Which procedure is commonly performed to treat an ingrown toenail?

Which procedure is commonly performed to treat an ingrown toenail?

• A. Routine wound irrigation only
• B. Nail polishing and topical medication
• C. Partial nail avulsion of the involved corner
• D. Complete toe amputation

Answer: (C)

Ingrown toenails are caused by the nail edge growing into the surrounding skin, which drives pain and inflammation. The treatment focuses on removing the part of the nail that is causing the pressure while preserving as much of the nail as possible so normal function and appearance can return quickly. The commonly performed procedure is a partial nail avulsion of the involved corner, where the side edge of the nail is removed. This relieves the pressure immediately and, if needed, may include destroying the nail matrix on that side to prevent regrowth and recurrence. The other approaches don’t address the underlying nail growth: irrigation alone doesn’t fix the nail edge, polishing or topical meds don’t correct the structural problem, and removing the entire toe is far too extensive for an ingrown nail.

Ingrown toenails are caused by the nail edge growing into the surrounding skin, which drives pain and inflammation. The treatment focuses on removing the part of the nail that is causing the pressure while preserving as much of the nail as possible so normal function and appearance can return quickly. The commonly performed procedure is a partial nail avulsion of the involved corner, where the side edge of the nail is removed. This relieves the pressure immediately and, if needed, may include destroying the nail matrix on that side to prevent regrowth and recurrence. The other approaches don’t address the underlying nail growth: irrigation alone doesn’t fix the nail edge, polishing or topical meds don’t correct the structural problem, and removing the entire toe is far too extensive for an ingrown nail.