Imaging features for the evaluation of skin and nail infections.

Clinical manifestations of dermatological and musculoskeletal conditions can sometimes overlap, leading to confusion in diagnosis. Patients with nail and skin infections may undergo imaging examinations with suspicions of muscle, tendon, or joint injuries. Dermatological infections often involve soft tissues and musculoskeletal structures, and their etiology can range from fungi, bacteria, viruses, to protozoa. Relying solely on physical examination may not be sufficient for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, necessitating the use of complementary imaging exams. The objective of this paper is to present and discuss imaging findings of the main infectious conditions affecting the nail apparatus and skin. The paper also highlights the importance of imaging in clarifying diagnostic uncertainties and guiding appropriate treatment for dermatological conditions.

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.

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.

Electrodessication Matricectomy With Modified Hyfrecator Tip: Case Series and Literature Review.

Nail matricectomy is indicated in the management of painful onychodystrophies, including recalcitrant onychocryptosis, onychogryphosis, onychauxis, and refractory onychomycosis. Although many matricectomy methods have been described, with phenolization being the best studied, no one method has clearly emerged as superior. We present a series of 14 patients who underwent a total of 18 matricectomies with either phenolization or electrodessication (ED) in a private dermatology office, and describe a simple and effective variation of the ED technique using a modified hyfrecator tip. A video demonstration of this technique is included. We also describe ED matricectomy in the context of a review of the literature, ascertaining recurrence rates, complication rates, healing time, and patient satisfaction. The nuances of technique specifics (such as the use of adjunct methods and antibiotics), as well as outcome predictors and measurements have been highlighted. We found ED to be comparable to other forms of matricectomy, with the advantages of ease of use, minimal complications, and good satisfaction rates.

[Unguis incarnatus-conservative or operative treatment? A practical treatment algorithm]. / Unguis incarnatus ­ konservative oder operative Therapie? Ein praktischer Behandlungsalgorithmus.

Unguis incarnatus, an ingrown toenail, is a common condition in primary care, which is encountered by various medical professions. Inconsistent conservative treatment and nonindicated surgical treatment often result in complications and recurrence of the disease. Patients must be thoroughly informed about the complexity of the nail organ. This is a prerequisite to prevent trivialization of the disease and to achieve appropriate patient compliance for treatment. In this article a practical diagnostic and treatment algorithm for unguis incarnatus is presented. In mild cases of acute unguis incarnatus a consistent conservative treatment is the first-line strategy showing promising results. In cases of moderate to severe forms of acute unguis incarnatus, surgical procedures that preserve the nail matrix should be applied. For cases of chronic unguis incarnatus without an acute infection, elective partial matrixectomy can be indicated. Prior to any surgical intervention, detailed informed consent must be obtained from the patients.

The Recurrence of Onychocryptosis when Treated with Phenolization: Does Phenol Application Time Play a Role? A Follow-Up Study on 622 Procedures.

INTRODUCTION: Chemical matricectomy using phenol (CMP) is a recognized treatment option for onychocryptosis. However, the appropriate phenol application time to achieve nail matrix destruction is still unknown. Optimal ablation leads to low recurrence rates. The aim of this research was to assess the recurrence rate of onychocryptosis in a cohort of 622 consecutive patients treated with a 4-min CMP. METHODS: We recruited all patients undergoing a 4-min CMP for onychocryptosis at the Istituto Podologico Italiano, Rome, Italy, in 2008-2017. Postoperative follow-up visits were set at 24 h, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. We used adjusted logistic regression to evaluate the potential risk factors for the disease recurrence including age, gender, toe shape, comorbidities, and disease localization. RESULTS: The risk of recurrence in all patients treated with a 4-min CMP was 1.1% (n = 622, 95% CI = 0.5%-2.3%). In the subgroup of patients with cardiovascular disease (n = 39) the recurrence risk was 5.1% (95% CI = 0.61-7.3). Young age was also associated with increased odds of recurrence (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: In this observational study, 4 min with no interruptions seems to be the appropriate application time of phenol when using CMP for the treatment of onychocryptosis. A randomized controlled trial should be carried out to confirm our results.

Risk Factors and Frequency of Ingrown Nails in Adult Diabetic Patients.

