Does a dermatologic surgery perform ingrown toenail surgery?

An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail edge grows into the nearby skin, commonly at the side of a big toe. A clinician examines the nail, skin and signs of infection before choosing treatment. Surgery may involve lifting or removing the affected nail edge, and in recurrent cases treating part of the nail root so that edge is less likely to grow back. The toe is numbed locally, and a dressing is applied afterwards.

Wear roomy footwear and avoid cutting deeply into the nail corners or trying to dig out the edge. Tell the clinician about diabetes, reduced circulation, immune problems, allergies and medicines that affect bleeding. After treatment, keep the dressing and toe clean as instructed, use the recommended footwear and limit activities that press on the toe. Attend follow-up if the clinician requests a wound check.

Arrange prompt assessment for spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus, fever, severe throbbing pain or difficulty walking. People with diabetes, poor circulation, nerve loss or reduced immunity should seek medical advice early for a painful or draining toe. After surgery, contact the clinic for persistent bleeding, wound separation or worsening swelling.

Ask whether only the nail edge or also part of the nail root needs treatment, how to change the dressing, when to return to normal shoes and which activities to avoid. Clarify how to recognise infection and what may help prevent another ingrown edge.