Partial Nail Avulsion
If you have a persistent, infected or recurrent ingrown toenail, or a fungal nail, then your specialist may suggest having the nail partially or fully removed. The procedure can also be carried out with the use of a chemical called phenol, this is applied to the nail bed to stop the nail from growing back, this is typically applied when you have a recurrent issue. This procedure is usually carried out as a minor outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia, you can leave directly following rather than being admitted into a hospital. Your foot specialist will start by cleaning the toe and injecting local anaesthesia to either side of the base of the toe. Once numb, the section of the nail or whole nail will be cut down to the base of the nail. The nail will be removed and hypergranulation tissue (scab under the nail) will be removed. It’s suggested that you take a cab home and rest for the remainder of the day, you can return to non manual work the following day. For the first 3 weeks you will need to re-dress and salt water bathe the toe daily. At two weeks postoperative you can continue with high impact activities.
Chemical Phenolisation of the Nail bed
If you have had a recurrent ingrown toenail, which has previously been partially or fully moved, then your specialist may advise on excision of the nail bed. This will remove the root that contains the cells where the nail grows, this will stop the nail from growing back. The procedure may be carried out under local anaesthesia or sedation, you will typically be admitted into hospital for half a day. Your surgeon will excise the corner of the base of the nail and remove the root, alongside the affected section of the nail that is causing you pain. This is then closed with stitches. Following the procedure you should rest at home for 3 – 5 days. You should avoid high impact activities for the first 3 – 4 weeks.
Merrion Foot Clinic,
23 Seafield Rd,
Trimblestown, Blackrock,
Co. Dublin, A94 DX27
Athlone Foot Clinic
Unit 2, 95 Sean Costello St, Athlone, Co.Westmeath, N37 XE08