Nail Phenolisation for Ingrowing toe nails

ABOUT THE PHENOL PROCEDURE FOR INGROWING TOENAILS

If you have an ingrowing toe nail (IGTN) then one of the most reliable operations is the "phenolisation procedure".  In simple terms it involves using a chemical to stop the nail spike growing again.

 

DO I NEED AN ANAESTHETIC?

The procedure can be performed under local anaesthetic or if you are worried about the injections we can arrange a general anaesthetic or sedation.

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IS THE PROCEDURE SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN?

The procedure itself is suitable for children and Mr Metcalfe is fully qualified to look after children.  It is important to think about the type of anaesthetic however. Most children over ten years old are ok with a local anaesthetic.

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WHEN IS THIS PROCEDURE UNSUITABLE?

You should not normally have this operation performed if:

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• You have poor healing (Diabetes, Take steroids)

• If you have had the operation done previously on the same toe

• You have severe infection

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WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE OPERATION?

You go home with a small bandage on the toe and will be asked to follow some straight-forward instructions afterwards.

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WILL THE PROBLEM COME BACK?

The procedure is 95% successful and does not usually come back.

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WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I DON'T GET THE INGROWING NAIL FIXED?

The simple truth is that the infection will spread and can result in bone infection.