Ingrown toenails are scary! But they don’t have to be.
Basically, when the nail punctures the skin of the toe, an infection ensues, and then an overgrowth of tissues, called a granuloma or “proud flesh,” will develop. This is obviously a painful process, and the last thing someone wants is anyone to touch it. Another point of worry, particularly for children, is the concern of getting a shot to numb the toe.
Dr. McNamara’s technique is to prevent any initial pain from the stick of the needle by using a cold spray on the skin, then proceeding with the patient in control of the process, which allows him to be eminently gentle. It is rare to not have a patient admit afterwards that “that wasn’t bad” and be smiling when they leave the treatment room.