Glossary: Ingrown toenail
The most important technical terms around the ingrown toenail — concise, clear and medically contextualised. From onychocryptosis through the nail matrix to the CO₂ laser treatment.
- Ingrown toenail(onychocryptosis / unguis incarnatus)
- The condition in which the nail edge grows into the lateral skin fold (nail fold), causing pressure, pain and frequently an inflammation — usually on the big toe.To the guide
- Nail matrix(Nagelmatrix)
- The growth zone of the nail at the rear nail end, from which the nail is formed. If it is deliberately obliterated, the affected part of the nail no longer regrows permanently — the basis of procedures designed for the long term.
- Nail fold(Nagelfalz)
- The lateral skin fold beside the nail. With an ingrown toenail the nail edge presses into the nail fold and can injure and inflame it.
- Granulation tissue(“proud flesh”)
- Excessive, well-perfused tissue that can develop at the nail edge with longer-standing inflammation. It bleeds easily and is a sign of an advanced course.
- Wedge resection(Emmert-Plastik)
- A classic surgical procedure in which a wedge-shaped portion of nail, nail bed and matrix is removed. Effective, but involving an incision and sutures.Surgery or laser?
- Matricectomy(Matrixektomie)
- The umbrella term for the targeted removal or obliteration of the nail matrix (surgically, chemically or by laser) so that the affected part of the nail does not grow in again.
- Phenolisation
- Chemical obliteration of the nail matrix with phenol, often combined with a partial removal of the nail. The aim is the lasting elimination of the ingrowing nail portion.
- CO₂ laser
- A type of laser with which the nail matrix can be obliterated gently and precisely. The treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia, without general anaesthesia and without sutures.Laser treatment
- Nail-correction brace(Nagelspange)
- A podiatric brace that gently lifts the nail and corrects its direction of growth. Suitable for milder courses, usually worn over a longer period.
- Tamponade
- The insertion of material under the ingrown nail edge to separate it from the inflamed skin and reduce the pressure.
- Conservative therapy
- Non-surgical measures such as foot baths, pressure relief, tamponades, nail braces and correct nail care. Often sufficient with early or mild courses.
- Recurrence(Rezidiv)
- The renewed ingrowing of the nail after a treatment. It can never be completely ruled out; correct aftercare, footwear and nail care lower the risk.
- Paronychia
- Inflammation of the nail wall around the nail, often with redness, swelling and pus. A common accompanying feature with an ingrown toenail.
- Onychomycosis(nail fungus)
- A fungal infection of the nail. It is not the cause of ingrowth, but it can be present at the same time and should be assessed as well.
- Local anaesthesia(digital nerve block / Oberst block)
- Local anaesthesia of the toe, in which the supplying nerves are numbed in a targeted way. It enables a low-pain treatment without general anaesthesia.
- Podiatry(medical foot care)
- Non-medical medical foot care. Podiatrists treat, among other things, pressure points, fit nail braces and support aftercare — an important independent level of care.
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