Ingrown Nails

Ingrown nails are a condition when the nail grows into the surrounding tissue. This most often occurs on the toes, particularly the big toe, but it can also happen on the hands. Ingrown nails usually cause pain, swelling, redness, and infection. They can be caused by various factors, including genetics, wearing uncomfortable shoes, improper nail cutting, injuries, or conditions such as diabetes or psoriasis. If left untreated, ingrown nails can lead to more serious problems such as infection, abscess, or nail loss. Treatment includes the application of warm compresses, antibiotics, removal of the ingrown part of the nail, and in some cases, surgery. To prevent nails from growing in, it is recommended to cut nails straight, not too short, and to avoid wearing tight or uncomfortable shoes.

HOW ARE THEY SURGICALLY TREATED?

Surgical treatment for ingrown nails is called onychotomy and involves the removal of part or all of the nail to resolve the ingrowth problem. Onychotomy is usually used to treat severe cases of ingrown nails that cannot be resolved by other treatment methods. This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. The procedure involves removing part or all of the nail, depending on the severity of the ingrowth and the size of the affected area. After removing the nail, the surgeon will clean the area and apply antibiotics locally to prevent infection. After surgery, the patient will receive instructions for wound care, which usually includes regularly changing the dressing, applying antibiotics, and avoiding tight or uncomfortable shoes. Recovery after onychotomy typically takes about 4-6 weeks, after which a new nail will begin to grow.