The Evidence Files: Phenol vs Surgical Matrixectomy for Ingrown Toenails
Both phenol chemical ablation and surgical matrixectomy successfully treat ingrown toenails; phenol has faster healing, surgery has lower recurrence.
By Dr. Carli Hoover, DPM
The Evidence Files: Phenol vs Surgical Matrixectomy for Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are one of the most common foot conditions. If conservative care fails, two main permanent treatment options exist: phenol chemical ablation and surgical matrixectomy. Both are evidence-supported, but they differ in success rates, healing time, and recurrence. The phenol technique uses chemical ablation to destroy the nail-producing matrix; surgical matrixectomy physically removes the problematic nail border and its underlying matrix. This article reviews what randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews show about these approaches.
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