Nail Gutter Treatment

Isolation of the nail plate from the ulcer bed using a gutter shaped splint may improve healing.

Nail gutter treatment.

1 2 in the classic gutter splint method the ingrown edge of the nail plate is freed up to the extreme proximal part and then splinted using a gutter. Two studies were carried out to establish the long term results of the method. Surgical treatments are preferred in moderate or severe cases grades. The gutter is left in place for eight to 12 weeks and then removed by the patient.

The treatment leads to a complete remission with almost instant alleviation of pain with no disfigurement while allowing for the resumption of daily activities. The gutter treatment for ingrowing toenails consists of introducing a small guard along the side of the toenail and requires only three outpatient attendances. Conservative methods utilizing formable acrylics are highly beneficial in the treatment of an ingrowing nail and should be viewed as the first treatment option. Formable acrylic treatment for ingrowing nail with gutter splint and sculptured nail.

Nonsurgical treatments are typically used when the ingrown nail is at a mild or moderate stage grades i or ii respectively.