Sophia Delgado
Toenail removal is a minor surgical procedure that can be performed to treat ingrown toenails, relieve pain, or address hard-to-treat toenail fungus. Ingrown toenails can be treated at home, but if home remedies are ineffective, it is important to seek medical attention, especially if there are signs of infection. Your general practitioner or family doctor can typically provide care for ingrown toenails, but in some cases, they may refer you to a podiatrist, especially if surgery is required. Podiatrists specialize in foot and ankle conditions and can perform toenail removal procedures, which usually take no more than 20 minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of doctor | Podiatrist (a foot doctor) |
| When to see a doctor | When home remedies haven't helped; when there are signs of infection, such as pain, swelling, irritation, redness, blisters with pus; when there is a history of diabetes or compromised circulation; when there is chronic pain, inflammation, injury, or infection |
| Treatment options | Self-care remedies (wearing sandals, soaking the toe in warm water, keeping the area clean, placing cotton or dental floss under the toenail, applying petroleum jelly, taking nonprescription pain relievers); medical procedures (minor) surgery, partial nail removal, laser treatment, nail excision, antibiotic ointments and tablets |
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What You'll Learn
Ingrown toenail treatment options
Ingrown toenails are a common, often painful condition, affecting the big toe in most cases. The condition develops when the corner of the toenail grows into the skin. While ingrown toenails can often be treated at home, if the infection persists or worsens, it is important to seek medical attention.
Home Treatment
There are several steps you can take at home to treat an ingrown toenail:
- Soak your feet in warm, soapy water for 10-20 minutes, 3-4 times a day, until the toe improves.
- Place cotton, waxed dental floss, or a splint under the toenail to separate it from the skin. This will help the nail grow above the skin.
- Apply petroleum jelly to the tender area and bandage the toe.
- Choose sensible footwear, such as open-toed shoes or sandals, until the toe heals.
- Take non-prescription pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to ease the pain.
Medical Treatment
If home remedies are unsuccessful in treating an ingrown toenail, a healthcare provider may recommend the following treatments:
- Lifting the nail: For a slightly ingrown nail, a healthcare provider may lift the nail edge and place cotton, dental floss, or a splint under it.
- Antibiotics: If the toenail is infected, a physician may prescribe oral antibiotics to treat the infection.
- Partial nail removal: If the pain and infection persist, a doctor may recommend partial nail removal. This involves injecting the toe with an anesthetic and cutting away the ingrown part of the nail.
- Surgery: Surgery may be recommended to eliminate the nail edge from growing inward. This can involve making an incision to drain an abscess and placing sterile gauze to allow for further drainage.
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When to see a doctor
Toenail issues can be uncomfortable and even painful. While ingrown toenail treatment at home may resolve the condition, it's important to know when to seek professional medical care. If you are unsuccessful in treating an ingrown toenail at home or are unsure about the right treatment, consult your doctor to discuss the next steps.
If you have a difficult-to-treat fungal nail infection, a suppressed immune system, or diabetes, your doctor may recommend removing the affected toenail to prevent the infection from spreading. Toenail removal is a minor surgical procedure that can be performed in your doctor's office. The procedure usually takes no more than 20 minutes, and you will likely wear a bandage for about two weeks afterward.
If you notice any signs of infection, such as fever, bleeding, swelling, throbbing, or redness around the area, seek immediate medical attention. Leaving an infected ingrown toenail untreated can lead to further infection, pain, and potentially serious complications. If you have diabetes or peripheral arterial disease, it is crucial to be vigilant about any toenail issues, as they can result in very serious complications.
Your general practitioner or family doctor can typically provide ingrown toenail care. However, in some cases, they may refer you to a podiatrist for more specialized care, especially if surgery is necessary.
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What to expect from the procedure
Ingrown toenail removal is a common procedure, and there are several treatment options available. The procedure can be performed by a dermatologist, podiatrist, or your primary healthcare provider.
If you have a mild fungal infection, your doctor may suggest an antifungal cream or solution to rub into the nail or a nail lacquer to paint on the nail's surface. You will need to trim your nail and soak the area first. Your doctor may also prescribe stronger medicines or antifungal pills for more severe infections.
If other treatments are ineffective or cause you a lot of pain, your doctor may recommend removing the infected nail. This can be done surgically or by applying a strong chemical to the nail. The procedure can be performed in your doctor's office or clinic, and you won't need to stay in the hospital.
During the procedure, your doctor will numb your toe and use a chemical, a laser, or other methods to remove the nail. They may also cut into the nail bed to relieve swelling or drain infected tissue. After the procedure, you can take a pain reliever as needed and apply a wet compress for a few minutes a day until the swelling goes down. It is also important to rest and elevate your toe for 12 to 24 hours.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend a matrixectomy or nail-bed ablation. A matrixectomy involves removing the nail bed in addition to the nail. Nail-bed ablation involves removing part or all of the toenail and then applying a chemical, such as phenol, to the area of tissue that the toenail grows from. This procedure can also be done using surgery or electrocautery, which uses heat from an electric current to remove harmful tissue.
