Ingrown Toenails: A Survey Among Dermatologists on Current Treatments.

BACKGROUND: To date, there is no formal consensus on how to treat ingrown toenails. Despite the risk of causing irreparable damage to the nail, highly invasive procedures are still common. Less-invasive, matrix-directed techniques with shorter downtime and high cure rates exist, but, perhaps because of a lack of awareness, appear not to have been universally adopted. OBJECTIVE: The authors' study sought to generate data on common practices in the treatment of ingrown toenails. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors developed and conducted an online survey to ask dermatologists/dermatosurgeons how they would proceed in 9 different cases of ingrown toenails based on photographs. RESULTS: The authors received 154 replies. Nonsurgical interventions, including advice on nail care/foot baths/ointments/wraps/padding, were always the most frequently chosen option. Removal of the lateral nail plate followed by chemical partial matricectomy (phenolization) was the most or second-most frequently chosen surgical intervention. The answers were highly heterogeneous, and there was no unanimity based on morphology alone. CONCLUSION: Except for a preference for nonsurgical interventions, the authors could not identify any clear treatment standards. The heterogeneity of treatment approaches suggests the need for a guideline.

Retronychia in children: A case series.

BACKGROUND: Retronychia is characterized by proximal ingrowing of the nail plate into the proximal nail fold. It is always associated with the presence of two or more overlapping nail plates under the proximal nail fold, clinical signs of chronic proximal paronychia refractory to antimicrobial treatment, and a yellowish nail that does not grow. It mainly affects young female adults, with less than 30 pediatric cases described in the literature so far. METHODS: Retrospective and observational study of patients between 0 and 18 years with a clinical and/or ultrasound diagnosis of retronychia attending a pediatric dermatology service between December 2020 and January 2022. RESULTS: We identified 9 patients with retronychia, 7 girls and 2 boys. In all cases, the hallux nails were affected with 5 unilateral and 4 bilateral cases. On physical examination we observed the following signs: thickened and opaque nail plate (one patient), yellowish nail plate (7 patients), double nail plate (6 patients), and erythema with edema, pain, and suppuration of the proximal nail fold (7 patients). Ultrasound was performed in 7 patients and specific findings of retronychia were found in 5 of them. All patients received topical treatment and were referred for the appropriate surgical treatment. To date, only one patient underwent nail avulsion, which was followed by complete recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Retronychia is underdiagnosed, particularly in the pediatric population. We present a series of 9 cases of retronychia in children, with clinical and ultrasonographic findings consistent with those of adults. We emphasize the importance of recognizing this entity, which will allow early and adequate treatment.

Retronychia: the importance of proper footwear.

Retronychia is commonly underdiagnosed and exhibits classic features of proximal nail fold elevation and nail plate layering. Herein we summarize the literature and discuss cause, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition.

Surgical interventions for ingrown toenail.

BACKGROUND: Paronychia is a prevalent clinical disease affecting the soft tissue surrounding the nails. Most cases of toenail paronychia are commonly associated with ingrown toenails. While conservative treatment is effective for mild cases of ingrown toenails, surgical intervention becomes necessary for moderate to severe cases, particularly when granulomas form. OBJECTIVE: To provide a systematic understanding of these classic and modified procedures for surgeons to select the appropriate surgical interventions for patients suffering from moderate to severe ingrown toenails and discuss this technology's advantages and limitations for dermatologic surgery. METHODS: A literature search was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases. Studies discussing surgical intervention for ingrown toenails were included. Moreover, the surgical steps were meticulously depicted by detailed schematic diagrams. RESULTS: These surgical techniques can be divided into three categories: matrix resection, debulking of periungual soft tissues, and the rotational flap technique. Each approach possesses distinct advantages and limitations. CONCLUSION: For moderate to severe cases, surgical interventions may exhibit superior outcomes, faster recovery times, and lower recurrence rates. The surgeon must possess a comprehensive understanding and proficient skillset in various surgical techniques for ingrown toenails.

