An ingrown toenail usually heals without surgery. In extreme circumstances, your healthcare professional may need to remove a portion of the nail surgically. A nail avulsion is a medical term for this surgery. The surgery prevents the nail’s edge from growing inward and cutting into the skin. Permanently removing the nail can benefit youngsters who have infected ingrown toenails Fort Worth. Your physician will inject an anesthetic into your toe during a partial or total nail avulsion. The doctor then removes a portion or all of the toenails. Furthermore, the nail may take many months to regenerate. For recurring ingrown nails, these avulsion treatments can be performed permanently with the use of a chemical that destroys the nail.
Understanding ingrown toenail
An ingrown toenail is a foot issue that occurs when the toe’s corner grows into the skin. However, the big toe is commonly affected. Ingrown toenails are common when people trim their toenails by tapering the corner. If your toenail bends with the form of your toe, it has the potential to grow into your skin. Ingrown toenails are frequent and seldom cause harm to healthy persons.
What occurs after surgery?
Your surgeon will send you home with your toe wrapped after surgery. To allow your toe to heal correctly, you will most likely need to elevate your foot for the following one to two days and wear specific footwear. As much as possible, avoid moving. Typically, your bandage is removed two days following surgery. Your doctor will tell you to wear open-toed shoes and bathe in salt water every day until your toe recovers. Also, you will be given pain relievers and medicines to avoid infection. After a partial nail removal procedure, your toenail will most likely grow back in a few months. Additionally, your toenail can take up to a year to regrow if the entire nail is removed down to the base.
Preventing ingrown toenails
Taking care of your feet might assist you in avoiding foot ailments like ingrown toenails. It is critical to trim your toenails carefully (straight across, not at an angle or down the edges). Wash your feet every day, completely dry them, and apply foot moisturizer. To eliminate hard or dead skin, use a foot file or pumice stone. Moreover, using shoes that fit appropriately will assist in keeping your feet healthy. Also, you should change your socks (or tights) daily.
Bottom line
Ingrown toenails are a frequent issue, particularly for individuals who wear shoes that are excessively tight or do not allow their feet to air. An ingrown toenail affects around 20% of the population at some time in their lives. An ingrown toenail can cause discomfort and swelling in the toe. The nail might become infected at times. Ingrown toenail treatment options range from home cures to surgery. In most circumstances, an ingrown toenail may be treated at home using over-the-counter medicines or home treatments. Conversely, you should seek medical attention if your nail is infected or causing extreme discomfort. Call Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialist to schedule your meeting today to learn more about various ingrown toenail therapies.