Liam Carter
Removing a toenail is a risky undertaking and should be left to a doctor to avoid infection and other complications. Toenails can become damaged for a variety of reasons, including trauma, fungal infection, and complications from an ingrown toenail. In many cases, these conditions can be treated without removing the nail. However, if the toenail is severely damaged or causing pain, a doctor may recommend total nail removal, where the whole nail is removed and treated so that it does not grow back. This procedure typically takes about 10 to 20 minutes under local anaesthesia and may result in tenderness, redness, and swelling afterward.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who should perform the procedure | Doctor |
| Risks of self-removal | Infection, damaging the skin around the nail, making the problem worse |
| Toenail removal procedure | Clean the toe with soap and water, trim away the dead nail, remove new pieces as they begin to loosen naturally, bandage the toe until the nail bed heals |
| Toenail removal with blood blister | Pierce the nail with a sterilized pin to drain the blood blister, trim away the dead nail, remove new pieces as they begin to loosen naturally, bandage the toe until the nail bed heals |
| Toenail removal with fungal infection | Visit a doctor to get prescribed suitable antifungal cream |
| Toenail removal surgery | Local anaesthetic, tourniquet to stop bleeding, Phenol applied to prevent regrowth, dressing applied |
| Aftercare | Keep the foot elevated for 48 hours, take acetaminophen for pain, avoid aspirin or NSAIDs, follow doctor's instructions on changing bandages and washing |
| Toenail regrowth | Toenails grow slowly, taking 6 to 18 months to reach a normal length |
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What You'll Learn
See a doctor or podiatrist
While there is advice available on how to remove a toenail yourself, it is a risky procedure that can lead to serious complications. It is therefore recommended that you see a doctor or podiatrist for toenail removal.
Firstly, a doctor or podiatrist will be able to assess the full scope of the problem and advise on the best course of action. In many cases, toenails can be treated without removing the nail. For example, ingrown toenails can be treated by carefully lifting the ingrowing nail edge and placing cotton, dental floss, or a splint under it to separate the nail from the skin and help the nail grow above the skin edge. A doctor may also prescribe a corticosteroid cream to apply after soaking.
If toenail removal is required, a doctor will perform the procedure in a sanitized environment using sanitized instruments, reducing the risk of infection. The procedure typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. The doctor will start by separating the nail from the skin and then inserting a tool under the nail to lift and remove the nail plate. The area will then be cleaned, and antibiotic ointment will be applied to prevent infection. A bandage will then be placed over the wound.
After the procedure, you may experience tenderness, redness, and swelling. To help reduce these symptoms, it is recommended to elevate the affected toe above heart level for 48 hours. You can also take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain or discomfort, but you should avoid aspirin or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, Advil) as these may increase the risk of bleeding. Your doctor will provide instructions on how to change bandages and care for your toe as it heals.
It is important to see a doctor or podiatrist for toenail removal, especially if you have any underlying health conditions such as diabetes, nerve damage, or poor circulation that could make home treatment risky.
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Risks of DIY removal
While there is no shortage of advice on how to remove your own toenail, it is a risky undertaking. There are several risks associated with DIY toenail removal, which can lead to serious complications.
Firstly, there could be more damage to your toe than is visible. Any misstep could exacerbate the problem, requiring more intervention than if a doctor performed the procedure. Doctors use sanitized instruments in a sanitized environment, which is difficult to replicate at home. Introducing even a small amount of bacteria can cause a toe infection, which may make it difficult to wear shoes or perform your usual activities.
Secondly, there is a good chance of injuring the skin around the nail, which can lead to abnormal nail growth. You may end up with a thickened, misshapen, or ingrown nail.
Thirdly, attempting to remove your own toenail increases your chances of infection and other complications. In the case of a fungal infection, a doctor can prescribe suitable antifungal medication.
Finally, if you have certain pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, DIY toenail removal is especially risky. Uncontrolled diabetes can affect circulation, and wounds on the feet may be slow to heal.
It is always best to seek the advice of a medical professional before attempting to remove your own toenail. A doctor can determine the cause and full scope of the problem, and help you understand all your treatment options.
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Preventing regrowth
Toenail removal is a risky undertaking and should be performed by a doctor. There could be more damage to your toe than is visible, and the introduction of bacteria can lead to infection.