High-frequency ultrasonography index in evaluation of pincer nail.

BACKGROUND: The measurements of width index, height index, and curvature index were used for assessment of the curvature severity. Nevertheless, both sides of the nail root are buried subcutaneously, impossibility in measuring the width index correctly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We developed a technique to measure the index under high-frequency ultrasonography (HF-USG). RESULTS: There was good agreement between the HF-USG index and the result examined after surgery. CONCLUSION: The observation on HF-USG helps to distinguish between ingrown nail and pincer nail. The HF-USG index will be useful in the examination and measurement of nail roots buried subcutaneously or nail penetration under the hypertrophic lateral nail fold, and comparing the effectiveness among treatments for pincer nail objectively.

Surgical Matricectomy Versus Phenolization in the Treatment of Ingrown Toenails: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of ingrown toenail includes various nonsurgical and surgical treatments. However, there is no consensus on the ideal first-choice treatment. OBJECTIVE: To compare phenolization versus surgical matricectomy (SM) after lateral nail plate avulsion in terms of efficacy, recurrence rates, postoperative outcomes, and cosmesis. METHODS: The authors enrolled 45 consenting patients and randomized them into 2 groups (Group 1 = phenolization and Group 2 = SM) using stratified block randomization and followed them up at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months. RESULTS: The median percentage improvement in pain visual analog scale (VAS) score was comparable between the 2 groups ( p = 0.793). The mean photo VAS showed significant improvement in Group 1 at 1 week ( p = 0.00) and 1 month ( p = 0.02) but not at 6 months ( p = 0.44). The median number of days for pain relief ( p = 0.169), for healing ( p = 0.192), and for resuming work ( p = 0.136) were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The time required to regain normal morphology was significantly longer in Group 2 ( p = 0.006). None of the patients in either group presented with recurrence at 6 months and 1 year. The authors observed failure of treatment in 1 patient in Group 2. CONCLUSION: Both procedures were equally efficacious, had minimal complications, and showed no recurrence at 6 months and 1 year.

The effectiveness of matrix ablation with silver nitrate in the treatment of ingrown toenails. A single-center case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Partial onychectomy with chemical matrixectomy is considered the gold standard treatment for stage II-III ingrown toenails (IT). However, there are scarce reports describing the use of silver nitrate in IT management in adolescents. Our aim is to analyze the effectiveness of matrix ablation with silver nitrate and compare it with partial onychectomy by electrocautery. METHODS: A retrospective study of adolescent patients with stage II-III IT was performed. Those who underwent electrocautery matricectomy in a major outpatient surgical center (Group A) and those who were treated with silver nitrate at an outpatient clinic (Group B) were compared. Efficacy was determined by recurrence and postoperative infection rates. RESULTS: Two hundred and nine patients were included (86 group A; 123 group B), with a total of 382 partial onychectomies (151 group A; 231 group B). Group B patients exhibited a lower recurrence rate (4.7%) when compared to group A (11.2%, p = .02), and had a lower postoperative infection rate (4.0% group A vs. 1.7% group B; p = .18), although not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Silver nitrate chemical matricectomy after partial onychectomy is an effective treatment for IT in adolescents, with few postoperative complications and low recurrence rate. Therefore, it should be considered as a possible alternative to electrocautery matricectomy.