The present study evaluated the properties of nails, frequency of ingrown nails in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), risk factors for developing ingrown nails, and effect of diabetic polyneuropathy and vasculopathy on the development and outcome of ingrown nails. Our 6-month epidemiologic prospective study included 300 patients with type 2 DM attending a DM outpatient clinic for routine examinations. The general characteristics and foot changes of the study population were investigated. Diabetic polyneuropathy and vasculopathy were evaluated using a biothesiometer, monofilament tests, and arterial Doppler ultrasonography. The frequency of ingrown nails was 13.6%. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression showed that body mass index (odds ratio [OR] 1.077, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.007 to 1.15; p = .03), previous trauma (OR 2.828, 95% CI 1.017 to 7,867, p = .042), a weak dorsalis pedis pulse (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.17 to 6.30, p = .02), trimming type (OR 2.3, 95 CI 1.06 to 4.98), p = .35), onychogryphosis (OR 9.036, 95% CI 2.34 to 34.87, p = .001), and subungual hyperkeratosis (OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.99 to 9.3, p = .001) were predictive variables for ingrown nails in our population. The incidence of onychomycosis was significantly greater in patients with ingrown nails (p = .032) than in patients without ingrown nails. The nail curvature ratio was greater in the patients with ingrown nails than in the group with normal nails. Arterial Doppler ultrasound examinations showed peripheral arterial disease in 19 patients (46.9%) with ingrown nails. The prevalence of ingrown nails was greater in the patients with DM than in the healthy population. Our results indicate that nail type, nail morphology, and diabetic vasculopathy affect the formation and evolution of ingrown nails.

Sonography of Dermatologic Emergencies.

Dermatologic conditions may be the subjects of potential emergency consultations, and the knowledge of their sonographic appearance can facilitate an early diagnosis and management. In this pictorial essay, the sonographic dermatologic anatomy, technique, and conditions that can be supported by a prompt sonographic diagnosis are reviewed. The sonographic signs that may help diagnose these entities are discussed with a practical approach.

Winograd Method Versus Winograd Method With Electrocoagulation in the Treatment of Ingrown Toenails.

An important component of the Winograd surgical method for an ingrown toenail is total excision of the associated germinal matrix. However, this might not always be accomplished with the procedure. We hypothesized that the surgical results might be improved by adding electrocoagulation of the germinal matrix to the Winograd method. The objective of the present study was to compare the recurrence, satisfaction, and complication rates of the Winograd method with those of the Winograd method with electrocoagulation. We retrospectively evaluated the records of 102 patients with single Heifetz stage 2 or 3 ingrown toenails who had undergone surgery from January 2013 to October 2014 using 1 of these 2 methods. Of the 102 patients, 50 (49%) underwent the Winograd method and 52 (51%) underwent the Winograd method with electrocoagulation. The mean follow-up period of our patients was 12 (range 6 to 22) months. An ingrown toenail recurred in 3 patients (6%) in the Winograd group and in no patient in the Winograd with electrocoagulation group (p = .04). Among the patients in the Winograd group, 46 (92.0%) were satisfied or very satisfied. Among the patients in the Winograd plus electrocoagulation group, 49 (94.2%) were satisfied or very satisfied (p = .04). No complications developed in either group. In conclusion, the Winograd method for ingrown toenails results in high satisfaction rates, low recurrence rates, and low complication rates. The addition of electrocoagulation of the germinal matrix to the Winograd method could result in even lower recurrence rates, while maintaining high patient satisfaction and without increasing the risk of complications.

Hábitos podológicos en personas con alteraciones ungueales.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of onychocryptosis and onychomycosis confirmed by culture in subjects attending a Podiatric University Hospital and to describe their podiatric habits. METHOD: Cross-sectional study of prevalence. The study was carried out at the Clinic University of Podology of A Coruna University (Ferrol, Spain). Review of 1082 clinical histories, of which 170 were selected, persons who had onychocryptosis diagnosed clinically. The presence of onychomycosis confirmed by cultivation, presence of onychocryptosis through clinical diagnosis and a questionnaire was handed out of podologic habits. RESULTS: Mean age of the total sample (n = 1082) was 47.9 ± 22.1 years. Prevalence of onychocryptosis was 15.7% (n = 170) with a mean age of 54.1 ± 20.1 years and with a significantly higher affectation in women and people under 65. Prevalence of onychomycosis was 17.6% (n = 30), mean age 59.5 ± 20.5 years with greater involvement in women and people over 65 years. With regard to the questionnaire of habits, the footwear more employee was the closed, cordoned off and heel flat. The majority of the subject came to a podiatrist for the first time; walked approximately 1 hour and their daily activity made of foot with short displacements. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of onychocryptosis and onychomycosis in people attending Podiatric services has been found. For its part using a type of flat or low heel and who does the care of toenails are shown as predictive variables of onychomycosis.