If you have removed your toenail, preventing regrowth can be achieved through chemical solutions or surgical removal of the nail matrix. The application of Phenol to the nail bed is one such chemical solution. This is a treatment applied during surgery to prevent regrowth.
Another method to prevent regrowth is to surgically remove the nail matrix. This procedure takes 15-20 minutes. After the surgery, you may experience tenderness, redness, and swelling. Elevating the affected toe above heart level for 48 hours will help to decrease pain and swelling. Take acetaminophen for any pain or discomfort, but avoid aspirin or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, Advil) as these may increase the risk of bleeding.
To prevent future ingrown toenails, cut your nails straight across and avoid cutting them too short. Wear appropriate footwear to support healing and prevent future issues.
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Pre-removal care
It is strongly advised that you do not attempt to remove your toenail yourself. Doing so could lead to serious complications and increase your chances of infection. It is recommended that you seek the help of a doctor or podiatrist who will use sanitized instruments in a sanitized environment.
However, if you are considering removing your toenail, there are some pre-removal care instructions you should follow to reduce the risk of infection. Firstly, make sure your toe and hands are as sterile as possible. Wash your toe and nail area with soap and water, and wash your hands as well. You may also want to swab the toenail and surrounding area with iodine, which has been shown to kill bacteria.
If you have a blood blister under your nail, you will need to drain it before removing the nail. To do this, sterilize and heat the tip of a pin or straightened paper clip by wiping it with rubbing alcohol and heating it in a flame until it is red-hot. Then, pierce the nail to drain the blister. If your blister is large, you may need to drain it multiple times to get rid of all the fluid.
If only part of your toenail is damaged, you should trim or file any jagged or uneven edges to smooth it out and prevent further injury. You should also dress the damaged nail with a bandage to protect the injury and keep the area clean.
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Post-removal care
Keep the wound clean and change dressings
It is essential to keep the wound clean and change dressings regularly. Wash the toe gently with warm, soapy water, and then pat it dry. Change the dressing once or twice daily or as directed by your healthcare provider. Keep the area dry for the first week, and then you may leave it uncovered at night during the second week to promote airflow and aid the healing process.
Use gauze and band-aids
For the first few days, use gauze to cover the toe instead of a band-aid. Gauze allows the toe to breathe. Once the drainage is minimal, you can switch to a band-aid.
Foot Soaks and Epsom Salts
Soaking your foot in Epsom salt can provide numerous benefits, including pain relief and reducing inflammation. Soak your foot 2 to 3 times a day for optimal results.
Monitor for signs of infection
Be vigilant about monitoring for any signs of infection. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice increased redness, swelling, or pain after a few days, pus or discharge from the wound, or fever or chills.
Follow-up with your doctor
Schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor or podiatrist to ensure your toe is healing correctly. During this appointment, your doctor can assess the healing process, check for signs of infection, and provide further treatment recommendations.
Keep your foot elevated
Keep your foot elevated for the first few hours or days after the procedure. This will help to reduce pain and swelling.
Take recommended medications
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or pain medication to help with your recovery. Take these medications as directed by your doctor.
Avoid certain activities
Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, swimming, and strenuous sporting activities until your toe is fully healed. You can generally resume regular activities within a few days but avoid strenuous activities until cleared by your doctor.
Wear appropriate footwear
Wear open-toed or loose shoes for at least the first two weeks. Avoid tight shoes, and choose sandals or soft shoes with ample room for your toes to heal.
Prevent future toenail issues
To avoid future toenail problems, cut your nails straight across and avoid cutting them too short. Also, avoid tight, pointy shoes, and replace your footwear every 8 to 12 months.
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Frequently asked questions
Removing a toenail at home can increase the risk of infection and other complications. There could be more damage to the toe than is visible, and you may not have access to sanitized instruments and a sanitized environment.
Removing a toenail surgically can relieve pain, prevent the problem from reoccurring, and allow a return to normal activities once healed.
Toenail removal surgery is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you will be awake but will not feel any pain. The toe is numbed and a tourniquet (tight band of elastic) is put on to stop any bleeding. Part or all of the toenail is then gently lifted off the nail bed and removed. A chemical called phenol may be applied to prevent regrowth.
After the procedure, you will be able to go home and rest with your foot elevated. You will need to clean and protect the area to prevent infection. Your doctor will advise on how to change bandages, wash, and care for your toe. Toenails can take up to 18 months to reach a normal length.
