Definition

This is surgery to remove a toenail that has curled and grown into the skin, causing pain.

Ingrown Nail

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Parts of the Body Involved

Toe and toenail, usually the big toe

Reasons for Procedure

The entire nail or only a portion of the nail growing into the skin may be removed. It is most often done to:

• Relieve pain
• Relieve swelling (inflammation or infection)
• Remove a deformed nail
• Correct abnormal nail growth

Risk Factors for Complications During the Procedure

• Diabetes
• Problems with blood circulation

What to Expect

If your toe is infected:

• Use the prescribed antibiotic cream or ointment to treat the infection.
• Do not touch the antibiotic with your finger. Instead, put a small dab of the cream on a clean dressing and use that to touch your toe.
• For severe infections, you may need to take an antibiotic by mouth. If so, take all of the pills. Do not stop the medication, even if the toe looks better.

To avoid future ingrown nails:

• Do not wear high heels or shoes that fit poorly.
• Trim your toenails straight across. Do not pick or tear at them.
• If you have diabetes, foot care is important. Let a doctor trim your nails and routinely examine your feet.

Outcome

If needed, stitches are usually removed in about 10 days. Complete healing takes about 2-3 weeks, but does not interfere with most activities.

If the entire nail was removed, your body will generate a hard skin in its place. After the skin has covered the sensitive area, you can resume normal activities.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site
• Chalky white, blue, or black appearance to skin of toes or foot—Call for help right away.