Nail removal is a medical procedure performed to address various nail conditions, such as persistent ingrown nails, fungal infections, or nail trauma. These conditions can cause discomfort and hinder daily activities. This article clarifies what to expect regarding pain during and after nail removal.
The Experience of Nail Removal
During a nail removal procedure, local anesthesia minimizes discomfort. This anesthesia is administered as a nerve block, involving injections near the base of the affected finger or toe. While the initial injection might cause a brief stinging sensation, similar to a bee sting, the area quickly becomes numb, ensuring the procedure itself is painless.
Once the local anesthetic takes effect, you should not feel sharp pain, though you may still experience sensations like pressure or pulling as the nail separates from its bed. Common methods include partial avulsion, where only a portion of the nail is removed, or complete avulsion, involving the entire nail. For recurring ingrown nails, a chemical matrixectomy might also be performed, which uses a chemical like phenol to prevent regrowth.
As the local anesthesia begins to wear off, typically within one to two hours after the procedure, you may start to feel discomfort. This sensation is often described as a throbbing or dull ache at the site where the nail was removed. Initial pain is typically less severe than anticipated and tends to improve significantly within the first 24 hours.
Managing Discomfort and Healing
After the procedure, managing discomfort and ensuring proper healing are important. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are recommended for mild to moderate pain. In some cases, a healthcare provider might prescribe stronger medication, though this is rare. Elevating the treated foot or hand above heart level for the first 24 to 48 hours can help reduce swelling and throbbing pain. Applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 15 to 20 minutes every few hours during the first day also helps alleviate discomfort.
Wound care is also important for healing and preventing infection, which can increase pain. Your healthcare provider will give specific instructions, but generally, the dressing should remain on for the first 12 to 24 hours. After this initial period, daily dressing changes are often required. This may involve soaking the affected area in warm water with Epsom salts to help loosen the bandage and promote healing. After soaking, the wound should be gently cleaned with mild soap, patted dry, and a thin layer of antibiotic ointment applied before redressing.
The healing timeline varies depending on the extent of the nail removal. For partial nail removal, healing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, while complete nail removal can take 8 to 12 weeks. Fingernails generally regrow in about 6 months, and toenails can take 12 to 18 months. During this healing period, it is common to experience some light yellow discharge and mild redness or tenderness. However, signs of complications, such as a significant increase in pain, swelling, redness tracking up the limb, pus drainage, a foul odor, or fever and chills, warrant immediate medical attention as they may indicate an infection.