Super U Technique for Ingrown Nails. / Exéresis en U para la onicocriptosis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Ingrown nails are a common problem, seen mostly in young adults. Also known as onychcrypotisis, this condition typically affects the great toenail. Four stages have been defined according to the severity and duration of the condition, and treatment varies from conservative to surgical techniques depending on the stage. We present our experience with this condition, describing the characteristics of our population and surgical treatment, in particular the super U technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective, descriptive study of patients with ingrown great toenail treated surgically using the super U technique. We also describe postoperative management. RESULTS: Ten patients with a mean age of 35.7 years underwent operation, 9 for unilateral ingrown great toenail and 1 for bilateral disease. Stage II ingrown nail was the most common. Half of the patients had been treated previously using other surgical techniques. The mean time to healing was 6 weeks. The only postoperative complication was infection in 1 patient. Mild to moderate postoperative pain persisted for a week. The majority of patients were satisfied with the cosmetic result. CONCLUSIONS: We believe the super U technique is very useful in stage II ingrown nail and in disease that has recurred after previous surgery, and is the treatment of choice in stage III or IV disease in which excessive hypertrophic tissue is found.

Toenail paronychia.

Paronychia is an inflammation of the tissues alongside the nail. It may be acute or chronic and can be seen in isolation or in association with an ingrowing toenail. Acute paronychial infections develop when a disruption occurs between the seal of the nail fold and the nail plate, providing a portal of entry for invading organisms. The treatment of paronychia associated with an ingrowing toenail is aimed at treating the causal toenail. In paronychia not associated with an ingrowing toenail, antibiotics may cure an early infection but surgical drainage of an abscess is often required. In this case, an intra-sulcal approach is preferable to a nail fold incision. Chronic paronychia is less common in the feet than in the hands. It is a form of contact dermatitis and is frequently non-infective, however the chronically irritated tissue may become secondarily colonised by fungi. A dermatology consultation should be obtained for suspected chronic paronychia. Patients with chronic paronychia that is unresponsive to standard treatment should be investigated for unusual causes, such as malignancy. An algorithm for the treatment of paronychia is presented in this review.

Comparison of wedge resection (Winograd procedure) and wedge resection plus complete nail plate avulsion in the treatment of ingrown toenails.

The present retrospective study compared the efficacy of wedge resection (Winograd procedure) and wedge resection plus complete nail plate avulsion for the treatment of ingrown toenails (onychocryptosis). Two surgical methods were performed in 95 patients with a stage 2 or 3 ingrown toenail. Each patient was examined weekly until healing and then at 1, 6, and 12 months of follow-up. The outcomes measured were surgical duration, healing time, recurrence rate, the incidence of postoperative infection, and cosmetic appearance after surgery. Of the 95 patients (115 ingrown toenails) included in the present study, 39 (41.1%) underwent wedge resection (Winograd procedure) and 56 (59%), wedge resection plus complete nail plate avulsion. The mean surgical duration for wedge resection (Winograd procedure) and wedge resection plus complete nail plate avulsion was 14.9 ± 2.4 minutes and 15.1 ± 3.2 minutes, respectively (p = .73). The corresponding healing times were 2.8 ± 1.2 weeks and 2.7 ± 1.3 weeks (p = .70). Recurrence developed in 3 (3.2%) patients after wedge resection (Winograd procedure) and in 4 (4.2%) after wedge resection plus complete nail plate avulsion. In addition, postoperative infection occurred in 3 (3.2%) patients after wedge resection (Winograd procedure) and 2 (2.1%) after wedge resection plus complete nail plate avulsion. Both of the surgical procedures were practical and appropriate for the treatment of ingrown toenails, being simple and associated with low morbidity and a high success rate. However, cosmetically, wedge resection (Winograd procedure) would be the better choice because the nail plate remains intact.

Improved Patient Outcomes with Electrocauterization Following Wedge Resection and Curettage for Ingrown Toenails: A Prospective Comparative Study.

