DefinePK

Abstract

Objective To evaluate efficacy of topical cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen as an alternative modality for ingrown toenails Methods A total of 39 ingrown toenails in 30 patients were enrolled in the study; Grading was done and superficial cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen was done weekly for 4 weeks on the affected nails. Patients were followed up for 24 weeks.  Results At 24 weeks follow-up, 29 nails in 22 patients showed complete clearance with no recurrence; while rest needed some other modalities like partial nail avulsion / complete nail avulsion. Only 2 nails out of 31 completely cured nails showed recurrence during follow-up period of 24 weeks. Patients who did not improve were patients with grade III ingrown nail or grade IIb ingrown nail. Conclusion Superficial cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen has been found to be an effective therapeutic modality for ingrown toenail.