Can ingrown toenails be treated by forcefully cutting the nail?
Disease description:
The toenail has grown very long, and there is obvious redness and swelling at the nail groove. The doctor diagnosed it as paronychia. Can the nail be forcibly trimmed in cases of paronychia?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Patients with paronychia should not forcibly trim their nails, as this practice may exacerbate inflammation and increase the risk of infection. Paronychia is an inflammation caused by bacterial infection of the soft tissues surrounding the nail. Forcibly trimming the nail may cause the nail edge to penetrate deeper into the surrounding tissue, thereby worsening symptoms such as pain, redness, swelling, and pus formation. In addition, improper trimming may damage the nail bed, leading to further nail deformity, increasing the risk of ingrown nails and recurrence of paronychia. Therefore, patients with paronychia should avoid forcibly trimming their nails themselves and should instead seek assistance from qualified healthcare professionals. Doctors will develop an appropriate treatment plan based on each patient's specific condition, including local disinfection, topical medications, oral medications, and surgical interventions, aiming to control infection, reduce inflammation, and promote recovery. During treatment, patients should keep the affected area clean and dry, avoiding contact with water or irritants to prevent worsening of the condition.