Background Ingrown toenail is a common condition that results in chronic pain, recurrent infections, and difficulty in performing daily activities. Our aim is to compare two surgical methods for the treatment of ingrown toenails: wedge resection with curetting versus wedge resection curetting followed by electrocauterization of the nail bed. Methods A prospective, comparative study that included 130 patients with ingrown toenails. All patients had stage II or III disease. We divided the participants into two groups according to the type of surgery and all patients were followed up for 6 months. The outcomes measured were the incidence of postoperative bleeding and infection, recovery time, patient satisfaction, and recurrence rate 6 months after surgery. Results Of the 130 patients included, 59 (45.4%) underwent excision and curetting of the nail matrix (group 1) and 71 (54.6%) underwent excision, curetting, and electrocauterization of the nail matrix (group 2). The postoperative infection rates were 20.3 and 4.2% in the first and second groups, respectively ( p = 0.004). Patient satisfaction was 76.3% among the first group, while 91.5% of patients in the second group were satisfied with the results of surgery. Six months postoperatively, recurrence rates were 25.4 and 4.2% in the first and second groups, respectively ( p = 0.001). Conclusion Wedge excision and curettage, followed by electrocauterization of the ingrown toenail is a safe treatment modality with a high success rate, that is evident by a lower recurrence rate, and greater patient satisfaction, with no effect on postoperative pain score or recovery time.

A survey of the treatment and management of ingrown toenails by UK podiatrists: A cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Ingrown toenails are a common pathology. Although a range of conservative and surgical measures are widely used for this condition, little is known about their use in practice. This study explored current practice relating to the treatment or management of ingrown toenails by podiatrists in the UK. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey (Qualtrics, Provo, UT, USA) conducted between March to June 2020 was distributed to practicing podiatrists treating or managing ingrown toenails in the UK. RESULTS: A total of 396 practicing podiatrists responded (60.1% based in the private sector). The majority (88.6%) performed nail surgery most commonly (54.3%) less than five a month. Nearly all (95%) only performed nail avulsion with or without chemical matrixectomy, universally using phenol (97.2%). Application time and number of applications varied but was most commonly applied three times (61.5%) for a total of 3 minutes (75%). Aftercare varied considerably between public and private sectors, with public sectors offering fewer follow-up appointments. CONCLUSIONS: Although there is a variation in clinical practice throughout the treatment pathway, almost all respondents offered nail avulsion with phenol matrixectomy, whereas very few provided incisional nail surgery. This data provides the most comprehensive description of how UK podiatrists conduct nail surgery for onychocryptosis.

Comparative efficacy of modified Noel's technique and matrix phenolization on onychocryptosis: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Onychocryptosis is a common pathological condition requiring clinical intervention. Selecting an appropriate and effective treatment based on individual patient circumstances is crucial. METHODS: We compared the efficacy and safety of the modified Noel's technique and matrix phenolization in 107 participants with onychocryptosis. Participants were divided into two groups: 75 nails (73 patients) were treated with the modified Noel's technique (modified Noel's group), while 42 nails (34 patients) were treated with matrix phenolization (Phenol group). Outcomes on clinical cure rates and postoperative complications from both groups were collected. Additionally, the efficacy of the modified Noel's technique was assessed in 31 nails with stage IV onychocryptosis. RESULTS: After 18 months, among the remaining 102 patients (110 nails), the modified Noel's group exhibited fewer complications (5.88% vs. 45.2%, P < 0.001) with similar cure rates (P = 0.62). Furthermore, there was a shorter healing time in the modified Noel's group (13.5 ± 1.4 vs. 27.6 ± 2.3 days, P < 0.001). Postoperative pain was notable in the modified Noel's group on the first postoperative day (P < 0.001), with a significant decrease in the pain score 2 weeks after surgery (P = 0.407). Postoperative nail plate narrowing was observed in the Phenol group (33%). Moreover, the modified Noel's technique achieved a 100% cure rate in stage IV patients. CONCLUSIONS: The modified Noel's technique, offering precise excision of the proliferative nail fold and strategic suturing, is suitable for stage IV patients and for those who find significant aesthetic impact unacceptable following narrowed plate postmatrix phenolization.

Surgical Strategies for Ingrown Toenails: A Comprehensive Review of Techniques, Outcomes, and Advancements.

Ingrown toenail (IGTN), known as onychocryptosis or unguis incarnatus, is a painful condition affecting the big toe, with symptoms including pain, inflammation, and infection. This review explores surgical options for IGTN, categorized into altering the nail plate or diminishing periungual tissues. Conservative treatments alleviate early-stage symptoms, while surgical interventions are reserved for severe cases. Various surgical techniques are discussed, such as the Winograd technique, Vandenbos procedure, chemical matricectomy, radiofrequency ablation, bipolar diathermy, carbon dioxide laser ablation, Zadik's procedure, Howard-Dubois procedure, Super U procedure, Noël's procedure, knot technique, and toenail paronychium flap. The choice of procedure depends on the severity and recurrence of IGTN.