Clinical Features of 27 Cases of Ingrowing Toenails and Treatment with Flexible Plastic Tube Insertion / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ingrowing toenail is one of common dermatological disorders causing significant daily disability. Clinical study of the disease seems not to be enough. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate clinical aspects of the disease and to evaluate the plastic tube insertion method for the treatment. METHOD: In 27 cases, clinical stages, sites and duration of lesions, duration and previous treatments were examined. The plastic tube insertion method was done in all of the cases and its results were evaluated. The method ws consisted of insertion of a longitudinally slitted soft flexible plastic tube between the lateral edge of the nail plate and the inflamed soft nail fold. RESULT: 1. Age distribution showed 96% (26 cases) were between 15 to 36 years with mean 25 years. 2. Average duration of illness was 18 months. 12 cases(45%) was previously treated with various operative methods. 3. 9 cases wre involved in both feet and 18 cases in unilateral foot. Among the unilateral 18 cases, 12 cases were in right foot and 6 cases in left foot. 4. In each involved toenail 8 cases showed both side lesions and 19 cases showed one side lesions. Among the 19 cases 6 cases had medial side lesions and 13 cases lateral side lesions. 5. By the plastic tube method, 96% (26 cases) had immediate relief of the pain. But 63%(17 cases) showed recurrence and needed other treatment within 6 months. CONCLUSION: Predilection age of the ingrowing toenail was between 15 to 36. The most common site is the lateral side of the right great toe. The rate of the cure by the plastic tube method was only 37%.