Effectiveness of hyaluronic acid in post-surgical cures following partial matricectomies with the phenol/alcohol technique: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Post-operative cures with hyaluronic acid (HA) could potentially shorten the period recovery involved in the phenol technique for ingrown toenail. The aim of this study was therefore to compare a standard healing protocol with the experimental one based on hyaluronic acid cream. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 70 patients who had undergone phenol technique surgery for ingrown toenail were divided into two groups - control (n = 35) who received post-operative cures following the standard protocol with povidone iodine gel, and experimental (n = 35) who received cures with HA in the first 3 visits. Bleeding, total healing time, and perceived pain were assessed. RESULTS: Patients in the control group recovered from the intervention in a total of 26.17 ± 7.75 days, while those in the HA group recovered in a significantly shorter time - 22.42 ± 2.41 days (p = 0.007, effect size 0.653). However, there were no between-group statistical differences in bleeding or perceived pain over the course of the post-surgery visits. CONCLUSIONS: The use of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid is effective in reducing the phenol-technique healing time by 4 days compared with the standard cure. However, no extra effects such as reductions in bleeding or perceived pain can be expected in choosing this healing protocol.

Does Electrocauterization of the Matrix After the Wedge Resection of the Toe-Nail Affect Recurrence in Discrete Age Groups Differently? A Retrospective Analysis.

The onychocryptosis, also known as ingrown toe-nails, is a painful, common disorder which is less common in children than in adults. The purpose of the present study was to focus on the effect of electrocautery matricectomy on recurrence rate and clinical outcomes in different age groups. We performed a retrospective assessment of 189 consecutive ingrown toe-nails surgeries. Electrocautery matricectomy was performed in 68 (49.2%) of 138 (73%) adults, 25 (49%) of 51 (27%) adolescents. Recurrence was observed in 11 (21.5%) adolescent patients, while recurrence was observed in 12 (8.6%) adult patients. Recurrence was observed in 9 (9.6%) of 93 patients in whom cautery was used, while 14 (14.5%) recurrences were observed in 96 patients who did not use cautery. When the adolescent patient group was evaluated separately, recurrence was observed in 2 (8%) of 25 patients in the cautery group, while recurrence was observed in 9 (34.6%) of 26 patients in the other group. EM addition to the wedge excision does not affect the results in adult patients, but it significantly reduces recurrence in adolescent patients. Especially in younger patients, it is recommended to complete the matricectomy with electrocoagulation.

A novel modified Winograd surgical tricks and tips with a "bird flap" for the treatment of ingrown toenails.

BACKGROUND: The Winograd technique is the most commonly used surgical treatment for ingrown toenails. We describe a novel modified approach, more effective and simpler to perform with a better cosmetic outcome. METHODS: We retrospectively included 45 and 39 patients with 67 and 58 ingrown toenails who underwent our modified Winograd technique and the Winograd technique, respectively, from July 2017 to June 2020, and obtained data after 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS: No significant differences in the postoperative time taken to return to regular activities in the modified Winograd and traditional Winograd groups (p = 0.103) and regarding the recurrence in both groups (p = 0.055) were found. The extent of proximal germinal matrix exposure with the modified Winograd technique was significantly more clearly revealed than in the traditional Winograd method contextually (p < 0.05). The postoperative appearance satisfaction rate was significantly higher in the modified Winograd group than in the traditional Winograd group (p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: The modified Winograd technique is effective in treating ingrown toenails.

Matrix Cauterization With Silver Nitrate in the Treatment of Ingrown Toenails in Children: Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Although partial onychectomy with chemical matricectomy has been described as the treatment of choice, there is sparse evidence in the literature regarding the use of silver nitrate for matricectomy. Our aim is to describe the effectiveness of silver nitrate for matrix cauterization after partial onychectomy. METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed on patients with ingrown toenails stage 2-3 who underwent partial onychectomy with silver nitrate chemical matricectomy during 2018-2019 in our institution. All patients were evaluated in the outpatient clinic on the 7th and 30th post-operative day and a telephone evaluation was performed every 6 months after the surgical procedure to date. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-three patients, who underwent 231 partial onychectomies with silver nitrate chemical matricectomy were included, with a median follow-up of 21 months (interquartile range, 12-29). The procedure had an effectiveness of 95.3%, with only 11 recurrences (4.7%) reported so far on follow-up. Postoperative infections were observed in 4 patients (1.7%). Adverse effects, such as pain and postoperative drainage, were irrelevant in most patients. CONCLUSIONS: Silver nitrate matricectomy after partial onychectomy is an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of ingrown toenail in children, with scarce postoperative morbidity and low recurrence rate.

