removing toe nails - Nail Problems Message Board

pirate3113 · 08-16-2007, 07:47 PM

i have smashed 3 of my toe nails off over the years, and they always grow back slower than before. i was wondering what exactly toe nails are for and if there is a medical procedure to remove a nail permanently. ive always thought about having my toe nails removed just because it seems as if they dont serve a purpose and only lead to a lot of pain when smashed. is it safe to udergo such an operation?

myboysmom · 08-16-2007, 09:07 PM

I believe there is a surgery to remove toenails permanently where they remove the root and all but I don't know if I would go that far. I think the toenails serve to protect the nailbed.

Marti · 08-17-2007, 06:30 AM

Toe nails AND finger nails are ther to protect the delicate underlying skin as well and the nerve endings and blood supply, so yes, they DO serve a purpose. If you are constantly plagued with ingrown nails or a fungal infectionthat will not heal with medication, then you should have them removed. The nail bed will shrink and harden and will not look pretty at all, but that is your choice.