What is Nail Removal? When is it Necessary for Ingrown and Painful Nails?

What is Nail Extraction?

Nail extraction is the medical removal of part or all of a fingernail or toenail. It most commonly arises in cases of ingrown toenail problems, particularly on the big toe. Beyond this, it may be considered for trauma, thickened nails, nail bed infections, fungal nail deformities, or recurrent pain.

Nail extraction does not always mean removing the entire nail. In some cases, only the ingrown or problematic edge of the nail is removed. This is called partial nail extraction. In more advanced cases, removal of the entire nail may be necessary.

When Might Nail Extraction Be Necessary?

Nail problems can sometimes be managed with simple care recommendations. However, if there is pain, swelling, redness, discharge, or recurrent ingrowth, medical evaluation is required. Especially when an ingrown nail progresses, it can affect a person's ability to walk, wear shoes, and their daily quality of life.

• Ingrown nail
• Redness and swelling around the nail edge
• Inflammation or discharge around the nail
• Recurrent ingrown nail
• Nail separation after trauma
• Thickened, deformed, or painful nail
• Pressure and tenderness in the nail bed
• Increased pain when wearing shoes

Why Do Ingrown Nails Occur?

An ingrown nail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pressure, pain, or inflammation in that area. It commonly affects the big toe. Factors contributing to ingrown nail formation can include cutting nails too short or too rounded, wearing tight shoes, nail structure, trauma, improper pedicures, and genetic predisposition.

In the initial stages, there may only be tenderness and slight redness. In advanced cases, swelling, throbbing pain, discharge, and difficulty walking may appear. At this point, attempting to cut the nail at home or remove it from under the skin can worsen the problem.

How is Nail Extraction Performed?

Nail extraction is typically performed under local anesthesia. Before the procedure, the nail and surrounding tissue are evaluated. Afterward, the area to be worked on is numbed. This ensures the patient does not feel pain during the procedure; they may only perceive pressure or touch.

If the problem is only on one side of the nail, only the ingrown portion of the nail may be removed. This is called partial nail extraction. If there is severe damage, infection, or deformity throughout the entire nail, complete nail extraction may be considered. In some cases of recurrent ingrown nails, additional applications targeting the nail root area may be necessary to reduce the nail from growing ingrown again in the same way.

What is the Difference Between Partial Nail Extraction and Complete Nail Extraction?

In partial nail extraction, only the problematic edge or part of the nail is removed. This method may be preferred particularly for unilateral ingrown nails. The healthy part of the nail is preserved, and the appearance can remain more natural.

In complete nail extraction, the entire nail is removed. This procedure is generally considered when the entire nail is damaged, there is a severe infection, there is a significant problem with the nail bed, or the entire nail is causing pressure and pain.

Does Nail Extraction Hurt?

Since nail extraction is performed with local anesthesia, pain is not expected during the procedure. There may be a brief stinging or burning sensation when the anesthesia is administered. After the area is numbed, the procedure is carried out more comfortably.

After the procedure, as the anesthesia wears off, there may be mild pain, tenderness, or throbbing. This can usually be managed with care and pain control recommended by the physician.

What Should Post-Nail Extraction Care Involve?

Post-nail extraction care is one of the most important stages of the healing process. It is essential to keep the treated area clean, follow dressing recommendations, and monitor for signs of infection.

• Protect the dressing as recommended by the physician in the first few days.
• Ensure the treated area is kept clean and dry.
• Avoid tight shoes; opt for comfortable shoes that do not constrict the toes.
• Do not apply creams, solutions, or homemade mixtures to the nail bed unless recommended by your physician.
• Contact your physician if you experience redness, increased pain, foul-smelling discharge, or fever.
• Do not miss dressing changes and follow-up appointments.

How Long Does Recovery Take After Nail Extraction?

The recovery period varies depending on the scope of the procedure, the individual's general health, the presence of infection, and the care process. Recovery may be shorter for partial nail extractions, while nail bed recovery after complete nail extractions can take longer.

Nail regrowth occurs at different rates for fingernails and toenails. Toenails generally grow slower than fingernails. Therefore, it can take months for the nail to visibly regrow after a complete nail extraction.

What Should Be Paid Attention to After the Procedure?

After nail extraction, the area should be protected from trauma. Especially in the first few days, standing for long periods, wearing tight shoes, exposing the treated area to dirty water, or prematurely removing the dressing can negatively affect the healing process.

It is necessary to avoid environments that can increase the risk of infection, such as the sea, swimming pools, saunas, and Turkish baths, for the duration specified by the physician. The return to sports and strenuous physical activity should also be planned according to the condition of the treated area.

Can Ingrown Nails Recur?

Ingrown nails can recur in some individuals. Nail structure, improper cutting habits, tight shoe usage, foot anatomy, and genetic predisposition can increase the risk of recurrence. Therefore, protective care habits are important after nail extraction.

Nails should not be cut too short, their edges should not be rounded deeply, and shoes that constrict the toes should be avoided. In cases of recurrent ingrown nails, additional approaches focusing on the nail root and nail bed may be considered.

Who Should Be More Careful with Nail Problems?

Diabetic patients, individuals with circulation problems, those with weakened immune systems, and patients whose healing process may be slow should be more careful with nail problems. Even a seemingly simple nail issue in these individuals can lead to more serious infections.

Therefore, if there is pain, redness, a wound, discharge, or discoloration around the nail, a physician's evaluation should be sought without delay.

Does the Nail Grow Back After Nail Extraction?

If the nail root is preserved, the nail generally regrows. However, the regrowth rate varies from person to person. Fingernails grow faster, while toenails may take longer to fully regrow.

If a permanent application targeting the nail root was performed during the procedure, the nail may not regrow in that area or may regrow in a narrower form. This decision is particularly evaluated by the physician for recurrent ingrown nails.

Conclusion: Although Nail Extraction is a Minor Procedure, it Requires Proper Planning

Nail extraction can be an effective care option for ingrown nails and painful nail problems. However, not every nail problem requires the removal of the entire nail. Sometimes, removing only the ingrown portion may suffice.

The most appropriate approach involves a combined evaluation of the nail structure, infection status, pain level, and the patient's general health condition. Adhering to post-procedure care recommendations is crucial for healthy healing.

Frequently Asked Questions