Toenail removal is a common surgical treatment for toenails that are ingrown, bruised or when infected by fungus. It almost hurts when you even think about it, but actually the whole treatment is almost painless.
Sometimes surgery is the only way out and this is often the case for toenail problems. When toenails are damaged in such a way medical treatment is not sufficient enough removing the toenail can be a huge relief. Medical treatment for toenail problems can be effective for some, but in a lot of cases it is simply not effective of can lead to complications.
In the case of nails with a fungal infection the skin under the nail is infected, by the same fungal infection that is causing athlete’s foot or jock itch. External anti-fungus products cannot always reach the nail bed. There are also oral medicines but these have side-effects which can cause liver damage or allergic reactions. This looks like the last way out for a lot of people who can’t get rid of their infected toenails, but in fact it is not. Complete removal of the toenail could be the answer.
When toenails are grown in permanent pain is what most people feel. When slightly bumping something with your toe or when wearing shoes this can by increased heavily. In the early stages podiatrists can apply special clips to guide the toenail to grow in a straight way instead of curl into the skin. However this does not relief the pain immediately. Toenails grow very slow and it can take a few months before you see the result. Toenail removal is the fastest way to solve most toenail problems and recommended when ingrown toenails cause permanent pain.
Of course people can also have their nails removed for pure cosmetic reasons. Thick or yellow toenails are the main reasons. There are a lot of people on this planet who don’t like to show their feet in public e.g. wear flip-flops on the beach or at swimming pools. But it must be taken into account that removal of the toenail is a final procedure for severe toenail problems and generally not a cure for odd looking nails. However it can be done under the right circumstances.
The operation is simple and does not take very long. First a shot a local anesthetic injected into the toe near the nail area. Then a tourniquet is applied to decrease excessive bleeding during the procedure. When the toe area is completely numb the nail or parts of the nail and nail bed will be removed. After the operation your toe will be numb for a short period of time. Then you’ll be given painkiller to control the pain. The toe can feel uncomfortable for a day or two.
For ingrown toenails only the side of the nail and nail bed will be removed so the nail will look slightly smaller. For bigger toenail problems the nail and nail bed will be completely removed so after the operation there will be just skin instead of a nail. For fungal infections sometimes only the nail will be removed letting it to regrow after the operation. The nail bed has to be treated with anti-fungal products afterwards or the regrown nail will become infected after some time.
Toenail removal can solve most toenail problems with a simple procedure. I will be a huge relief for people with toenail problems that can’t be treated effectively in any other way.
