Ingrown Toenail Removal

What does the treatment include?

• Evaluation of the toe, the infection and circulation, especially in people with diabetes
• Local anesthesia at the base of the toe
• Removal of the ingrown side portion of the nail (partial avulsion)
• Cleaning and drainage if there is pus
• Antibiotic prescription when there is infection
• Bandage and care instructions to prevent it from growing back in

What are the symptoms of an ingrown toenail?

• Pain at the edge of the nail, usually the big toe, that gets worse with shoes
• Redness and swelling of the skin next to the nail
• Pus or fluid, and sometimes reddish tissue growing over the nail
• In advanced cases, fever or pain that makes walking difficult

When can it be treated at home and when at the clinic?

At an early stage, without pus, warm salt-water soaks 2 or 3 times a day for 15 minutes, open shoes and not cutting the nail further can help. If there is pus, severe pain, skin growing over the nail, the problem keeps coming back or you have diabetes, the procedure at the clinic is needed.

What is the procedure, step by step?

1. 1The toe is cleaned and local anesthesia is applied at the base; within minutes the toe is numb.
2. 2The side strip of nail that is digging in is lifted, cut and removed from the root.
3. 3The area is cleaned and any infection is drained.
4. 4A bandage with antibiotic ointment is applied.

The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes and you can walk out in an open shoe.

How do I care for the toe afterward?

• Keep your foot elevated the rest of the day and take the prescribed pain reliever
• Change the bandage after 24 hours and then wash daily with soap and water
• Wear sandals or open shoes for a week
• The nail grows back over several months; always cut it straight, without rounding the corners
• Come in if there is bleeding that does not stop, spreading redness, pus or fever

How do I keep it from growing back in?

Cut nails straight and not too short, wear shoes with room for your toes, avoid tearing the edges and keep your feet dry. If it recurs several times, there is a procedure that destroys the root of that edge so it does not grow back, which the medical team can refer you for.

Why does it matter for people with diabetes?

With diabetes or poor circulation, an infected ingrown toenail can turn into an ulcer. Do not treat it at home: come to the clinic at the first symptoms.

How does payment work?

You don't need health insurance. Pricing is self-pay, cash and cards are accepted, and you can ask for the cost of the service by phone or WhatsApp before your visit.

Where is the clinic and which areas does it serve?

Clínica Hispana Familiar 529 is at 15003 FM 529 B, Houston, TX 77095, in northwest Houston. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 9 PM and Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM, walk-ins welcome. It serves patients from Copperfield, Bear Creek, Cypress, Jersey Village, Katy and nearby communities.