Why simply removing the nail doesn't help
An ingrown nail is the result of ingrowth of the edge of the plate into the soft tissue of the cushion, followed by inflammation and proliferation of granulations. Simply removing the nail provides temporary relief: the plate grows back in 6–9 months and grows back again, because the cause—the shape of the nail and the excess ridge—has not been eliminated. Radical surgery removes only the growing edge of the plate along with the corresponding part of the growth zone (matrix) and corrects the nail fold. The nail is preserved, becoming slightly narrower, and relapse is unlikely. The intervention is performed under local finger anesthesia and takes 20–40 minutes.
Why bandaging is a medical procedure
Dressing is not just changing a bandage. At each visit, the surgeon assesses the condition of the wound: how is healing going, are there any signs of suppuration, dehiscence, or necrosis. It is during dressing that complications are most often identified, which at home go unnoticed until a severe stage.
In addition, the selection of the drug depends on the phase of the wound process: in the inflammation phase, some drugs are needed, in the granulation phase - completely different ones. Using a “universal” ointment at all stages slows down healing.
Clean and purulent wounds behave differently
- clean wound - sutured, heals by primary intention, dressings are less frequent, the task is not to cause infection
- purulent wound - requires daily treatment, washing, removal of discharge and necrotic tissue
When are the stitches removed?
The duration depends on the location and blood supply to the tissues: on the face - 4-6 days, on the torso - 7-10, on the limbs and in the joint area - 10-14 days. Removal too early leads to separation of the edges, too late - to a rough scar with transverse marks from the threads.