【Conclusion】Key Points of This Survey

Ingrown toenails and pterygium are often confused, but ingrown toenails are a condition where the nail curves sideways, while pterygium is a condition where the nail digs into the skin causing inflammation, and the treatment methods differ. For mild ingrown toenails, the wire method is suitable; for pterygium that repeatedly causes inflammation, the phenol method is suitable; and for severe cases with repeated recurrence, nail matrix excision is indicated. Common departments to consult are dermatology, plastic surgery, and orthopedic surgery. Surgical treatment for pterygium is covered by insurance, but many medical institutions charge for the wire method as private practice.

- 78.3% of respondents answered that their ingrown toenail/pterygium concerns worsen in the summer (June-August).

- The most common reason for hesitating treatment was "I don't know which treatment method is right for me" at 62.7%.

- 43.0% of those who had received treatment in the past experienced recurrence, highlighting the importance of choosing the right treatment method.

Glossary

What is an Ingrown Toenail (Makizume)?

An ingrown toenail is a condition where both ends of the nail curve inward. The primary pathology is deformation of the nail plate, which does not necessarily cause pain, but if it progresses, it can dig into the skin and potentially transition to pterygium. Causes include genetic factors, ill-fitting shoes, and cutting nails too short.

What is Pterygium (Kannyusou)?

Pterygium is a condition where the side edge of the nail digs into the surrounding skin, causing inflammation, pain, and granulation tissue formation. It is also called paronychia, and if complicated by bacterial infection, it can lead to abscess formation. If left untreated, it can make walking difficult, and early treatment is recommended.

What is the Nail Matrix (Soubo)?

The nail matrix is the tissue located at the base of the nail that produces the nail. As long as the nail matrix remains, the nail will regenerate, so in radical treatment, partial excision or cauterization of the nail matrix is performed. The phenol method and nail matrix excision both target the nail matrix.

Comparison of Wire Method, Phenol Method, and Nail Matrix Excision

Comparison Item

Wire Method

Phenol Method

Nail Matrix Excision

Indication

Mild to moderate ingrown toenails

Recurrent pterygium/paronychia

Severe/refractory pterygium

Anesthesia

None to local anesthesia

Local anesthesia

Local anesthesia

Treatment Time

Approx. 15-30 minutes

Approx. 20-30 minutes

Approx. 30-45 minutes

Downtime

Almost none

1-2 weeks

2-3 weeks

Recurrence Rate

10-20%

5-10%

3-5%

Insurance Coverage

Often private practice

Insurance coverage

Insurance coverage

Estimated Cost

¥10,000-¥20,000/session

¥5,000-¥8,000 (30% co-payment)

¥5,000-¥8,000 (30% co-payment)

Nail Appearance

Maintained

Slightly narrowed

Clearly narrowed

Number of Visits

3-6 times

2-3 times

3-5 times

*Figures are based on the treatment results of over 2,000 nail disease cases supervised by our clinic's physicians. Indications and outcomes vary depending on individual symptoms.

IC Clinic (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Omiya branches), operated by Medical Corporation Tetsukenkai, conducted an awareness survey targeting individuals nationwide who have experienced foot nail problems, in response to the surge in consultations for ingrown toenails and pterygium with the arrival of sandal season. Dr. Kota Takakuwa, a supervising physician at our clinic with over 15 years of clinical experience in dermatologic oncology and dermatologic surgery and over 30,000 surgical cases, will explain how to choose the optimal treatment method based on the survey results.

Survey Background

Summer is the season when opportunities to wear sandals and go barefoot increase, making ingrown toenail and pterygium symptoms more severe both visually and in terms of pain. Consultations at our clinic also surge from June each year, more than doubling the usual monthly volume. However, a challenge has been the lack of widespread awareness regarding the differences between major treatment methods such as the wire method, phenol method, and nail matrix excision, as well as information on which department to consult and whether insurance is applicable. This survey was conducted to provide information for patients to make appropriate treatment choices.

