Phenolic ablation of the nail matrix.

Therapeutic ablation of nail is necessary in a variety of settings. The challenge is to achieve destruction of nail matrix with minimal pain and to ensure that there is no re-growth of nail. There are many different methods of nail ablation, with excisional surgery and phenolic ablation of matrix representing the most common. The balance of published data favours phenolic ablation as a simple procedure with low morbidity and the least chance of recurrence.