Incision & Drainage Procedure for Ingrown Toenails

Incision and drainage is a procedure performed on infected toenails, such as paronychias. When performing an incision and drainage (I&D) on a infected toenail, it usually does not involve an actual incision.

The procedure is outlined below:

1. The toe with the infected toenail is numbed with local anesthetic at the base of the digit allowing the patient the ability to tolerate the drainage of the infection.

2. A small sliver of toenail from one or both sides (and sometimes the entire toenail) is removed. When the portion of the nail is appropriately removed, the nail border or nail bed is inspected for any remaining pieces of toenail that may be causing infection to be present. All pus and fluid is drained from the nail and disinfected.

It should be noted that when infection is present, a chemical matrixectomy cannot be performed. If a chemical is used to the kill or destroy the nail matrix from which the nail plate grows, this can create a small “burn” area.

It should also be noted that patients who have an I&D performed must realize that there is a high probability that the nail border may come back ingrown again. Therefore, it is important to return to our office before the toenail becomes infected again and have a chemical matrixectomy performed. This will ultimately prevent re-growth of the ingrown toenail.

If you have an infected toenail, please call 972-542-2155 to schedule an appointment immediately.

Dr. Eric Silvers is a highly-trained foot and ankle surgeon specializing in the treatment and resolution of toenail pathologies.

He has offices located in McKinney, TX & Prosper, TX.

Please call 972-542-2155 to schedule an appointment today!