Fingernail or Toenail Removal, Pediatric

A foot and hand with the skin of the big toenail and thumbnail appearing red and inflamed.

Fingernail or toenail removal is a procedure to remove your child’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 health care provider about:

  • Any allergies your child has.

  • All medicines your child is taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.

  • Any problems your child or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.

  • Any bleeding problems your child has.

  • Any surgeries your child has had.

  • Any medical conditions your child has.

What are the risks?

Your health care provider will talk with you about risks. These may include:

  • Bleeding.

  • Infection.

  • Allergic reactions to medicines.

  • Damage to nearby structures.

  • The nail growing back in the wrong way.

What happens before the procedure?

Medicines

Ask your child’s health care provider about:

  • Changing or stopping your child’s regular medicines. These include any diabetes medicines or blood thinners your child takes.

  • Giving medicines such as ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your child’s blood. Do not give them unless the health care provider tells you to.

    • Do not give your child aspirin because of the link to Reye’s syndrome.

  • Giving over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.

Surgery safety

Ask your child’s health care provider:

  • How your child’s surgery site will be marked.

  • What steps will be taken to help prevent infection. These steps may include:

    • Washing skin with a soap that kills germs.

    • Receiving or applying antibiotics.

What happens during the procedure?

  • Your child may be given:

    • Local anesthesia. This will numb certain areas of your child’s body.

  • An instrument will be inserted under the nail to lift it up.

  • An incision may be made in the nail.

  • The nail will be removed.

  • A bandage (dressing) will be put over the area where the nail was.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and clinics.

What happens after the procedure?

  • If a fingernail was removed, your child may be given a finger splint to wear while they recover.

  • If a toenail was removed, your child may be given a surgical shoe to wear while they recover.

  • Your child may need to keep their hand or foot raised (elevated) or supported on a pillow for 24 hours or as told by your child’s health care provider.

Summary

  • Your child may need to have a nail removed if it has grown in the wrong way or because of an injury, accident, or medical condition. It may also be ingrown, infected, or damaged.

  • Before the procedure, tell a health care provider about all medicines your child takes and any medical conditions they have.

  • Your child will be given medicine to numb the area. The nail will be removed.

  • Your child may be given a finger splint or surgical shoe to wear while they 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.

These are some ebooks for you!