Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are a common condition treated at Chequers. Surgery for this issue is generally safe and effective, typically performed on an outpatient basis. Often, surgery can be done during the first consultation, but patients are encouraged to contact us beforehand to discuss their problem.
If surgery occurs on the day of the initial consultation, patients may not be able to drive home and should arrange alternative transportation.
Phenol is the most common procedure for ingrown toenails. It involves partially or completely removing the affected toenail and applying Phenol to the nail’s root to prevent future pathological nail growth.
Procedure
- A local anaesthetic is administered around the affected toe or at the ankle to numb the area.
- Once numb, a surgical tool is used to separate the nail from the nail bed. In a partial removal, the pathological section of the nail is cut from the healthy section down to the root and excised.
- Phenol is applied to the nail matrix to prevent regrowth of the nail.
- The remaining soft tissues are flushed with a sterile saline solution.
- A sterile dressing is applied.
- Follow-up appointments are scheduled to ensure proper healing.