Matrix Cauterization With Silver Nitrate in the Treatment of Ingrown Toenails in Children: Pilot Study. / [Artículo traducido] Cauterización de la matriz con nitrato de plata para el tratamiento de las uñas encarnadas en los dedos de los pies en niños: estudio piloto.

BACKGROUND: Although partial onychectomy with chemical matricectomy has been described asthe treatment of choice, there is sparse evidence in the literature regarding the use of silvernitrate for matricectomy. Our aim is to describe the effectiveness of silver nitrate for matrixcauterization after partial onychectomy. METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed on patients with ingrown toenailsstage 2-3 who underwent partial onychectomy with silver nitrate chemical matricectomy during 2018-2019 in our institution. All patients were evaluated in the outpatient clinic on the 7th and 30th post-operative day and a telephone evaluation was performed every 6 months afterthe surgical procedure to date. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-three patients, who underwent 231 partial onychectomies with silver nitrate chemical matricectomy were included, with a median follow-up of 21 months (interquartile range, 12-29). The procedure had an effectiveness of 95.3%, with only 11 recur-rences (4.7%) reported so far on follow-up. Postoperative infections were observed in 4 patients (1.7%). Adverse effects, such as pain and postoperative drainage, were irrelevant in mostpatients. CONCLUSIONS: Silver nitrate matricectomy after partial onychectomy is an effective and safealternative for the treatment of ingrown toenail in children, with scarce postoperative morbidityand low recurrence rate.

Treatment of retronychia: A systematic review and suggested treatment algorithm.

Retronychia is an inflammatory disorder typical of the great toes characterized by arrested nail growth, ingrowth of the nail plate into the proximal nail fold and paronychia. There is no standardized treatment for retronychia, and its management should be weighed based on the severity stage, treatment modality, and clinical outcome. In this paper, a systematic review of the literature was performed to assess all published data regarding the treatment of retronychia. A total of 231 patients from 24 studies were included in the analysis. Conservative management was adopted in mild-intermediate forms, consisting of medical (topical or intralesional high-potency corticosteroids) and podiatric treatment (taping, clipping back the onycholytic plate, orthosis), leading to a global cure rate of 41.2%, with no reported side effects. Non-conservative management, that is, chemical or surgical avulsion of the nail plate, proved resolutive in 71.2% of cases. Surgical avulsion of the nail plate produced the highest cure rate (78.2%), but was burdened by 9.6% of long-term sequelae, mainly nail dystrophies. A decision-making algorithm was designed to give clinicians treatment indications based on the severity stage of retronychia, treatment invasiveness, and possible clinical outcomes.

Efficacy and safety of phenol-based partial matricectomy in treatment of onychocryptosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Chemical matricectomy is an established treatment modality of onychocryptosis. In this meta-analysis, we studied the efficacy and safety profile of phenol-based matricectomy. We performed an electronic database search of PubMed, EMBASE and grey literature using the search terms '(onychocryptosis OR ingrown toe nail) AND (phenol OR chemical matricectomy)' from inception till 31-12-2020, for controlled clinical trials with phenol in one of the treatment arms and at least 10 participants in each arm. From the initial search of 335, eighteen articles were included in the final analysis. There were a total of 1655 patients, of which 856 received phenol as an intervention modality. We found that nail matrix phenolisation was associated with a 49 fewer number of recurrences per thousand patients compared with other modalities (OR: 0.28-0.57, CI 95%). It also had a reduction in 175 cases of discharge or haemorrhage per thousand patients compared with other modalities (OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.14-0.45). However, we found that TCA- and NaOH-based matricectomies fared better compared with phenol in incidence of postoperative discharge and haemorrhage. Patients also experienced less pain (257 fewer number per 1000, OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.43-0.63). Nearly, half of the included studies had some concerns about the risk of bias. As of now, phenol matricectomy combines a low recurrence rate with favourable adverse effect profile and is the preferred modality for matricectomy in grade II and III onychocryptosis.

