Which doctor treats an ingrown toenail?
GP, dermatologist, surgeon or specialist practice — with an ingrown toenail the right point of contact is not always obvious. This overview (based on the German healthcare system) helps you understand when each type of practice is sensible and when a specialised laser-surgical treatment such as the one at Nagelneu Laser in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, comes into question.
GP / general medicine — the most common first point of contact
In many cases a general practitioner is a sensible first point of contact: short distances, often a quick appointment, assessment of the general condition, prescription of antiseptic measures, if necessary a tetanus booster and — where needed — referral to the right specialist.
Sensible for: mild to moderate inflammation, a first occurrence, an unclear general condition, an acute need for advice.
Dermatologist — for skin and nail problems
Dermatologists are important above all when, alongside the ingrowth, there are further findings on the nail or skin — for example nail fungus, pronounced skin changes, unclear nail findings or recurring skin inflammation on the toe. Some dermatology practices also carry out surgical procedures on the nail; others work together with specialised practices.
Surgeon, foot surgeon, specialist in laser surgery
With severely ingrown nails, pronounced inflammation with "proud flesh" (granulation tissue), repeated ingrowth or the question of a longer-term treatment option, a surgical or specialist laser-surgical assessment is, as a rule, recommended.
Which method comes into question — classic open surgery, wedge resection (Emmert plasty) or CO₂ laser treatment — is decided only after a medical examination and consultation. A blanket recommendation would be neither sound nor possible here.
Podiatry practice — what it can do (and what it cannot)
Podiatrists are an important independent level of care. In early or milder cases they can be very valuable — for example with pressure relief, packing, nail-correction braces or accompanying aftercare following a treatment.
A podiatry practice does not, however, replace a medical diagnosis: with clear signs of inflammation, pus, repeated ingrowth or unsuccessful podiatric pre-treatment, a medical assessment should additionally take place.
Specialist practice — when is it sensible?
A practice specialising in the ingrown toenail, such as Nagelneu Laser in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, is sensible in particular when …
- the nail has ingrown several times
- earlier treatments did not have the desired success
- a method that is as gentle as possible (CO₂ laser) is sought
- an outpatient treatment without a general anaesthetic is preferred
- a second, specialist opinion is wanted
We are a specialist practice for laser surgery and have for many years treated exclusively the ingrown toenail and related findings. All treatment takes place in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
When is it an emergency?
In most cases an ingrown toenail is not an emergency. A prompt medical assessment — in Germany, if needed, via the medical out-of-hours service on 116 117 — is, however, sensible with …
- strongly increasing pain
- clear discharge of pus
- redness spreading beyond the toe
- red streaks towards the back of the foot or the leg
- fever or a clear feeling of illness
- accompanying conditions such as diabetes, circulatory disorders or immunosuppression
With pronounced general symptoms, presenting at an emergency department is sensible.
Who pays for what?
A medical examination may, depending on your insurance, be billed via the health insurer. The specialised CO₂ laser treatment at our practice is a self-pay service; German statutory health insurers generally do not cover it, and for international patients no reimbursement by foreign insurers can be promised. All costs are explained transparently in advance. A detailed overview can be found under costs & insurance.