Surgery

If an infection is present, then surgical removal of either part of the nail or the whole nail and drainage of the abscess will be needed. This is performed in the doctor's office or in the emergency department. The extent of the procedure will depend on the severity of the infection, any other medical problems, and if this is a recurring problem.

• How ingrown toenails are surgically removed



• A tetanus immunization will be given if it has been longer than five years since the last one. With an ingrown toenail, there is a chance the open wound could develop tetanus.



• The doctor will inject anesthetic medicine at the point where the toe joins with the foot. This will make the entire toe numb.



• The doctor will then drain the infection from the end of the toe or remove the extra tissue that has grown around the end of the nail.



• At this point, the doctor will remove a portion of the nail so that the skin or infection can heal without the nail pushing on it.



• The doctor may decide to destroy some of the cells that make the nail grow back by applying a chemical (phenol) to the skin under the nail or surgically removing part of the nail bed. Sometimes, lasers or extreme cold may be used to destroy cells in the nail bed. This is so that the edge of the nail that caused the problem will not return, which is more likely with severe or recurring infections.



• Antibiotics are usually not prescribed for this problem because draining the abscess will take care of the infection.



• The toe will then be covered with ointment and gauze.