An ingrown nail is a problem that can occur in both an adult and a child. If nothing is done with the affected limb, then in the future the nail plate will be distorted, its structure will change. And then the inflammatory process can spread to the bone, and then - entirely to the foot. To prevent this from happening, you need to fix the problem in time. Doctors often suggest that the patient remove the affected nail. Today we find out in what ways this can be done and what is the price of the issue. And also find out what people think about the laser and radio wave method of eliminating the affected horn plate.
Reasons to Get Rid
Removal of nails is carried out only when ointments, creams and other drugs do not cure the problem. In the following situations, the horn plate must be completely disposed of:
- Fungal disease. Sometimes no medications, ointments bring results. Due to the defeat of the fungus, the nail is strongly deformed, it becomes yellow or gray. In this case, plate removal is recommended. A dermatologist cleanses the skin under the nail bed, removes fungal pathogens.
- Ingrown horn plate. The problem is characterized by unpleasant symptoms such as pain while walking, redness of the finger, swollen side rollers. In this situation, a fungal infection may develop further . If the nail grows on the thumb, then the doctor often makes the decision to remove the plate.
- Household injury, which entailed a change in the color of the nail, suppuration, the inflammatory process in the secondary formation of the skin. To prevent serious infection, doctors advise getting rid of a wounded keratinized plate.
Therapies
Nail removal can be carried out by methods such as:
- Using a laser.
- The use of keratolytic patch.
- Surgical elimination of the horn plate.
- Radio wave method.
Laser method
If a person grows a nail on the thumb (or on any other), then this method will help to rectify this situation painlessly. Using a laser, a specialist removes the damaged area of the plate, eliminating the inflammation that arose at the site of ingrowth. At the same time, healthy tissues remain intact. If the fungus is the cause of ingrowth, then after laser exposure it is completely removed, because the radiation has a sterilizing effect.
Laser removal usually takes no more than 30 minutes.
The advantages of this method:
- Painless procedure.
- High degree of effectiveness.
- Simultaneous disposal of the affected nail and fungal infection.
- Lack of relapse and bleeding.
- Fast rehabilitation.
This method also has disadvantages. Laser therapy can not be used in relation to people who have problems with blood coagulation, as well as diabetes.
Surgical method
This method is a short operation, which usually takes up to 30 minutes. The doctor introduces a local pain medication, removes part of the damaged nail or the entire plate. Then the specialist applies a bandage.
Partial resection is done when there is a thickening of the nail roller, but the nail itself does not fester. Complete excision is performed in case of suppuration of soft tissues.
Cons of the method:
- Wound healing and changing dressings occur until a new nail grows. Sometimes it can take several months.
- Accidental damage during mini-surgery of the entire germinal area of the nail. After this, a recurrence of the problem may occur, or the horn plate will not grow at all.
Plus of the method: suppuration of bone tissue can be prevented.
Currently, surgical removal of nails is extremely rare.
Use of a keratolytic patch
This method is widely used in outpatient practice. A keratolytic patch is often used when several nails or the entire plate are affected.
The composition of a keratolytic agent includes such chemical elements as urea and salicylic acid. Before fixing the patch, it is necessary to remove the upper shiny layer with a nail file, and glue the skin around the nail with adhesive tape. The medical sticker is applied to the sore spot, after 3 days it is replaced by a new one. After each replacement, it is necessary to carefully clean the affected areas of the nail with scissors or nippers, as well as clean the nail bed from deposits.
Radio wave method
This method is not traumatic. To get rid of the nail, radio waves are used here. The duration of therapy takes no more than 8 minutes.
Before starting the radio wave procedure, the doctor conducts local anesthesia. Then it removes the problem parts of the horn plate, and processes the nail growth site with a radio wave. Then the specialist applies a sterile dressing to the affected area to prevent infection.
Advantages of the method:
- Quick healing.
- High efficiency.
- Low degree of trauma.
- Lack of relapse.
- Fast recovery period.
- No need to change the dressing.
- After this procedure, the finger looks aesthetically pleasing.
Laser Removal Technique Reviews
Those people who prefer this method of nail elimination, evaluate it differently. So, some people think that this is the most suitable method. People quickly return to normal after a laser. Removing nails in this way has opponents. So, some patients note that after exposure to the laser, their nails became like waves. Also, people write that during the manipulation a strong smell of burning, set fire to meat is felt. Still patients note that relapses after this method are possible, and they are indeed observed.
Reviews on the radio wave method
Removing nails in this way has a lot of positive feedback. People who have decided on this method of eliminating the affected plate, note that no relapse or side effects after the manipulation are observed. True, this happens only when a mini-operation is done by a qualified doctor. There are several negative opinions of people writing that after the radio wave method, the recovery period lasts a long time. But if you follow all the doctor’s prescriptions and pay attention to your health, then no negative moments will arise.
Proper care after removing the nail plate
After any procedure, the operated nail needs care and rest. In order for the recovery period to be effective and efficient, you must adhere to the following rules:
- Try not to transfer body weight to a sore limb.
- If a toenail has been removed , try to ensure peace with the problematic horn plate.
- If necessary, take painkillers.
- Disinfect hands thoroughly before pedicure or dressing.
- Always wear clean socks, as well as comfortable shoes throughout the rehabilitation period.
- Be sure to ask a specialist if you can take a shower.
Nail removal: price of the procedure
The cost of a mini-operation can be different and depends on such parameters as:
- The location of the clinic.
- The presence of modern equipment.
- The technique of manipulation.
- Disease congestion.
So, for example, the cost of a laser procedure can range from 2.5 to 6 thousand rubles. If you remove the affected nail plate by the radio wave method, then the person should be ready to pay for the operation from 4 to 7 thousand rubles.
Conclusion
From this article, you learned everything about a procedure such as removing a nail. The issue price, the applied resection techniques, the pros and cons of each were considered. Judging by the reviews, people like the result after the radio wave method. True, this method is the most expensive of the existing ones. Laser removal of the affected nail has both supporters and opponents. This method can be advised only if a competent doctor takes up the job.