Nail Avulsion
Total nail removal or avulsion is indicated in:
1. Long standing fungal nail infection not responding to treatment such as topicals or oral antifungals. The nail can be removed surgically or by way of application of a chemical usually left on for a week.
2. Subungal hematoma – The procedure is not commonplace for this condition unless blood under the nail is causing too much pain or the nail is already partially dislodged from nail bed causing discomfort or inconvenience.
After the nail is removed it can be quite sensitive and needs good aftercare.
- Ingrown toenails
- Pincer nails especially if causing pain on weight bearing
There will be a dressing applied that may need to be changed twice a week.
Chemical Nail Removal
Concentrated Urea is applied onto the affected nail. This is preferably left on for around a week with a dressing. Although, sometimes the dressing inevitably falls off especially for smaller nails.
Subsequently, the nail becomes soft and brittle enough for removal by paring. This non-surgical option has lesser pain and downtime but may need to be repeated again especially if some parts of the nail are too thick.
This treatment is done for recalcitrant fungal nail infections failing topical antifungal treatment and sometimes oral medications. The procedure has small risk of causing irritation to the skin on the sides of the nail.
Mount Alvernia Hospital
820 Thomson Road
St Anne Mother & Child Centre
#02-81
Singapore 574623
Opening hours
Monday to Friday:
8.30am to 5pm
Saturday (2nd and 4th):
8.30am to 12noon
Phone or WhatsApp
(65) 91252808