A nail avulsion is the removal of the fingernail or toenail. The nail may be removed by a doctor, or part of it placed back into place during the procedure. It is a standard method of addressing severe ingrown nail issues. Partial or complete loss of nails can also be caused by trauma.
An ingrown toenail can be a result of several factors. These include:
• Genetics
• Poor choice of footwear
• Fungal nail infection
• Incorrect nail trimming technique
• As a result of injury or trauma
People suffering from the listed conditions may be suitable for a partial nail avulsion.
A full nail avulsion is recommended in cases where:
• The toenails are deformed
• The situation involves a severe case of ingrown toenail
• There is severe trauma to the nail area
A doctor is best positioned to decide on the appropriate method to address an issue, depending on its severity.
It has been observed that fingernails and toenails experience regrowth within 5 to 10 months after a nail avulsion procedure. While other observations estimate it to be between 4 to 5 months for fingernails and 10 to 18 months for the toenails.
Causes of injuries run the gamut from a dropped object, pinched or stubbed to punctures and cuts. The most common ones are:
Subungual hematoma
This is typically when the finger is slammed by a hammer. The finger turns into a throbbing black and blue. This is because the blood is trapped under the nail. A hematoma isn’t much of a concern if it’s small, but if it covers about half of your nail area, it needs to be drained by a doctor.
Nail bed avulsion
This is when the nail is partially or entirely removed due to an accident. It can be painful and is usually accompanied by swelling and bleeding. Cases like this require immediate medical attention, where the doctor will assess and apply the appropriate treatment.
Nail bed laceration
A laceration is a serious cut which happens when objects like a saw, scissors and others are dropped on the nails. Treatment to be applied depends on the type and extent of the injury, which may include using glue or stitching the area.
A Medical Nail Avulsion is a procedure involving the partial or complete removal of nails. It is generally painless and may take several weeks to complete. Outside of medical nail avulsion, the nails can also be partly or entirely removed due to trauma (accident, for example).
Ingrown toenails can be a serious issue if not addressed and may recur if not treated properly. They usually result in swelling, pain, redness and even pain. The causes of an ingrown toenail include:
• Genetics
• Improper toenail trimming
• Poor hygiene
• Ill-fitting footwear
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
The likelihood of being afflicted by ingrown toenails increases in individuals suffering from diabetes, arthritis, obesity, and nail fungal infection. Those with foot or toe deformities are also likely to experience the issue.
There are several things an individual can do, and these include:
• Keeping the nail bed dry and clean
• Cover the area with petroleum jelly and bandage until the nail has grown back or the nail bed is firm - remember to change the dressing each time the bandage gets wet
• Look for signs such as increasing heat, redness, pain, swelling, tenderness and pus discharge. If these occur, see a doctor immediately
Cover the area with a thin layer of petroleum jelly and apply the bandage. Remember to reapply both each time it gets wet. Do not scrub or soak the affected area.
In general, toenails grow slower than fingernails. It has been observed that fingernails and toenails regrow within 5 to 10 months after a nail avulsion procedure. While other observations indicate it is between 4 to 5 months for fingernails and 10 to 18 months for toenails.
A patient can expect the following:
• The procedure is to be done in a clinic
• The procedure is to take no more than 30 minutes
• Should there be any discomfort, the issue can be addressed with painkillers.