Efficacy of Nail Braces for Acute and Chronic Ingrown Toenails: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUNDNail braces are an alternative treatment for ingrown toenails. OBJECTIVEThis study aimed to prospectively examine the efficacy of nail braces for treatment of acute inflamed (AI)-type and chronic dystrophic–type ingrown toenails. MATERIALS AND METHODSThe authors conducted a prospective study of patients with ingrown toenails treated at Wan Fang Hospital between January 1, 2017, and July 31, 2018. Evaluation using physician global assessment scores and patient satisfaction questionnaires was performed at 1, 3, and 6 months after the start of treatment and during the final visit. Patient demographics, treatment courses, and outcomes were compared between the 2 types of ingrown toenails. RESULTSChronic dystrophic–type and AI-type ingrown toenails were observed in 25 (61 sides) and 28 patients (35 sides), respectively. Of the affected sides, 80.9%, 94.9%, and 100% achieved an excellent or fair result at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. Treatment duration and follow-up period were 179.2 ± 96.8 days and 281.6 ± 120.9, respectively. The recurrence rate was 7.4%. The treatment course and response were different between the 2 types of ingrown toenails. CONCLUSIONIngrown toenails could be effectively treated with nail braces with excellent outcomes, favorable patient satisfaction, and low recurrence rates.