Ingrown toenails are a common condition where the edges of the toenail curve and grow into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, swelling, and potential infection.

The standard treatments for ingrown toenails include:

1. Conservative Measures: Mild cases can often be managed at home by soaking the affected foot in warm, soapy water and gently lifting the edge of the ingrown toenail to place a small piece of cotton or dental floss between the nail and the skin to encourage it to grow above the skin edge.

2. Oral Antibiotics: If there’s an infection present, doctor might prescribe oral antibiotics to treat it.

3. Partial Nail Avulsion: In more severe cases, a medical professional may perform a minor procedure called partial nail avulsion. This involves removing a portion of the ingrown toenail, either by trimming it or using a chemical to prevent it from growing back.

4. Total Nail Avulsion: In extreme cases of chronic ingrown toenails, the entire toenail may need to be removed. However, this is usually a last resort.

5. Surgical Intervention: For recurring or severe ingrown toenails, doctor may recommend a surgical procedure called a matrixectomy. This involves the removal or destruction of the nail matrix, the tissue responsible for nail growth, to prevent the ingrown nail from returning.