Nail avulsion is a method of treatment that involves the partial or total removal of the nail blade. The procedure is performed under regional anesthesia, starting from the base of the finger whose nail is to be removed, after which the patient no longer feels anything. The intervention itself consists in removing the part of the ingrown nail blade or the whole blade, if the situation requires it, respectively the ablation of the root portion (partial matricectomy) corresponding to this area. The ablation can be done by scalpel cutting, electrocautery or in the form of chemical ablation with phenol.

Incarnate nail is a pathology usually located in the big toes and consists of the penetration of the lateral edge or corner of the nail into the skin next to the nail. Incarnation of the nail leads to inflammation of the surrounding skin tissue, which becomes red, swollen, painful, which impedes normal walking and activities. Sometimes, excess tissue may grow or secondary infection may occur with purulent secretions and foul odor.

The ingrown toenail affects teenagers and young adults more often, but can occur at any age.

Among the predisposing factors, we mention:

• wearing inappropriate footwear (tight, narrow toe, high heels) that compresses the toes and promotes the curvature of the nails in the skin

• incorrect nail cutting (cutting corners)

• local injuries

• bone changes

• genetic predisposition

Before any surgical procedure it is important to tell your doctor if you suffer from other conditions, if you are allergic to anesthetic or other medicines.

It is important to tell your doctor in advance if you are being treated with anticoagulants (blood thinners; eg Syndrome, Thrombostop, etc.) or antiplatelet agents (eg Aspirin, Plavix, etc.).

You can also eat food and liquids before the procedure you are encouraged to take your chronic medication (for high blood pressure, diabetes, etc

The duration of the intervention is about 30 minutes.

On the first day, physical rest is recommended with the elevated position of the affected lower limb, the limitation of activities involving walking and it is necessary to avoid local traumas. Subsequently, the patient can resume his normal activity but without intense exercise.

• pain that can be controlled with painkillers

• bleeding

• infections

• recurrences

It is not recommended to perform this procedure if:

• have a known allergy to the anesthetic used

• you are pregnant or breastfeeding (relative contraindication related to local anesthesia, when assessing the risk / benefit ratio of the procedure and deciding the need for a biopsy)

• follow a systemic anticoagulant treatment (relative contraindication - there is a risk of postoperative bleeding)