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An ingrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis, is a condition that occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the skin of the toe. It can result in swelling, pain, and redness. Sometimes, you can take care of ingrown toenails on your own. However, if the pain is spreading or severe, you may need medical treatments. You may also want to promptly seek medical treatments if you have diabetes, a compromised immune system, or poor circulation.
The treatment option for ingrown toenail may include lifting the nail, removing some of the nail (partial nail removal), and removing all of the nail and tissue (total nail removal). The type of treatment you will undergo depends on your specific condition.
Lifting the nail
If your problem is mild, meaning the nail is only slightly ingrown and there is no pus, your doctor may be able to carefully lift the edge of the ingrown nail and place a splint, dental floss, or cotton under it. The splint, dental floss, or cotton will set the nail in a new position, separating the nail from the overlying skin and helping it to grow above the skin.
Partial nail removal
Partial nail removal may be needed for a more severe ingrown toenail. This means that there’s redness, pain, and pus.
During partial nail removal, your doctor will cut away the sides of the nail so that the edges are completely straight. Then, a piece of cotton or a splint is placed under the remaining portion of the nail in order to stop the ingrown toenail from recurring. In some cases, your doctor may also use a compound called phenol to treat your toe. Phenol can keep the nail from growing back.
Total nail removal
If you experience ingrown toenails repeatedly on the same toe or if your ingrown toenail is caused by thickening, your doctor may remove your whole nail along with the underlying tissue (nail bed).
To start the procedure, your doctor will loosen the skin around and from the nail. Then, the nail is separated from the skin by using a special tool under the nail. Your doctor may use a laser, a chemical, or other methods to remove the nail.
All procedures are performed under local anesthesia, which is injected directly into the toe. With local anesthesia, you will be awake but your toe will be numbed, so you will not feel anything throughout the procedure.
You are allowed to leave the hospital on the same day of your ingrown toenail treatment. However, it is recommended that you stay in Austria for a few days following the surgery, at least 3 days, to let your toenail to recover before you travel home. It may be uncomfortable for you to travel long distances during your initial recovery time.
Recovery can be different for everyone. On average, it takes about four to six weeks to heal after partial nail removal and around 10 to 12 weeks after total nail removal. During the recovery time, you should be able to walk and carry on your life as normal after 3 days of rest. However, you need to avoid strenuous activities, including running and jumping for 2 weeks. It is also advisable that you avoid taking part in sports activities and dancing until you have fully healed.
Your doctor will give you specific aftercare instructions, which may include:
If your doctor gives you pain reliever make sure to take it as directed. Your doctor may also give you oral or topical Medication (antibiotics) which helps get rid of the infection.
Keep your foot raised for a day or two to allow your toe to heal properly.
Wear special footwear for the first few days. Then, you can slowly start wearing sandals or open-toed shoes until the area feels better.
Avoid picking at the wound.
Keep the wound clean and dry, except when cleaning the area or showering.
Soak your toenails with salt water daily.
Ingrown toenail treatment is a safe procedure. According to the National Health Services (NHS), partial nail removal is 98% effective in preventing future ingrown toenails. It is important, however, to remember that every type of surgery carries some possible risks, such as toenail deformity, infection, and anesthesia complications. Serious complications are typically rare and untreated ingrown toenails carry a much higher risk of complications.
If your ingrown toenail is not infected, you should be able to treat it with home remedies, such as keeping your feet dry, soaking your feet in warm water, using a wedge to lift your nail and apply antibiotic creams. However, if your ingrown toenail is infected, there’s no alternative than to get the medical treatments mentioned above.
Before ingrown toenail treatment, you may experience swelling, tenderness, hardness, redness, bleeding, pain, and pus coming out of your toe. In some cases, the condition can be serious and cause an infection in the bone, leading to foot ulcers and tissue decay at the site. After treatment, all of the painful symptoms you experience before will be relieved and the chance of the condition to complicate will be reduced.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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Austria is a mountainous landlocked country in south-central Europe. Although it is best known as the birthplace of Mozart and home to the Habsburg Empire, the country also boasts breathtaking Alpine scenery, contemporary architecture, world-class museums, delicious food, and wine country. Austria is also known to have one of the best healthcare systems in the world, making it a popular destination for international medical tourists. Many people, particularly from other European countries and Asia, come to Austria to receive medical care in one of its many internationally acclaimed medical centers, two of which are accredited by JCI. These medical centers feature cutting-edge technology and first-class facilities.
Austria’s capital city, Vienna, is rich with remarkable Habsburg sights, such as Schönbrunn Palace and Lipizzaner stallions. It is also home to the Mozart Museum, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Naschmarkt, and Bulverde Palace where visitors can see an incredible art collection with works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir. Salzburg is another popular city in the country. This city is frequented by fans of Mozart and the “Sound of Music.” It also boasts beautiful Baroque churches, a dramatic castle, and a stunning old town full of winding lanes. Other popular parts of Austria include Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut, and Tirol.
June to August is summer in Austria with warm days and cool nights and an average temperature of around 18 - 19°C. Summer mornings are usually sunny, but thunderstorms can sometimes break out in the afternoon. Winter in Austria, from November to March, can be very cold as the temperatures plummet to an average of -1 to 5°C. Spring and autumn are generally nice and incredibly beautiful.
There are 6 international airports in Austria, but the main airport where most tourists arrive at is Vienna International Airport. It serves as the hub for Austrian Airlines and Eurowings, as well as several budget airlines, such as Wizz Air, Ryanair, and Lauda. This airport connects Austria with many cities in other European countries, North America, Africa, and Asia. Getting around Austria is fairly easy since it's public transport system is fast, efficient, and reaches even remote regions. Internal flights are available, but given the size of the country, it is rarely necessary. The country’s national railway system (ÖBB) is integrated with the Postbus services. Cheaper bust options, such as the Flexibus, are available as well. Inside major cities, an extensive system of light rail, metro, bus, and tramway services are available. Taxis are reliable and relatively affordable.
Since Austria is a part of the Schengen Area, nationals of EU/EEA do not need a visa to enter the country regardless of the purpose of their travel. Citizens of about 62 countries are exempt from a visa to travel to Austria, including the US, Canada, Australia, and South Korea. Unless you are a citizen of these 62 countries, you will need a visa to visit Austria.