Did you know that ingrown toenails can lead to infection or any other toenail issue? An ingrown toenail is a common nail condition that occurs when the toenail starts growing from the edges or corners of the skin and causes pain. When it is caused by infection or an unknown cause it may cause many other symptoms as well. To diagnose ingrown toenails, a nail biopsy is recommended which is a surgical procedure. Learn what happens during a nail biopsy and in this article.

 

Indication for nail biopsy with ingrown toenails

You need nail biopsy for ingrown toenails when you have these signs and symptoms such as:

  • Redness of the skin around the nail.
  • Swelling
  • Throbbing
  • Bleeding
  • Pressure under the nail
  • Pain when touched
  • Foul smell
  • The build-up of fluid
  • Warmth around the nail
  • Pus-filled abscess where the nail punctured the skin
  • Thick cracked yellowing nails
  • Newly inflamed tissue overgrowth at the edges of the nail.

These early signs can easily be diagnosed with nail biopsy and treated accordingly.

 

What happens during a nail biopsy?

Before the nail biopsy, you should buy some bandages for your toes because they may be needed after the procedure. And after the procedure, you need someone to take you home. Additionally, you need open-toed shoes to wear after the procedure to make sure your toe recovers from this procedure.

 

During the procedure, the healthcare provider may follow these steps:

  • First, your healthcare provider gives an injection of local anesthesia to numb your affected nail. You need to wait for 5 to 10 minutes to ensure sufficient anesthetic effect.
  • The healthcare provider cleans the affected part with surgical soap or alcohol.
  • Once the area becomes numb, the healthcare provider will remove a piece or whole nail plate from the nail bed.
  • After removing the nail, your healthcare provider will apply an antibiotic ointment and dressing on your wound. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe an antibiotic for home wound care.

 

After the procedure, the doctor gives you special instructions on how to take care of your wound at home until it heals completely.

 

When to call your doctor?

If you have any of these symptoms after the procedure, then you should call your doctor:

  • Having a fever of 38 degrees or higher.
  • Chills
  • Any of the following symptoms at your wound or in the surroundings area:
    • Increasing redness or swelling at the tip of your toe.
    • Bright yellow or green drainage
    • Foul smell from your skin or nails
    • Increased pain or discomfort
    • Blue or purple discoloration of the tip of your toe.
    • Bleeding doesn’t stop even after applying pressure.
    • Skin becomes hard, warm, or hot to the touch.
  • Skin symptoms don’t improve or get worse.
  • New or worsening existing symptoms after therapy to treat your skin.

 

If you’re also experiencing ingrown toenails or any other foot problem symptoms, then visit our podiatry clinic in Brooklyn to get the best medical service. Wound care and healthy foot care tips are also provided. Doral Health & Wellness employs Podiatrists with extensive education and expertise. Trauma to the tendons, muscles, and bones of the foot is quite common. It’s not a good idea to put off seeing a Foot Doctor in Brooklyn until you’re in a lot of pain. Our address is 1797 Pitkin Avenue, New York, NY 11212. To make an appointment, please call +1-347-384-5690 or send an email to info@podiatristsbrooklyn.com.