Ingrown Toenail Treatments
Ingrown toenails are extremely common and even a minor ingrown toenail could quickly become very painful if an infection develops.
Many ingrown toenails are first caused by incorrect cutting technique or by digging down the sides of the nails.
Sports and footwear can also contribute to the condition.
The solution could range from simple conservative management to more complex surgical procedures.
What to expect from your appointment:
Conservative Treatment of Ingrown Toenails:
At the start of the treatment I will examine and assess the nail(s) and ask you some questions about how the problem developed.
I will then discuss with you your treatment options to help best resolve your discomfort.
Usually this will involve trimming away a small section of nail and providing some advice to stop it ingrowing again.
If the conservative treatment is unsuccessful then a minor surgical procedure may be required and this is usually successful at preventing a return of the painful symptoms.
Minor Surgical Procedure for Ingrown Toenails:
A partial nail avulsion is a minor surgical procedure performed by podiatrists.
It involves the administering of a local anaesthetic followed by the permanent removal of one or both sides of the nail. The area is treated with a chemical (phenol) to ensure that the nail does not regrow.
This normally provides a permanent solution to ingrowing nail problems.
The remaining nail typically has a normal appearance, though narrower than prior to the procedure.
As with any surgical procedure there is a risk of infection, regrowth and altered nail appearance. However, every precaution is taken to minimise these risks.
The procedure is carried out at my clinic space in Wokingham.
Your surgical package would include:
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Surgery for ingrown toenail(s) under local anaesthetic
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A supply of dressings (normally enough for 2 weeks)
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A follow up appointment (either home visit or in clinic) for post operative assessment, redressing and advice on aftercare and to address any concerns.