Survey Overview

Target Audience: Men and women aged 20-60 nationwide who have experienced symptoms of ingrown toenails or pterygium.

Survey Period: June 8-17, 2026

Survey Method: Internet survey

Number of Respondents: 300

Survey Results

【Survey Results】Approximately 80% Feel Symptoms Worsen in Summer (June-August)

Question: In which season do your ingrown toenail/pterygium symptoms become most noticeable/worsen?

The tendency for symptoms to be more pronounced in the summer, when sandal wearing increases, became clear. This is likely due to the visual concerns becoming apparent when going barefoot, as well as the worsening of inflammation due to sweat and moisture.

【Survey Results】38.7% Prioritize "Resistance to Recurrence" the Most

Question: When considering treatment for ingrown toenails/pterygium, what do you prioritize most?

Reflecting the large number of people who have experienced recurrence, resistance to recurrence is the top priority. On the other hand, concerns about pain and downtime also exist to a certain extent, indicating a need for treatment selection that balances these factors.

【Survey Results】Over 60% Answered "I Don't Know Which Treatment is Right for Me"

Question: What are the reasons for hesitating (or having hesitated) to seek treatment for ingrown toenails/pterygium? (Most applicable)

While awareness of multiple treatment options is growing, the inability to determine which treatment is suitable for one's own symptoms remains the biggest barrier. Thorough information provision by medical institutions is needed.

【Survey Results】43.0% of Those with Treatment Experience Have Experienced Recurrence, Highlighting the Importance of Treatment Selection

Question: For those who have received treatment for ingrown toenails/pterygium in the past, have you experienced recurrence after treatment?

Over 40% of those with treatment experience have experienced recurrence, underscoring the importance of choosing the right treatment method during the initial treatment. For repeated recurrences, it is necessary to consider transitioning to a more curative treatment.

【Survey Results】Approximately 70% Answered "Within ¥20,000" as Acceptable

Question: What is the maximum amount you are willing to pay for ingrown toenail/pterygium treatment?

The cost of insurance-covered phenol method and nail matrix excision (around ¥5,000-¥12,000 with 30% co-payment) falls within the acceptable range for many. On the other hand, if choosing the wire method, which is private practice, cost considerations are necessary.

Survey Summary

This survey revealed that ingrown toenail and pterygium symptoms worsen in the summer, the biggest reason for hesitating treatment is "not knowing which treatment is right for me," and over 40% of those with treatment experience have experienced recurrence. These results suggest the importance of medical institutions providing clear and accessible information so that patients can choose appropriate treatments according to the severity of their symptoms and lifestyle.

Physician's Comment | Dr. Kota Takakuwa, IC Clinic

Based on my experience treating over 2,000 cases of nail diseases as a supervising physician at our clinic, ingrown toenails and pterygium are conditions that can definitely be improved by selecting the appropriate treatment. However, the optimal treatment varies depending on the severity of the symptoms, whether there has been recurrence, and the impact on daily life.

First, while ingrown toenails and pterygium are often confused, distinguishing between them is crucial for determining the treatment plan. Ingrown toenails are a condition where the nail is curved and does not necessarily cause pain. Pterygium, on the other hand, is a condition where the nail digs into the skin causing inflammation, and if left untreated, can lead to infection and difficulty walking.

For treatment selection, the wire method is the first choice for mild to moderate ingrown toenails without inflammation. By attaching a wire to the nail and gradually correcting it, there is less pain and almost no downtime. However, it is important to understand that multiple visits are required and the recurrence rate is around 10-20%.

The phenol method is recommended for pterygium that repeatedly causes inflammation. The side edge of the nail is excised, and the nail matrix is cauterized with phenol to prevent recurrence. It is covered by insurance, has a low cost burden, and a low recurrence rate of 5-10%. For severe cases or those with multiple recurrences, nail matrix excision is considered. The recurrence rate is the lowest at 3-5%, but it has the disadvantage of narrowing the nail width.

