Ingrown Toenails
What are ingrown toenails?
Ingrown toenails are a challenging condition, where the nail plate (toenail) grows downwards at the edges and digs in to the soft tissue at the edges of the toes. This causes inflammation, pain and infections. It is most common in the big toes.
This is a condition that is common in children, can be difficult to manage and causes prolonged suffering.
DR ROB’S APPROACH
Dr Rob recommends that you and your child conduct optimal nail care and have a review of ideal footwear options, especially with a podatrist.
For those children who continue to suffer despite optimal foot care, Dr Rob offers procedures under general anaesthetic.
There are three procedures to consider:
Van Den Bose procedure: Excision of the abnormal soft tissue on the edge of the toe
Wedge resection: The nail plate and germinal matrix is partially removed to make the toenail more narrow
Nail avulsion: Where the nail and its germinal matrix is removed permanently, so the toenail never grows back. This is reserved for the most severe cases.
Dr Rob usually recommends a wedge resection as first line, as this fosters the fastest recovery, but is happy to discuss options, pros and cons.
If you and your family are privately insured, then you are likely to find that having this performed by a paediatric surgeon is an optimal experience for your child. They will be under general anaesthetic, so will not be awake for the procedure; the wait times are shorter than in the public service, and the majority of your costs are covered by your insurer when you see a specialist such as Dr Rob.
For further information about the treatment of ingrown toenails, please visit: Surgical correction of ingrown toenail.
DR ROB McCUSKER
Gold Coast Children’s Surgeon
Dr Rob is dedicated to the highest quality of care and technical excellence for his patients.