NAIL REMOVAL

General Information

DEFINITION--Removal of part or all of a toenail or fingernail.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Toenail, usually in the big toe; any fingernail.

REASONS FOR SURGERY

• Relief of painful symptoms of an ingrown toenail, with or without an infection.
• Nails may be removed due to injury (with part of the nail torn away); splinters that cannot be removed without removing the nail; or warts under the nail.
• Nail infection (usually fungus).
• Correction of abnormal nail growth.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH--None expected.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--General surgeon, family doctor, dermatologist or podiatrist.

WHERE PERFORMED--Doctor's office or outpatient surgical facility.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS--None required.

ANESTHESIA--Local anesthesia by injection.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• A section of skin is cut on the affected side of the toe.
• Part or all of the nail is pulled up along its bed and cut free of its underlying tissue.
• The nail bed along the affected side is scraped.
• A special non-stick bandage is applied tightly to prevent bleeding. Usually, no sutures are needed.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--None.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 3 weeks for recovery from surgery. The nail should eventually grow back.

Postoperative Care

GENERAL MEASURES

• Keep the surgical area dry until after the dressing is changed for the first time. Change dressings as needed.
• After the dressing is changed the first time, soak the affected area in plain or salt water at 101 to 104F (38.3 to 40C) for 10 to 20 minutes several times a day to reduce pain and swelling.
• If toenail involved, avoid shoes that fit tightly, especially those with narrow toes. Wear white cotton socks.
• To prevent a recurrence of ingrown toenail, when the toenail grows back, cut it straight across instead of rounding off at the corners.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

ACTIVITY

• Following toenail removal, avoid vigorous exercise until the nail heals. Don't put any weight on the affected foot for 24 hours, then resume walking gradually.
• No restrictions following fingernail removal.

DIET---No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.