Ingrown Toenail Treatment St. Catharines — Minimally Invasive, Fast, Lasting Relief

Signs and symptoms

• Pain and tenderness along the nail edge

• Redness, swelling, or drainage (yellow or bloody)

• Difficulty wearing shoes or walking; unpleasant odour

Common causes

• Trauma to the toe

• Poorly fitting shoes

• Naturally curved or thick nails that predispose the nail to dig into the skin

• Improper trimming

An ingrown nail behaves like a foreign body that pierces the skin and can introduce infection. If left untreated—especially in people with diabetes or poor circulation—an infection can spread and, in severe cases, lead to bone infection.

Without proper care, the nail can continue to grow into the toe, causing chronic pain and recurrent infection. In high-risk patients (for example, those with diabetes or peripheral vascular disease) an untreated infection can progress, sometimes requiring IV antibiotics or more invasive surgery. Prompt treatment reduces complications and speeds recovery. Ignoring the problem will not make it go away.

Overview: Antibiotics may temporarily reduce infection, but the ingrown nail border must usually be removed to prevent recurrence. Below are the common procedures we offer; “permanent” means the nail root is destroyed chemically to prevent regrowth, while “temporary” means the nail will likely grow back.

Debridement (Trimming)

What it is: Regular trimming and gentle buffing of the curved nail corners.
When we use it: For mild cases where surgery can be avoided. We evaluate each patient and prefer conservative care when appropriate.

Slant‑Back Procedure (Wedge Resection)

What it is: A small wedge of the nail edge is removed.
Notes: Often done without local anesthetic but with a topical cold spray for comfort; provides temporary relief and may not prevent regrowth if the nail root is involved.

Permanent Partial Nail Avulsion

What it is: The most common definitive treatment when trimming isn’t enough. A small sliver (about 3 mm) of nail including the root is removed, and a chemical is applied to the nail root to prevent regrowth.
Benefits: High long‑term success and permanent relief for the treated nail border.

Temporary Partial Nail Avulsion

What it is: Similar to the permanent partial avulsion but without chemical destruction of the root.
When we use it: For first‑time ingrown nails or when slower healing is expected due to medical conditions. Relief typically lasts months, but regrowth is likely.

Total Nail Avulsion

What it is: Removal of the entire nail, performed temporarily or permanently.
When we use it: When both nail borders are affected or the nail is very small.

Comfort and safety: We only proceed when you are fully comfortable. Local anesthetic is used to numb the toe so the procedure is pain‑free.
Aftercare: We review wound care instructions and provide a dressing kit with gauze, bandages and provide a prescription for an antibiotic cream.
Follow up: We typically schedule a follow‑up to confirm proper healing in a couple of weeks and answer any questions.