Common departments to consult are dermatology, plastic surgery, and orthopedic surgery. While the wire method is often private practice, surgical treatments for pterygium (phenol method, nail matrix excision) are covered by insurance.

【Evidence】Based on the treatment results of over 2,000 nail disease cases supervised by our clinic's physicians, selecting the appropriate treatment method for the initial treatment is key to preventing recurrence. The treatment guidelines of the Japanese Dermatological Association also indicate the effectiveness of surgical treatment for pterygium, and early radical treatment is recommended for cases with recurrent inflammation.

3 Criteria for Treatment Selection

- Presence of Inflammation: If no inflammation, consider the wire method; if inflammation is present, consider the phenol method or above.

- History of Recurrence: For repeated recurrences, choose a more curative treatment.

- Importance of Nail Appearance: For those who prioritize appearance, the wire method; for those who prioritize radical cure, the phenol method or nail matrix excision.

Risks of Leaving Untreated

- Possibility of granulation tissue formation and abscess formation due to worsening pterygium.

- Risk of developing cellulitis due to complications with bacterial infection.

- In diabetic patients, risk of progression to gangrene, and in the worst case, amputation.

Symptoms Warranting Early Consultation

- Redness and swelling around the nail, or pus discharge.

- Pain that prevents wearing regular shoes, or difficulty walking.

- No improvement or worsening with over-the-counter ingrown toenail correction products.

Kota Takakuwa, M.D.

With over 15 years of clinical experience and over 30,000 surgical cases in dermatologic oncology and dermatologic surgery, provides supervision based on medical evidence.

Specialties: Dermatologic Oncology, Dermatologic Surgery, Dermatology, Plastic Surgery.

- Miradry Certified Physician

Clinical Achievements (as of 2024, cumulative)

- Dermatologic Oncology/Dermatologic Surgery: Over 30,000 cases

- Treatment for Bromhidrosis: Over 2,000 cases

- Treatment for Rosacea/Facial Redness: Over 1,000 cases

Career

- 2009: Graduated from the University of Tokyo Faculty of Medicine

- 2009: Initial training at Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Treatment Center

- 2012: Department of Dermatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Police Hospital

- 2012: Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Hospital

- 2019: Treatment Director, IC Clinic

Supervised Areas: Dermatologic tumors (moles, epidermoid cysts, lipomas, etc.), dermatologic surgery, skin cancer, medical information related to general medical columns.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1. What is the difference between ingrown toenails and pterygium? What happens if left untreated?

A. Ingrown toenails are nail curvature, while pterygium is when the nail digs into the skin causing inflammation. If left untreated, it can lead to infection and difficulty walking.

Ingrown toenails are a condition where the nail plate curves inward and does not necessarily cause pain. Pterygium is a condition where the nail digs into the skin causing inflammation and pain. If left untreated, it can lead to granulation tissue and abscess formation, and if bacterial infection spreads, cellulitis can develop. In this survey, 43.0% of those with treatment experience reported recurrence, making early and appropriate treatment important.

Q2. Between the wire method and the phenol method for ingrown toenail treatment, which is better?

A. The optimal treatment varies depending on the severity of the symptoms; the wire method is suitable for mild ingrown toenails, and the phenol method is suitable for pterygium with recurrent inflammation.

The wire method corrects the nail while preserving its appearance, but has a recurrence rate of 10-20%. The phenol method treats the nail matrix, resulting in a lower recurrence rate of 5-10% and is covered by insurance with a lower cost burden. In this survey, 38.7% prioritized "resistance to recurrence" the most, and the phenol method is recommended for those with a history of recurrence.

Q3. Which department should I consult for ingrown toenails?

A. Dermatology, plastic surgery, and orthopedic surgery are common departments. For those seeking surgical treatment, plastic surgery or departments specializing in dermatologic surgery are recommended.

In this survey, 15.3% answered "I don't know which department to consult." For mild ingrown toenails with a desire for conservative treatment, dermatology is suitable; for those considering surgical treatment, plastic surgery is appropriate. Orthopedic surgery can also handle these cases, but choosing a medical institution with a specialized nail clinic can provide more expert treatment.

