Surgical options in the management of ingrown toenails in paediatric age group

Background and objectiveThe problem of ingrown toenails is worldwide, affecting all age groups. The aim of this study was to review the different surgical modalities for ingrown toenails in the paediatric age group in a hospital.MethodsWe reviewed case series of 66 children with 89 affected toes, under 16 years of age. The patients were followed up for up to 18 months. The treatment methods practised were: (1) nail avulsion with or without nail matrix ablation using phenol and (2) wedge excision with or without nail matrix ablation using phenol or thermal ablation.ResultsWe found a recurrence rate of 3% for those treated with wedge excision alone compared to 30% when treated with wedge excision and phenol ablation (p = 0.001). Infection rate was also higher for wedge excision with phenol ablation. We achieved cure rate of 97% when using wedge excision alone and 70% when phenol was used for nail matrix ablation.ConclusionWe advocate wedge excision as primary treatment of ingrown toenails in children. We would not recommend phenol ablation of the nail matrix in younger patients as it increases both infection and recurrence rates. The results of nail bed ablation with diathermy appear promising.