Question
Dear Dr. Katz,

After having an on and off problem with an ingrown toenail my whole life I have finally succeeded in growing the problem edge out beyond the fold of skin.  One of my earliest memories is my father holding me down while the doctor cut out my toenail, and I am now 52.  This SAME left big toe, inner edge.  My sister, who works in a nursing home, recently told me how much trouble some elderly people have with ingrown nails and I figured it was now or never.  Anyway...

The last time I had to have it cut out was 23 years ago, just after I had my last child.  I guess I was too big and "unbendy" to take care of it as usual, and while I was pregnant it got pretty infected.  Since then I've been cutting the edge back, but that only works for a while.  

I've got my fingers crossed that it's gone for good, but now I'm afraid to cut my nail, as I have never gotten the knack of cutting straight across.  Is there a trick to it??  I have to do something as my nail is now so long it's making my shoes uncomfortable.  I'm actually thinking about drawing a straight line with a black Sharpie or something, and trying to follow that.

Thanks for any help you can give, and for sharing your expertise on this web site.  It is greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,
Linda

Answer
Hi Linda,

The growth area of your toenail is causing the nail to be deformed.  Since you have had this problem for so long, it would be difficult to just cut it straight and have the ingrown toenail resolve.  I would recommend that you see a podiatrist and have a matrixectomy.  This fast minor in-office procedure will allow your nail to grow out without the ingrown piece of nail.  There are no incisions or stitches.  This is your best option.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com

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