Winograd surgery can be performed under partial digital block in patients with ingrown toenails.

BACKGROUND: Winograd procedures performed under a partial digital block with a single needle to the surgical side instead of the entire toe were not evaluated. This study aimed to examine the clinical results of classic ring block and partial digital block performed during Winograd procedures in cases of ingrown toenails. METHODS: A total of 210 patients underwent Winograd surgery were divided into two groups according to the type of anesthesia used as follows: traditional ring block (TRB) and partial digital block (PDB). Visual analog scale (VAS) scores, Heifetz stage patient satisfaction levels, recurrence rates, and need for reoperation were recorded. RESULTS: Compared with the PDB group, the during operation VAS score was statistically significantly higher in the TRB group (p = 0001). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of postoperative satisfaction, recurrence (p = 0294), and reoperation rates (p = 0651). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to show that adequate anesthetic efficacy can be achieved with a less invasive intervention for Winograd procedures.

The association between foot alignment and the development of ingrown toenails: A case-control study in a young adult military population.

BACKGROUND: This case-control study aimed to explore an association between foot alignment and development and presentation of the ingrown toenail. METHODS: Radiographs were evaluated for hallux interphalangeal angle (HIA), hallux valgus angle (HVA), talonavicular coverage angle (TNC), talo-first metatarsal (Meary's) angle, and calcaneal pitch angle (CP), as well as medial sesamoid position in a cohort of 103 young and healthy patients (mean age of 20.5 years) with ingrown toenails. A control group of 63 patients was included, and the radiographic parameters were compared. Subgroup analysis was performed in patients with lateral (n = 65) or medial (n = 38) nail fold involvement. RESULTS: The overall study group demonstrated a larger TNC and Meary's angle and smaller CP than the control group, while no significant difference was found regarding the HIA and HVA. The lateral nail fold group had a larger HIA when compared to the medial nail fold group. Multiple regression analysis revealed that for ingrown toenail development, the only risk factor was a decrease in the CP. In the case of lateral nail fold involvement, an increase in the HIA found to be the only factor. CONCLUSION: A lower medial longitudinal arch seems to be a predisposing factor in developing an ingrown toenail. The lateral nail fold involvement was associated with lateral deviation of the distal phalanx. The result of this study could provide information on prevention, treatment, recurrence, and patient counseling of an ingrown toenail in otherwise young and healthy individuals.

Comparison of 2 Anesthetic Techniques in Onychocryptosis Surgery of the Great Toe: A Randomized Clinical Trial. / Comparación de 2 técnicas de bloqueo anestésico en el tratamiento quirúrgico de onicocriptosis del primer dedo del pie.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Surgery for an ingrown toenail of the great toe is a common procedure that requires an anesthetic neuromuscular blockade of the entire digit. Various digital block techniques have been described, but no evidence-based recommendations on the best choice have emerged. We aimed to compare the V block to the H block in this type of surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Multicenter randomized clinical trial in patients undergoing onychocryptosis surgery between February 2018 and February 2020. We recorded sex, age, foot intervened, type of blockade used (H block or V block), efficacy 10 and 20minutes after injection of the anesthetic, and number of attempts. RESULTS: A total of 140 surgeries to treat ingrown toenails were assigned to 2 groups (H block or V block) of 70 patients each. The same anesthetic, dose, and volume were used in all cases. The V technique produced a better neuromuscular block in 7.2% more cases at 10minutes and in 12.8% more at 20minutes. CONCLUSIONS: Both block techniques are safe and effective. The V block is a good alternative to the H block in patients undergoing surgery to treat an ingrown toenail.

