Yes, doctors can remove nails. This procedure, often called nail avulsion, is performed for various reasons, including treating ingrown toenails, severe nail damage, and fungal nail infections that haven't responded to other treatments.
Why Doctors Remove Nails
Several medical reasons necessitate nail removal:
- Ingrown Toenails: A common reason, where the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain and infection. Doctors may remove part or all of the nail to alleviate the problem. Source: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/surgery/surgery-for-ingrowing-toenail-adult
- Severe Nail Damage: Trauma or injury can severely damage a nail, making removal necessary for the growth of a healthy nail. Source: https://www.medstarhealth.org/blog/fingernail-toenail-dermatology
- Fungal Nail Infections: If a fungal infection is severe and doesn't respond to other treatments, surgical removal may be considered. The nail usually grows back after removal. Source: https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.surgical-nail-removal-for-fungal-nail-infections.hw268840
The Procedure
Nail removal is typically performed in a doctor's office or clinic. The area is usually numbed with an injection before the procedure begins. Source: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=hw268840 Different techniques may be used, including removing a portion of the nail (wedge resection) or the entire nail. Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326019 After the procedure, proper aftercare is crucial for preventing complications and promoting healthy nail regrowth. Source: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=zp4213
Nail Regrowth
In most cases, the nail will regrow after removal, although this process can take several months. [Source: Provided text snippet: So, at this point, your doctor may suggest surgery to remove the nail. It's not a common surgery, but it's an option when all else fails. When you have your nail taken out, a new one usually grows back. But nails grow slowly.02-Sept-2024](So, at this point, your doctor may suggest surgery to remove the nail. It's not a common surgery, but it's an option when all else fails. When you have your nail taken out, a new one usually grows back. But nails grow slowly.02-Sept-2024)
