An ingrown toenail is incurvation or impingement of a nail border into its adjacent nail fold.
(See also Ingrown Toenail.)
Indications for Treating an Ingrown Toenail
Inflammation and/or infection around the ingrown toenail
Confirm that the periungual soft tissues (nail fold) are actually extending over the lateral part of the toenail. (Otherwise, consider alternative diagnoses such as trauma, gout, paronychia, or cellulitis.)
Contraindications to Treating an Ingrown Toenail
None
Complications of Treating an Ingrown Toenail
Nail fold hyperkeratosis, edema, or erythema
Infection
Nail regrowth
Inclusion cyst
Equipment for Treating an Ingrown Toenail
21- and 25-gauge needles
10-mL syringe
Small rubber tourniquet
Elastic or gauze wrapping small enough to surround the toe
English anvil nail splitter, sharp-pointed scissors, or #11 scalpel
Forceps or hemostats
Wound closure strips, 2- to 3-mm diameter surgical drain cut open lengthwise, or a cotton pledget
Nonocclusive dressing
Sterile or nonsterile gloves
Positioning for Treating an Ingrown Toenail
Usually with the patient lying supine or sitting and the affected leg straight and well-supported
Step-by-Step Description of Treating an Ingrown Toenail
Several procedures can be done. Some involve only separating and isolating the nail fold from the nail (splinting the nail). Others involve removing part of the nail, either the lateral margin, or a spike-like segment of nail (spicule) growing adjacent to the lateral margin; spicules can develop as a complication of treatment or spontaneously. Sometimes, nail fold tissue is removed. Removal of the entire nail is no longer considered beneficial.
For all procedures
Do a digital block to fully anesthetize the toe.
Apply a tourniquet at the base of the toe to control bleeding.
Determine extent of treatment based on degree of local soft-tissue inflammation or infection.
If inflammation is minimal, consider splinting the nail or removing only a nail spicule.
If inflammation is more extensive or for infection (particularly chronic) or severe pain, remove part of the nail.
To splint the nail
Elevate the lateral border of the nail with forceps or a hemostat.
Insert a cotton pledget (for mild inflammation), wound closure strip (for moderate inflammation), or 1-cm long strip from a 2- to 3-mm diameter surgical drain under the lateral nail edge.
Insert wound closure strips and surgical drain material, obliquely under the corner of the nail with a to-and-fro sawing motion until the corner is sufficiently elevated and is under the entire length of the nail.
Secure a tape closure around the toe.
To remove a nail spicule
If necessary, elevate the nail spicule with forceps or a hemostat.
Use the nail splitter or sharp-pointed scissors to cut longitudinally between the spicule and the nail plate continuing through the origin of the spicule, about ⅓ to ½ the way under the cuticle to the base of the nail.
Twist the nail spicule from the nail bed with a forceps or hemostat.
Remove any debris from the nail fold.
If an abscess is present, drain all pus, irrigate any cavity, and dress the toe.
To remove all or part of the main part of the toenail
Use the nail splitter or sharp-pointed scissors to elevate the lateral 3 to 4 mm of the affected margin of the nail from the nail bed. Advance the splitter or point of the scissors parallel to the nail bed and go all the way to the proximal nail fold (cuticle).
Cut the nail lengthwise to separate the elevated segment, being sure to also cut the portion of nail under the cuticle.
Grab the segment of nail with forceps or a hemostat back close to the root and twist the segment root toward the rest of the nail, eventually freeing it from the nail fold and cuticle.
Aftercare for Treating an Ingrown Toenail
Dress the area with antibiotic ointment and a nonadherent dressing.
For splinted nails, have the patient wash the wound daily and reapply dressing as needed. Remove the splint when the inflammation has resolved and the nail no longer impinges on periungual tissue.
If part of the nail or a spicule has been removed, instruct the patient to soak the toe in warm water 2 or 3 times a day, redress it, and avoid harsh chemicals.
Reinspect the toe in 2 to 3 days for signs of infection, possibly earlier for patients at high risk (eg, those with diabetes, neuropathy, and/or peripheral vascular disease).
If the problem has not resolved, refer for definitive podiatric care.
Instruct patients to wear less constricting shoes and to trim the nail straight across.
Warnings and Common Errors When Treating an Ingrown Toenail
Be sure to cut all the way to the base of the nail so that no nail is left behind under the cuticle; failure to do so can allow spicule formation and recurrent inflammation.
Be sure to use a tourniquet; otherwise, bleeding may obscure the field.
Look for osteomyelitis in patients with recurrent ingrown toenails, circulatory dysfunction, neuropathy, and/or diabetes.
Tips and Tricks for Treating an Ingrown Toenail
If a nail splitter is not available, use a sharp-pointed scissors but maintain upward pressure while cutting the nail to minimize injury to the nail bed. Alternatively, use a disposable electric cautery device to cut the nail after softening it by soaking the toe in warm soapy water.
