Ingrown toenails

A 22-year-old patient presents with pain in the big toe of the right foot, associated with inflammation and periungual erythema. She reports an approximately two-year history, with recurrent episodes of pain and local infections consistent with recurrent onychocryptosis.

During this period, the patient was unable to access specialized podiatry treatment due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which contributed to the progressive worsening of the clinical picture.

On examination, hypertrophy of the lateral periungual nail fold is noted, with active inflammatory signs and pain on palpation, with no signs of systemic infection.

Surgical treatment is chosen, consisting of partial matrixectomy of the affected border, together with reconstruction of the nail bed, with the aim of improving both function and the aesthetic outcome.

The postoperative course is uneventful. Three follow-up dressing changes are performed, showing favorable progress, with appropriate tissue healing and a progressive reduction in inflammation.

The patient is discharged after complete resolution of the condition, with no pain or signs of recurrence at the last follow-up, and is able to resume her usual activities without limitations.