Can You Remove an Ingrown Toenail Without Surgery?

You can remove an ingrown toenail without surgery in many cases, but it will always be important to let an experienced doctor examine the toe to determine what type of treatment will be needed. If you attempt home treatment for this problem, you will run the risk of dealing with not only significant pain, but also an infection that could result in the need for even more extensive treatment.

When to See a Doctor

Many people will try and take care of this problem themselves, thinking they can remove an ingrown toenail without surgery on their own. However, this could lead to serious complications – especially if you have circulatory problems. Your best bet is to see a doctor for an ingrown toenail, especially if you notice and swelling or bleeding in the area or you notice the excretion of pus.

Ingrown Toenail Treatment Options

There are several treatment methods doctors will use to remove an ingrown toenail without surgery. First, the nail will be softened by using warm salt water to soak the toe. Then, your doctor will likely position a few thin pieces of cotton covered with ointment under the nail. After your treatment, you will likely be asked to either wear open-toed sandals or, if possible, not to wear a shoe at all on the foot for a few days. The goal of treatment will be to help the ingrown nail grow beyond the nail bed so it sits on top of your skin as normal, so please do not try to trim the nail. If you do, that could make the condition worse.

When caught early, an ingrown toenail can typically be removed without the need for a surgical procedure. If you would like to learn more or schedule an appointment, call Southwest Foot & Ankle Center at 972-318-2738 (Lewisville), 972-805-9985 (Plano) or 972-318-2655 (Irving), or contact us online.