Ingrown toenails (onychocryptosis) are managed with conservative hygiene, antibiotics when cellulitis is present, and office procedures when recurrence limits quality of life. Evidence-focused reviews for primary care—such as the AAFP ingrown toenail article—compare partial nail avulsion with phenol chemical matricectomy versus surgery referral for severe deformity.
Diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, and immunosuppression raise risk—lower thresholds for podiatry/orthopedic involvement and cautious wound surveillance.
What This Service Includes
Digital block
Ring block avoiding vessel injury; assess neurovascular status before/after.
Nail procedure
Free lateral edge, remove spicule, phenol/cautery per protocol if used.
Dressing education
Non-adherent pad, soak instructions, oral antibiotics if cellulitis.
What to Expect
Treat infection first?
Sometimes yes; severe paronychia may need antibiotics before avulsion.
Avulse
Remove offending nail segment; hemostasis; dress bulky toe.
Follow-up
Recheck in 48–72h if infection; regrowth monitoring months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Partial avulsion often allows narrower nail if matrix lateral horn ablated; recurrence still possible.
Open-toe footwear reduces pressure; tight cleats may need a break.
Matrix destruction aims to prevent regrowth of the removed segment—discuss cosmetic outcome.
Spreading foot infection, fever, ulcer in diabetes, or inability to bear weight.