Minor complications are common following nail surgery, and nails may grow back misshapen or deformed. In some cases, they might not regrow or may not reach their previous length. To promote healthy regrowth, it's important to practice good foot care and maintain proper nutrition, as overall health can impact growth. Nails tend to grow slower in older adults, in colder climates, and in individuals who are sick or malnourished.
To speed up the healing process and reduce swelling and inflammation, it is recommended to apply a cold compress for up to 20 minutes. Keeping the nail elevated can also help reduce swelling and bruising by decreasing blood flow to the injured area. Biotin supplements can contribute to faster nail growth by promoting cell growth and aiding in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids.
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Home treatment
Ingrown toenails are a common foot condition that can usually be treated at home. However, if there are signs of infection, it is important to seek medical advice.
If you notice your nail beginning to grow into the skin, you can try the following home treatments to relieve pain and avoid infection:
- Soak your foot in warm water or saltwater for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day. You can add Epsom salt to the water, or use regular table salt.
- Place fresh cotton, waxed dental floss, or a splint under the ingrown edge of the nail after each soaking. This will help the nail grow above the skin.
- Apply petroleum jelly to the tender area and bandage the toe.
- Take a nonprescription pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to ease toe pain.
- Wear open-toed shoes or sandals to avoid putting pressure on the toe.
- Keep the area clean to help it heal.
It is important to note that if you have a condition such as diabetes, nerve damage, or poor circulation, home treatment may not be advisable. If there are any signs of infection, such as discharge, warmth, redness, or a bad smell, it is recommended to see a doctor or podiatrist.
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Preventing regrowth
Ingrown toenails are a common condition that usually affects the big toe. It occurs when the toenail grows into the skin around the nail bed. In addition to being painful, it can also cause redness, swelling, and even infection.
To prevent regrowth after ingrown toenail removal, it is important to practice good foot care and nail care. Here are some detailed tips to prevent regrowth:
Cut Nails Straight Across
Avoid cutting your toenails too short or rounding the corners. Instead, trim them straight across to prevent the nail from piercing the surrounding skin and becoming ingrown again.
Choose Appropriate Footwear
Tight, pointy shoes can contribute to the development of ingrown toenails. Opt for comfortable, well-fitting shoes that do not put pressure on your toes. Consider wearing open-toed shoes or sandals to relieve pressure and aid in healing.
Moisturize and Avoid Cutting Cuticles
Keep your feet hydrated by regularly applying moisturizer. Additionally, avoid cutting your cuticles, as this can also impact the health of your toenails.
Follow-Up Care
Schedule a follow-up appointment with your podiatrist or healthcare provider after toenail removal surgery. They can assess the healing process, check for signs of infection, and provide further treatment recommendations if needed.
Keep the Wound Dressing Clean and Dry
After toenail removal surgery, it is crucial to keep the wound clean and dry. Follow your provider's instructions for changing the dressing, and avoid swimming or strenuous activities that may increase the risk of infection.
By following these preventive measures, you can reduce the likelihood of regrowth after ingrown toenail removal and promote healthy toenail recovery.
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Complications and risks
Ingrown toenail removal is generally safe and effective, but there are some potential complications and risks to be aware of. Firstly, it's important to note that even after surgery, an ingrown toenail can reoccur. This may be due to wearing poorly fitting shoes, a nail that naturally grows in a curved direction, or the new nail growing in curved. In some cases, the toenail may not grow back at all, or it may not reach its previous length.
Another complication is infection, which is possible after any surgery. While rare, it is also possible for the doctor to damage deeper parts of the nail bed during the procedure, leading to poor healing and drainage. To prevent infection, it is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions for wound care and keep the area clean. Signs of infection include heat, swelling, pain, redness, and liquid or pus around the toe.
Minor bleeding is expected after the operation, and a tourniquet (tight elastic band) is typically applied to the toe to control it. To minimise bleeding, it is recommended to rest and keep the foot elevated in the initial 24 hours following surgery.
Additionally, there is a small risk of experiencing a phenol flare, which is a reaction to the chemical applied to the nail bed to prevent toenail regrowth. This reaction causes the skin at the base of the toe to become red, hot, and potentially blistered. However, this typically resolves during the healing process.
People with certain conditions, such as diabetes, nerve damage, or poor circulation, may be more vulnerable to complications and should consult their doctor before proceeding with any treatment. It is always advisable to discuss the benefits and risks of surgery with a healthcare professional, considering individual risk factors.
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Frequently asked questions
It can take anywhere from 2 months to 18 months for the toenail to grow back fully.
The doctor will inject a numbing medicine (anaesthetic) into your toe and then cut away part or all of your toenail.
You can take a pain reliever as needed and apply a wet compress for a few minutes every day until the swelling goes down.
Toenails may grow back misshapen or deformed, and in some cases, they might not regrow or reach their previous length.
You can prevent an ingrown toenail from growing back by practising good foot care. This includes wearing sensible, open-toed shoes or sandals, and keeping the area clean.
