Toenail treatment typically begins with an initial assessment by a healthcare professional, such as a podiatrist, to diagnose the specific condition affecting the toenails. Common conditions include fungal infections, ingrown toenails, or trauma-related damage. The healthcare provider examines the toenail and surrounding skin, potentially taking nail clippings or debris samples for laboratory analysis to identify any underlying fungal infections or bacterial causes. Once the diagnosis is established, the treatment plan is tailored to the specific condition. For fungal infections, the plan might include topical antifungal medications, oral antifungal medications, or both, applied or taken over an extended period. In the case of an ingrown toenail, the podiatrist might gently lift the nail and place a small piece of cotton or a splint under it to help it grow above the skin edge or, in more severe cases, partially or fully remove the offending section of the nail under local anesthesia.

Follow-up care is a crucial component of toenail treatment. The patient is usually advised on proper foot hygiene, including keeping the feet dry and clean, trimming the nails straight across to avoid future ingrown toenails, and wearing well-fitting, breathable shoes to reduce moisture buildup which can exacerbate fungal problems. Depending on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment used, the patient might need to return for several follow-up visits to monitor healing progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment regimen. In some cases, lifestyle changes such as using antifungal powders or sprays and regularly disinfecting shoes and socks may be recommended to prevent recurrence. For chronic or severe cases, more aggressive interventions such as laser therapy or surgical removal of the affected nail might be considered to ensure complete resolution of the problem. Regular monitoring and adherence to the prescribed treatment protocol are essential to effectively manage and eradicate the toenail condition.