Distal nail embedding treatment using autogenous nails.

A regrowing nail tip after nail avulsion may excessively curve and invaginate into the nail bed. This is treated as a type of ingrown toenail, and is known as distal nail embedding. In most cases, further growth restores the original shape evenly over the nail bed. However, it is often painful and such cases may require treatment. We report a surgical approach that we applied to six cases of distal nail embedding involving pain or deformity of nails caused by a nail tip invaginating into the nail bed and/or cessation of forward nail growth. As our method involves removing a portion of the embedded tip edge nail and inserting the removed nail into the remaining depressed portion, the nail can grow over the bulge. In all six patients in whom we applied this method, the pain and nail deformity resolved and there was no recurrence. We used autogenous nails, which can reduce the pressure imbalance on a nail bed, and this contributed to improving the morphology of nails and nail beds. In addition, the risk of a hypertrophied nail is reduced because half of the nail adheres to the nail bed. Special materials are unnecessary and this method can be conducted with simple outpatient department procedures. There were no cases of a fixed nail section detaching due to a bulge at the nail tip. The inserted nail was maintained in all cases for several months until the nail grew over the bulge.

Abnormal foot angles has an association with ingrown toenail.

BACKGROUND: Onychocryptosis, frequently termed ''ingrown toenail'' is a common foot problem in routine dermatology and orthopaedic clinical practice which leads to pain and disability. Although the aetiology of ingrown toenail is not well understood various associated risk factors have been identified with the pathogenesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective investigation of 170 patients with hallux valgus and lateral border ingrown toenail of all stages. The patients were compared with a control group. The radiologic assessment in both groups included right hallux valgus angle, left hallux valgus angle, right first and second intermetatarsal angle, and left first and second intermetatarsal angle. RESULTS: There were 121 female and 49 male patients in the case group and 68 female and 32 male in the control group. The mean age of the case group was 41.1 years and 41.1 years in the control group. A statistically significant difference was found between the case and the control groups in terms of the right hallux valgus angle variable. CONCLUSION: The abnormal hallux valgus angle and the abnormal intermetatarsal angle plays an important role in ingrown toenail aetiology. The X-rays of the feet should be performed to determine the susceptibility of the patients who are admitted to the hospital for ingrown toenail in order to prevent other toes ingrown toenail and for planning the treatment of the patients with an ingrown toenail.

Terminal Syme Amputation of the Great Toe in the Pediatric Population.

BACKGROUND: In the pediatric population, chronic ingrown toenails (onychocryptosis) can cause infection (paronychia), debilitating pain, and may be unresponsive to conservative treatments. Following multiple failed interventions, a terminal Syme amputation is one option for definitive treatment of chronic onychocryptosis. This procedure involves amputation of the distal aspect of the distal phalanx of the great toe with complete removal of the nail bed and germinal center, preventing further nail growth and recurrence. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed to determine outcomes of a terminal Syme amputation in the pediatric population. Inclusion criteria included treatment of onychocryptosis involving terminal Syme amputation with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. The medical record was reviewed to assess previous failed treatment efforts, perioperative complications, radiographic outcomes, and the need for additional procedures. RESULTS: From 1984 to 2017, 11 patients (13 halluces) with onychocryptosis were treated with a terminal Syme amputation. There were no intraoperative complications. One hallux had a postoperative infection requiring antibiotics as well as partial nail regrowth following the terminal Syme procedure that required subsequent removal of the residual nail. Following partial nail ablation, the patient had no further nail growth. An additional patient also developed a postoperative infection requiring oral antibiotic treatment. All patients returned to full weight-bearing physical activities within 6 weeks of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Terminal Syme amputation was successful in treating pediatric patients who have recalcitrant onychocryptosis and paronychia. There was little functional consequence following terminal Syme amputation of the great toe in this patient population, making it an effective salvage procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-retrospective comparative study.