Safety of phenol vapor inhalation during performance of chemical matrixectomy to treat ingrown toenails.

Background: Phenol is commonly used in chemical matrixectomies to treat ingrown toenails. Although many studies have documented the safety of phenol matrixectomy for the patient, few studies have investigated the procedure's safety for the physician and auxiliary health care personnel.

Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate the safety of phenol vapor inhalation for health care personnel during performance of chemical matrixectomy.