Ingrowing Toenail Surgery

What is an Ingrowing Toenail?
 

An ingrowing toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail (typically the big toe) grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes infection.

When Should I Seek Treatment?

 

• If you experience persistent pain or swelling 

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• Signs of infection (pus, redness, heat) 

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• Repeated problems despite home care 

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• If walking becomes difficult

What is the NHS Criteria for this procedure?
 

Toenail – Wedge resection of ingrown toenail including Wedge resection *For this procedure you should complete a prior approvals request, and once this is granted you should use the acceptance letter and send it with the referral for surgery*
 

The ICB will only fund toenail surgery where the following criteria are met:

• All conservative measures have been undertaken
   

  AND
   

• Recurrent infection (3 or more within a 12 month period) in cases of infection the whole nail should ideally be removed rather than performing a wedge resection
   

  AND
   

• Persistent symptomatic pain 

Can It Be Treated Without Surgery?
 

Mild cases can be managed with: 

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• Warm saltwater soaks 

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• Proper nail trimming 

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• Antibiotics for infection 

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• Padding or orthotic advice

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However, recurrent or severe cases usually need surgery.

What Happens During Surgery?
 

• A partial nail avulsion involves removing the side of the nail that's causing the problem. The nail bed may also be treated with a chemical (phenol) to prevent regrowth in that area.  

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• A complete nail removal may be recommended if the whole nail is causing the problem. Your surgeon will discuss the options with you. 

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• This is done under local anaesthetic, and patients go home the same day.