Clinical Toenail Removal

The main objective of having clinical toenail removal done is to have a sterilized environment, and the peace of mind knowing that the offending nail is being removed professionally. There are a number of different conditions that can cause problems with the toenail, the most common being ingrown toenail. Another is black toenail. To determine exactly what disease is affecting the toenail, the doctor will normally perform a biopsy. This article will give you the information on the procedures currently being used to remove an ingrown toenail.

An ingrown toenail is a very painful condition and it is not always possible to treat it without having surgery performed. The surgery is not such a difficult procedure and the simplest form requires removing the nail matrix with the use of phenol.

To be certain of the surgery being successful, a sufficient amount of anesthetic must be used and the bleeding needs to be controlled. This procedure requires removing a longitudinal portion of the nail plate. Using a sterile cotton swab, phenol is applied several times to the nail matrix area and then cleaned with a saline solution or alcohol. Using the phenol prevents the nail plate from re-growing in that area. As the nail grows, it will fold and protect the nail bed from the phenol. For a number of weeks after the surgery there is likely to be drainage from the toenail, but it should heal to leave the nail plate looking good.

Toenail surgery is a safe procedure, but as with other types of surgery there is always a chance of unseen complications. Having the toenail removed by a competent surgeon will minimize the risk of complications arising.

The biggest problems after having a toenail removed are scarring and infection. Patients need to be properly prepared for the surgery, and anyone suffering from prosthetic (artificial) heart valves should be given a treatment of antibiotics if there is any chance of infection occurring. Scarring of the toe after surgery can be a problem, and this can be seen on the nail matrix. This is the part of the toe that is responsible for the formation of the nail plate.

When the doctor is performing the biopsy, he will normally take it from the distal part to prevent the nail splitting. Another complication of the surgery, but less common, is dystrophy of the nail.

The decision to have the toenail surgically removed should not be taken lightly. Although a simple procedure, the recovery time is longer than most people realize. Toenail removal should only be performed when all other treatments have been tried.

By: Elizabeth Durham

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Elizabeth deals with a whole range of medical issues including yellow toenails and black toenail. Treatments are usually designed to speed up the healing process, so that normality can be resumed as quickly as possible.