Removal of ingrown nail

The nail, ingrown in soft tissues of the skin, is the painful problem, from which any people suffer, but, nevertheless, do not apply to the doctor. Most often, the nails of big toes grow in, and in advanced stages, the pain is so strong that the man starts crippling.

The ingrown nail or onychocryptosis can be suspected on the following signs:

• reddening of the periungual fold;
• swelling and soreness (especially when pressing) of the skin around the nail;
• abscess;
• accrementition around the nail.

The doctors distinguish three stages in the course of the disease:

• I – the skin around the nail reddens, becomes swollen and sore;
• II – the infection gets into the inflamed region, the slight wound appears, from which the pus is discharged, the general deterioration of the condition is possible;
• III – periungual fold enlarges, the growth appears, the above-mentioned symptoms become more pronounced.

As the result, the patient with the ingrown nail experiences permanent pain, cannot wear closed shoes, has to reduce physical exercise load (soccer, dances, running etc. become impossible). If the patient suffers from the diabetes mellitus, then the ingrown nail can be complicated by necrosis and formation of the gangrene.

The attempts to self-medicate, often applied by the patients in case of appearance of the first symptoms of the ingrown nail, can contribute to the exacerbation of the disease, first of all – the independent clipping of the ingrown edge of nail plate.

If the patient experiences a strong pain, and the ingrown nail is purulent – the disease is in its advanced stage and the treatment can be only surgical. In most cases, the ingrown part of the nail and the growth area of the nail plate are removed, that does not only eliminate the problem, but also prevents appearance of recurrences. In the most advanced cases, with the major fungal infection, the removal of the full nail plate is possible.

If the patient applies to the doctor timely, with the appearance of the first symptoms of ingrown nail, the conservative treatment, which includes cutting the nail corner from the nail fold, prescription of baths, bandages with antibacterial ointments and wearing opened shoes, is prescribed.

In the Surgery Department of Oxford Medical clinic, the removal of ingrown nail is performed surgically. The operation does not require general narcosis and is performed under local anesthesia. During the first days after operation, it is recommended staying in bed with a minimal load on the foot, then the patient can return to his regular life. In 2-3 weeks, the wound fully heals and the patient can return to the standard regime of physical loads.

The earlier you apply to the doctor with a problem of the ingrown nail, the more sparing and simpler your treatment will be.

You can make appointment with the doctor for removing the ingrown nail by calling us or filling out the form on our website.