Toenail removal is generally considered when a significant portion of the nail is diseased or damaged, or when toenails are causing severe pain.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Reasons for Toenail Removal
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Severe Fungal Infections: If a fungal infection is widespread and resistant to other treatments, removing the nail may be necessary to allow for direct treatment of the nail bed.
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Severe Trauma or Injury: If the toenail is severely damaged due to an injury (e.g., crushed or avulsed), removal might be required to promote healing and prevent infection.
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Chronic Ingrown Toenails: Recurrent or severe ingrown toenails that don't respond to conservative treatments (like soaking, lifting the nail edge, or antibiotics) may require partial or complete nail removal. This prevents the ingrown portion from recurring.
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Deformed or Thickened Nails: Severely deformed or thickened nails can cause pain and discomfort, making walking difficult. Removal might be the best option for relief.
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Tumors or Growths: In rare cases, tumors or growths under the nail may necessitate nail removal for diagnosis and treatment.
Types of Toenail Removal
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Partial Nail Avulsion: Only the affected portion of the nail (e.g., the ingrown edge) is removed.
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Total Nail Avulsion: The entire toenail is removed.
What to Expect
The procedure is usually performed by a podiatrist. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the toe before the nail is removed. After removal, the nail bed is treated to prevent regrowth, if necessary (e.g., with a chemical matrixectomy using phenol).
Important Considerations
- Toenail removal is not typically the first line of treatment. Conservative measures are usually attempted first.
- The removed nail will typically grow back, but it may take several months to a year. In some cases, especially after a matrixectomy, the nail might not grow back at all.
- Proper aftercare is essential to prevent infection and promote healing. This includes keeping the area clean and bandaged, and following the podiatrist's instructions.
