Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Fingernail or Toenail Removal, Adult
Fingernail or Toenail Removal, Adult
Fingernail or Toenail Removal, Adult
Fingernail or toenail removal is a procedure to remove a person’s nail. This may be done because of an injury, accident, or medical condition. It may be needed when the nail has not grown in the right way. The nail may also be ingrown, infected, or damaged.
Tell a healthcare provider about:
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Any allergies you have.
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All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbal medicines, eye drops, creams and over-the-counter medicines.
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Any problems you or family members have had with anaesthetics.
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Any bleeding problems you have.
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Any surgeries you have had.
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Any medical conditions you have. This includes diabetes.
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Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
What are the risks?
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Bleeding.
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Infection.
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Allergic reactions to medicines.
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Damage to nearby structures.
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The nail growing back in the wrong way.
What happens before the procedure?
Medicines
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Changing or stopping your regular medicines. These include any diabetes medicines or blood thinners you take.
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Taking medicines such as aspirin and NSAIDs. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take them unless your healthcare provider tells you to.
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Taking over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal medicines and other supplements.
Surgery safety
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How your surgical site will be marked.
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What steps will be taken to help prevent infection. These steps may include:
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Washing skin with a soap that kills germs.
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Receiving or applying antibiotics.
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What happens during the procedure?
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You may be given:
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Local anaesthesia. This will numb certain areas of your body.
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A tool will be inserted under the nail to lift it up.
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An incision may be made in your nail.
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The nail will be removed.
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A bandage (dressing) will be put over the area where the nail was.
The procedure may vary among healthcare providers and clinics.
What happens after the procedure?
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If you had a fingernail removed, you may be given a finger splint to wear while you recover.
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If you had a toenail removed, you may be given a surgical shoe to wear while you recover.
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You may need to keep your hand or foot raised (elevated) or supported on a pillow for 24 hours or as long as instructed by your healthcare provider.
Summary
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You may need to have a nail removed if the nail has not grown in the right way or because of injury, accident, or medical condition. It may also be ingrown, infected, or damaged.
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Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you take and any medical conditions you have.
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You will be given medicine to numb the area. The nail will be removed.
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You may be given a finger splint or surgical shoe to wear while you recover.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