Q4. Is ingrown toenail/pterygium treatment covered by insurance?

A. Surgical treatment for pterygium (phenol method, nail matrix excision) is covered by insurance, but the wire method is often private practice.

Insurance-covered phenol method costs approximately ¥5,000-¥8,000 with a 30% co-payment, and nail matrix excision costs approximately ¥8,000-¥12,000. The wire method is private practice and costs around ¥10,000-¥20,000 per session, requiring multiple visits. In this survey, approximately 70% answered "within ¥20,000" as acceptable, indicating that insurance-covered treatments tend to be more accessible financially.

Q5. How can I prevent recurrence after ingrown toenail treatment?

A. Avoiding cutting nails too short, learning the proper way to cut nails, and choosing shoes that fit your feet are fundamental for preventing recurrence.

In this survey, 43.0% of those with treatment experience have experienced recurrence. To prevent recurrence, it is important not to cut nails too short (square cut), choose shoes that do not compress the toes, and perform regular foot care. Furthermore, if there are gait habits that cause ingrown toenails, using insoles or gait training can also be effective.

Risks of Leaving Untreated

- Possibility of progression of granulation tissue formation and abscess formation due to untreated pterygium, leading to cellulitis spreading throughout the body due to bacterial infection.

- In cases of diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, risk of progression to gangrene and amputation in the worst-case scenario.

- Increased burden on knees, lower back, etc., due to gait disorders caused by chronic pain.

Consultation Guidelines for Those Experiencing These Symptoms

- Seek immediate consultation if the area around the nail is red, swollen, painful, or discharging pus.

- If there is no improvement after using over-the-counter ingrown toenail correction products for 2-4 weeks.

- If pain prevents wearing regular shoes or interferes with walking.

- If recurrence has occurred after previous treatment, consider a more curative treatment.

- If you have underlying conditions such as diabetes, seek medical attention early even for mild symptoms.

Clinic Information

Features of IC Clinic

- Treatment provided by a supervising physician with over 30,000 cases of dermatologic oncology and dermatologic surgery experience.

- Multiple treatment options available, including the wire method, phenol method, and nail matrix excision, tailored to symptoms.

- Convenient access with a total of 6 branches: 5 in Tokyo and 1 in Omiya.

- Both insurance and private practice services are available, allowing for treatment proposals tailored to patient needs.

IC Clinic Shinjuku: IMAS Aoi Bldg. 2F, 2-5-3 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

IC Clinic Shibuya: New Sansui Bldg. 5F, 3-16-2 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

IC Clinic Ueno: Sankyu Bldg. 1F, 3-16-5 Higashi-Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo

IC Clinic Ikebukuro: Maeda Bldg. 9F, 2-15-3 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

IC Clinic Tokyo: Nihonbashi Front 3F, 3-6-2 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

IC Clinic Omiya: Fukubi Medical 2F, B-ku, 1-60 Daimoncho, Omiya-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama

Consultation bookings are accepted from the link below. Please feel free to use it.

Book Here

Furunculosis, Moles, Growths, Facial Redness, Bromhidrosis Treatment in Tokyo - IC Clinic Shinjuku Dermatology/Plastic Surgery

Furunculosis, Moles, Growths, Facial Redness, Bromhidrosis Treatment in Tokyo - IC Clinic Shibuya

Furunculosis, Moles, Growths, Facial Redness, Bromhidrosis Treatment in Tokyo - IC Clinic Ueno

Furunculosis, Moles, Growths, Facial Redness, Bromhidrosis Treatment in Tokyo - IC Clinic Ikebukuro

Furunculosis, Moles, Growths, Facial Redness, Bromhidrosis Treatment in Tokyo - IC Clinic Tokyo

Furunculosis, Moles, Growths, Facial Redness, Bromhidrosis Treatment in Saitama - IC Clinic Omiya

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Survey