Related Experiment Videos
Management of ingrown toenails
1Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, USA.
American Family Physician
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Ingrown toenails occur when the nail plate improperly fits the nail groove, often due to ill-fitting shoes or improper trimming. Treatment varies by severity, with advanced stages requiring surgical intervention like nail avulsion and matricectomy.
Area of Science:
- Podiatry
- Dermatology
- Primary Care Medicine
Background:
- Ingrown toenails (onychocryptosis) are common in primary care.
- They result from improper nail plate fit within the lateral nail groove.
- Contributing factors include ill-fitting footwear and incorrect nail trimming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review modern office-based techniques for managing ingrown toenails.
- To outline treatment strategies based on disease staging.
- To discuss surgical options for advanced-stage ingrown toenails.
Main Methods:
- Classification of ingrown toenails into stages 1, 2, and 3.
- Review of conservative management for stage 1 (soaking, antibiotics, proper trimming).
- Discussion of surgical interventions for stage 3, including partial nail avulsion and matricectomy (chemical vs. electrosurgical).
Main Results:
- Conservative treatments are effective for mild (stage 1) ingrown toenails.
- Stage 2 may require conservative or surgical approaches.
- Stage 3, characterized by hypertrophy, is best managed surgically with partial nail avulsion and lateral matricectomy.
- Electrosurgical matricectomy may offer advantages over phenol for stage 3.
Conclusions:
- Ingrown toenail management should be tailored to disease stage.
- Surgical matricectomy, particularly electrosurgical methods, provides effective treatment for advanced ingrown toenails.
- Modern office techniques offer controlled solutions for complex cases.