Ingrown toenail is a prevalent issue in society, commonly caused by ill-fitting footwear, excessive growth of the nail relative to the toe during pregnancy and adolescence, and certain abnormalities in the underlying bone structure. Factors such as excessive sweating can lead to nail softening and subsequent embedding of the nail into the surrounding tissue, resulting in the condition known as ingrown toenail or embedded toenail. Similarly, improper nail trimming techniques can contribute to the development of ingrown toenails.
The progression of ingrown toenail is characterized by distinct stages. In the early stage (Stage I), individuals experience pain along the lateral edge of the nail. This is followed by the onset of redness (Stage II) accompanying the pain. As the condition advances, swelling intensifies, and granulation tissue forms (Stage III). Ultimately, in the fourth stage, the nail fold becomes infected, leading to a suppurative appearance.
While conservative measures may be sufficient for early-stage ingrown toenail management, it is imperative that advanced cases receive professional evaluation and intervention.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in treatment efforts for ingrown toenails within pedicure salons and foot health centers, reflecting the growing demand for addressing toenail issues in the population.
However, it is essential to recognize that ingrown toenail is a medical condition that necessitates treatment by healthcare professionals. This is crucial because the development of an infection due to an ingrown toenail can lead to severe complications, particularly in individuals with impaired foot circulation or diabetes, potentially resulting in gangrene.
It is important to note that the appropriate treatment approach for ingrown toenail is not limited to the complete extraction of the affected nail. Although nail removal can provide temporary relief from pain, it is only a short-term solution, as the nail will regrow to its original size within 6-12 months, leading to a recurrence of the condition. Effective management of ingrown toenail involves techniques that either narrow the nail or widen the nail bed.
At our center, our approach to managing ingrown toenail involves the excision of the embedded section of the nail, followed by the application of a chemical agent called phenol to reduce the size of the nail matrix, which is responsible for nail production.
This non-surgical procedure offers significant advantages over other methods. Notably, patients experience minimal post-procedural discomfort, in contrast to the pain often associated with laser treatments or surgical interventions. Furthermore, the risk of ingrown toenail recurrence following phenolization is remarkably low.
Phenolization has gained recognition as the most widely accepted and effective method for treating ingrown toenail globally. Patients can typically resume their normal activities, including work, within a day after the procedure. Complete healing and resolution of symptoms are generally achieved in approximately three weeks.
