I had answered a previous question on the use of phenol, but did so
privately as was requested.
This time I will respond via LACTNET (and the response will now be
archived):
Yes; there can be toxicity through skin absorption, such as a face peel when
applied to more than 50 percent of the face.  I really have my doubts that
the amount used to inject a limited area such as an ingrown toenail would
present any toxicity to the mother, let alone a nursing child.  Most of the
action and penetration of the phenol would be local.
Now, if one is really concerned, one should monitor the mother for possible
toxicity possible from using a more concentrated  preparation of phenol over
a much larger area of the body: tremors, respiratory depression,
hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias).  If this occurs in the mother, of course,
do not breastfeed.  If no toxicity, breastfeed.
Please remember the conditions necessary for possible toxicity: only a 5%
solution of phenol is applied to the toenail area as compared to a  45% to
50% solution being applied to more than 50% of the face.
Hopefully, the doctor will come to a logical conclusion to allow the mother
to breastfeed while treating the ingrown toenail.
The mother will exhibit toxicity before the nursing child, and I doubt the
doctor has ever seen this kind of toxicity treating ingrown toenails.
Frank J. Nice, DPA, CPHP

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