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Post-procedure care
Toenail removal is a common procedure, often carried out to treat ingrown toenails or severe infections. It is important to follow the correct post-procedure care to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. Here are some detailed instructions for post-procedure care after toenail removal:
Keep the Area Clean and Dressed
It is crucial to keep the wound clean and dry to prevent infection. Wash the affected area with warm, soapy water and pat it dry. Change the dressing once or twice daily, or as instructed by your healthcare provider. For the first week, maintain a dry dressing, and in the second week, you may leave it uncovered at night to promote airflow and aid healing.
Soak Your Foot
Soaking your foot in a solution of warm water and Epsom salts can provide pain relief and reduce inflammation. Soak your foot 2-3 times daily as your toenail begins to regrow. After soaking, dry your foot, apply an antibiotic ointment, and redress the wound.
Rest and Elevate Your Foot
In the initial stages of recovery, it is important to rest and elevate your foot. Keep your foot elevated for at least the first four hours after the procedure, and continue to do so as much as possible for the first 12-24 hours.
Take Pain Relievers
You can take non-prescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to manage any pain or discomfort.
Follow-up Care
Schedule a follow-up appointment with your podiatrist to ensure proper healing. They will assess the healing process, check for signs of infection, and provide further treatment recommendations if needed.
Additional Considerations
- Avoid activities that hurt your toe, and refrain from swimming or using a hot tub until your healthcare provider advises it is safe to do so.
- Keep your toe covered for the first week, and then you may leave it uncovered at night during the second week to promote healing.
- To prevent future ingrown toenails, cut your nails straight across and avoid cutting them too short.
- Refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol during the healing process.
- If you experience any concerns or complications, contact your healthcare provider.
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Finding a doctor
Ingrown toenails are a common issue that can often be treated at home. However, if home remedies prove ineffective, a doctor may recommend minor surgery to remove the ingrown toenail.
If you are experiencing an ingrown toenail, the first step is to try treating it at home. Home treatment options include wearing sandals or open-toed shoes, soaking the toe in warm water, keeping the area clean, and taking non-prescription pain relievers. You can also try placing small bits of cotton, waxed dental floss, or a gutter splint under the ingrown edge of the nail to separate it from the skin and help the nail grow above the skin edge. This method should be combined with daily soaking and replacement of the material. In some cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe a corticosteroid cream to apply after soaking.
If home treatments are unsuccessful and you are experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention. The type of doctor you should see for toenail removal will depend on the severity of your condition and your location.
General Physician
A general physician can provide an initial assessment and prescribe short-term antibiotics. Seeing a general physician may be a more convenient option if you are unable to get an immediate appointment with a specialist.
Podiatrist
A podiatrist, or foot doctor, is a specialist in treating foot-related issues, including ingrown toenails. They can provide targeted and permanent relief for ingrown toenails through minor in-office procedures. Podiatrists can also offer valuable guidance on preventive measures, proper foot care, and foot hygiene.
When choosing a podiatrist, it is important to consider their qualifications and experience. Board-certified podiatrists have undergone specialized training and are qualified to provide expert care.
Dermatologist
If your ingrown toenail is caused by a fungal infection that does not clear up with home treatments, you may need to see a dermatologist, a skin, hair, and nail specialist. They can prescribe stronger medications and perform procedures such as gently scraping under the nail to remove fungus or sending a sample to a lab for diagnosis.
Surgeon
In severe cases of ingrown toenails, especially when the nail is infected, surgery may be required. A surgeon can perform a procedure called a matrixectomy, which involves removing the nail bed in addition to the nail. They may also cut into the nail bed to relieve swelling or drain infected tissue.
It is important to discuss the benefits and risks of surgery with your doctor before proceeding. Possible complications of ingrown toenail surgery include toenail deformity, regrowth of subsequent ingrown toenails, and infection.
To find a doctor for toenail removal, you can start by asking for referrals from your primary care provider or other healthcare professionals you trust. You can also search for doctors specializing in podiatry, dermatology, or surgery in your area using online directories or referral services. When selecting a doctor, consider factors such as their qualifications, experience, and patient reviews. It is also important to ensure that the doctor is covered by your insurance plan, if applicable.
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Frequently asked questions
You can see a general practitioner, family doctor, or a foot doctor (podiatrist).
If you have a difficult-to-treat fungal nail infection, a suppressed immune system, or diabetes, a podiatrist may recommend toenail removal.
First, your doctor will inject a local anesthetic into your toe to prevent pain. Then, the entire nail or just a portion of the nail may be removed.
You will likely wear a bandage for about two weeks, and your mobility may be limited during this time. It may take several months for your toenail to completely grow back.
