Nail avulsion is a frequent treatment involving removing all or some parts of the nail plate from the nail bed. Avulsions can be performed for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Examining and visualizing lesions in the underlying nail bed and matrix is possible by avulsing the nail plate.

When treating onychomycosis (fungal nail infection), nail avulsions are occasionally performed to reduce pain caused by the accumulation of subungual debris. Avulsions are most commonly used to treat ingrown and curled nails.

A Nail Avulsion treatment in Delhi performed at Skinology Clinic is a surgical technique that removes the nail plate (the rigid section of the nail) from a finger or toe. If an individual's nail problems have not improved with prior treatments, the healthcare professional may propose this operation.

A Nail Avulsion May Be Performed To:

  • Treat a nail infection
  • Remove nail growth
  • Treat severe nail damage
  • Take care of an ingrown toenail.

A nail avulsion may also be performed to treat nail problems caused by cancer treatment (such as redness, swelling, leaking, pain, infection, or odor). In addition, some targeted therapies, including taxane-based chemotherapy, can induce nail issues. 

Types of Nail Avulsion

Partial nail avulsion and entire nail avulsion are the two types. A partial nail avulsion occurs when only a portion of the nail and the surrounding tissue are removed. The entire nail plate is removed in a total nail avulsion. 

When is a Partial Nail Avulsion Necessary?

Ingrown toenails can be developed by a variety of circumstances, including:

  • Genetic causes
  • Poor footwear selection
  • Infection of the nails with fungus
  • Inappropriate nail trimming technique
  • Trauma or injury

A partial nail avulsion is a frequent treatment for a recurring ingrown toenail, and a minor surgical operation removes a part of the nail and some underlying tissue.

During the operation, a chemical is administered to the nail root, which usually permanently prevents the troublesome piece of the nail from growing again. A local anesthetic is frequently used for this treatment. 

Recovery from a partial nail avulsion is quick, and many people report no or little discomfort after the treatment.

When is a Complete Nail Avulsion Necessary?

A complete nail avulsion may be required in severe cases of ingrown toenails, malformed toenails, or serious Trauma to the nail area. For this treatment, a local anesthetic is advised. 

Most people require 3–6 weeks to recover. In the weeks following the surgery, an individual may be required to attend follow-up consultations to inspect and redress the damaged toenail.

Procedure

The healthcare professional will deliver an injection (shot) of local anesthetic (medication to numb an area) close to the damaged nail around 5 to 10 minutes before the surgery (s). They will also use surgical soap or alcohol to clean the damaged region.

Once the region is numbed, the healthcare expert will remove a bit of the entire nail plate.

Following the removal of the nail, the nail doctor in Delhi at Skinology Clinic provider will apply an antibiotic ointment and a dressing (bandage) to the wound. A prescription for an antibiotic to be taken at home may also be issued by the healthcare professional. 

After The Procedure

  • Antibiotics are given to treat or prevent bacterial infections.
  • Acet-aminop-hen is used to treat pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's prescription. The patient should inquire about the dosage and frequency of administration. Follow the instructions. If taken incorrectly, acet-aminop-hen can cause liver damage.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NS-AI-Ds) are given to reduce swelling, discomfort, and fever. This medication is accessible with or without a doctor's prescription. In certain people, NS-AI-Ds might cause gastrointestinal bleeding or kidney difficulties. If an individual takes blood thinners, please check with your healthcare provider to see if NS-AI-Ds are safe. Always read the medication label and follow the directions strictly.
  • Take the medication exactly as instructed. Contact the healthcare practitioner if you believe the medicine is not working or if you are experiencing side effects. Inform the doctor if you are allergic to any medications. Keep a record of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you use. Include the amounts, as well as when and why you took them. Bring the list or the pill bottles with you to any follow-up appointments. 

Self-care after Nail Avulsion 

  • Maintain your nail area clean, dry, and covered. When an individual is permitted to bathe, thoroughly clean the area with soap and water. Put on a fresh bandage. Avoid using an adhesive application. When the patient removes it, it may stay in the wound and create discomfort. Inquire with the doctor about the best type of bandage to use. When the used bandage becomes damp or soiled, replace it. For the first few days, the patient's healthcare practitioner may advise you to change the bandage every 24 hours.
  • Elevate your hand or foot above your heart as frequently as possible for 24 hours, reduce swelling and pain, and prop the hand or foot up on pillows or blankets to keep it pleasantly elevated.
  • Apply ice to your wound every hour for 15 to 20 minutes or as prescribed. Use an ice pack or a plastic bag containing crushed ice. Wrap it in a towel. Ice reduces pain and swelling while preventing tissue damage.
  • Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or do not fit properly, wear any tights or pantyhose, and put on cotton socks.
  • Inquire about when one can resume work, school, or their usual sports and activities.

Outlook

Ingrown toenails can be painful, but they are rarely serious if treated properly at home or by a doctor. However, surgery can reduce the chronic pain associated with an ingrown toenail.

The treatment options for ingrown toenails should be discussed with a qualified and experienced dermatologist or nail, hair, and skin doctor in Delhi at Skinology Clinic. Excellent medical care and vigilant home management can lower the risk of problems after surgery and increase the likelihood of a full recovery with healthy nail regrowth.

To know more about nail fungal infection, ingrown toe nail or nail surgery contact the experts at Skinology Clinic.