Normally we cut our nails straight and if we cut in rounding fashion then there is a high chance of ingrowing toenail which grows in the surrounding soft tissue causing inflammation and infection. 

Patient presents with pain in affected toe and difficulty in walking.

TREATMENT OPTION

Prevention is better by cutting nails in straight fashion.

If there is infection of the toe due to this condition, then first it needs to be addressed with dressings and oral antibiotics.

Once infection subsides then surgical intervention can be done.

Surgery is done under local anesthesia as a daycare procedure.

The procedure involves cutting 1/4^th of the affected side of nail along with the soft tissue deep up to the bone and stitching the remaining wound.

Patient is discharged on alternate day dressings, oral antibiotic, pain medications with follow up as outpatient.

 

Written by: Dr. Ali Adnan

Copyrights: Pakistan association of Plastic Surgeons