This article needs more reliable medical references for verification or relies too heavily on primary sources. (January 2014) |
Surgical treatments of ingrown toenails include a number of different options. If conservative treatment of a minor ingrown toenail does not succeed or if the ingrown toenail is severe, surgical management by a podiatrist is recommended.[1] The initial surgical approach is typically a partial avulsion of the nail plate known as a wedge resection or a complete removal of the toenail.[1] If the ingrown toenail recurs despite this treatment, destruction of the germinal matrix with phenol is recommended.[1] As an alternative, one may use 10% sodium hydroxide which is less toxic[2] or trichloroacetic acid which may give faster healing time.[3] Antibiotics are not needed if surgery is performed.