Ingrown toenail removal surgery

Ingrown Toenail Removal Surgery Dublin & Ireland

Most people give little thought to their toenails. A quick trim every now and then is all the toenail maintenance that most of us undertake. However, your toenails can be a source of great discomfort and frustration when problems occur. In some cases, toenail removal may be necessary. The top causes of toenail removal include fungal infections and recurrent ingrown toenails. A dermatologist can take care of this problem in their clinic without the need for hospitalisation. In most cases, your toenail will eventually regrow.  

Causes of Nail Fungus

Toenail fungal infections are also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium. These infections appear as thickened, yellow toenails. The nail sometimes looks white, and there may also be pain and itching. The nail lifts up from the nail bed in certain cases, and this may be painless or cause discomfort when it occurs.

Fungal infections of the toenails are common among adults. In fact, about 10% of all adults experience this problem in at least one toe at any given time. All nails on a foot may be affected, but it is more common to suffer from the issue in just one or two toenails.

Anyone can contract a toenail infection, but certain conditions increase your chances. These conditions include problems with your immune system, frequent cases of athlete’s foot (called tinea pedis), and issues with the blood flow in your feet and legs. Older people are more prone to fungal infections of the toenails than younger individuals. Toenail fungus is communicable, meaning you can catch it directly from someone else, but it can also be transmitted through surfaces like shared shoes and bathtubs.

You can help prevent toenail fungus by taking good care of your feet. Trim your nails regularly but not too deeply. Also, keep your feet clean. Wash them daily with soap and water, being sure to wash between your toes. Do not share shoes or socks, nor should you wear damp socks. Finally, always follow the advice of your dermatologist and other doctors.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails, or onychocryptosis, occur when a toenail does not grow straight. Instead, a portion of the toenail grows into the skin on either side of the nail bed. Swelling or bleeding can occur, and pus may be present. An ingrown toenail can be quite painful and prevent you from walking long distances. Even worse, an ingrown toenail may lead to infection, a condition that can become serious.

Improper footwear is the chief cause of ingrown toenails. More specifically, wearing shoes that are too tight can restrict toenail growth, leading to ingrown nails. Additionally, trimming your toenails improperly may result in problems with ingrown toenails. Incorrect toenail trimming includes trimming too deeply or too often, trimming too infrequently, and uneven trimming. Your toe should never bleed or be painful during a toenail trim.

Consult with your dermatologist if you have problems with ingrown toenails. Remember, dermatologists do treat not only skin issues but also diseases of the hair and nails. Your dermatologist can provide you with advice on appropriate footwear and habits to avoid ingrown nails, in addition to treating any ingrown toenails you may have now.

Treatment of Toenail Fungal Infections

A single toenail fungal infection is little cause for concern, although a dermatologist should evaluate all nail infections. However, when a fungal nail infection is recurrent, unrelenting, or severe, professional treatment may become necessary. Treatment possibilities include topical ointments or creams, oral medication, injections, or surgery.

Treatment of Ingrown Toenails

Just like with fungal toenail infections, you should have any ingrown toenail examined by a dermatologist. Treatment is often as simple as a professional trimming, but expert advice for prevention may be required. A dermatologist will be happy to provide you with guidance on how to avoid future ingrown nails. They can also consult with you on optimal footwear for ingrown toenail prevention.

Ingrown Toenail Removal Surgery Dublin & Ireland

If your dermatologist determines that your situation warrants it, they may recommend toenail removal surgery. The surgery is typically a straightforward procedure that can be carried out in your dermatologist’s office. A hospital visit is usually not necessary.

Your dermatologist will walk you through the technique. Next, they will clean and anesthetise your toe. They will make certain your toe is disinfected to prevent infection. Once the procedure begins, the dermatologist will take measures to control bleeding.

Depending on your problem, your dermatologist will remove a portion of the toenail or the entire nail. In the case of an ingrown toenail, it may not be necessary to excise the whole nail, only a portion of it. With fungal infections, usually the complete nail will need to be removed.

Additionally, a toenail removal is sometimes performed in the case of nail trauma. For example, if you drop a heavy object on your toe or stub your toe, blood may become trapped beneath the toenail. Your dermatologist may need to remove a small piece of nail to release the trapped blood and relieve pressure.

However, this does not necessarily mean that your toenail will never return. Often, a dermatologist will be able to spare a structure called the nail matrix. The nail grows from the matrix, so the toenail will eventually regrow if the matrix is left intact. As you may know, toenails grow gradually and much more slowly than fingernails. It may take many months for your toenail to return to its former length after removal.

Recovery from toenail removal is typically brief. You will be given aftercare instructions, and you should follow these diligently. Most patients will heal within a few weeks after surgery.

Ingrown toenail surgery cost Ireland

Depending on where you go, prices are between €200 to €300 Euro when going through a private dermatologist or clinic.

Consult with Your Dermatologist

It is all too easy to neglect your toenails. Stay healthy by checking your feet daily, and turn to a dermatologist if you encounter problems with your nails. If ingrown toenail removal surgery is necessary, you will want an experienced dermatologist to take charge of your care.