Ingrown Toe Nail Removal After Care Instructions.
If you have undergone an ingrown toenail procedure, it is important to follow these patient instructions for proper care and healing:
- Keep the area clean: Gently clean the affected toe with mild soap and warm water daily. Use a soft washcloth or cotton ball to carefully clean around the nail and remove any debris or crusting. Rinse the area thoroughly and pat it dry with a clean towel.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment: After cleaning, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to the affected area. This helps prevent infection and promotes healing. Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist regarding the frequency and duration of application.
- Dress the toe: Cover the toe with a sterile non-stick dressing or sterile gauze pad. Secure the dressing in place with medical tape or an adhesive bandage. Change the dressing daily or as directed by your healthcare provider, especially if it becomes wet, soiled, or loosened.
- Wear open-toed or loose-fitting shoes: Opt for open-toed shoes or those with a wide toe box to avoid putting pressure on the affected toe. Tight or narrow shoes can aggravate the area and delay healing. If necessary, you can wear sandals or loose-fitting shoes until the toe has fully healed.
- Soak the toe: Your healthcare provider may recommend soaking your toe in warm water a few times a day. This can help reduce swelling, promote drainage, and aid in healing. Add a mild antiseptic solution, such as diluted hydrogen peroxide or Epsom salt, to the warm water if advised by your healthcare provider.
- Elevate your foot: Whenever possible, elevate your foot to reduce swelling. Prop it up on a pillow or cushion while sitting or lying down. This helps improve circulation and speeds up the healing process.
- Take pain medication if necessary: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage any discomfort or pain you might experience. Follow the recommended dosage instructions on the packaging or consult with your healthcare provider for guidance.
- Avoid trimming the nail: Do not attempt to trim or cut the affected nail yourself until it has fully healed. Allow your healthcare provider to manage the nail during follow-up visits.
- Follow-up appointments: Keep all scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. They will assess the healing progress, remove any sutures if necessary, and provide further instructions for care.
- Watch for signs of infection: Keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as increasing pain, redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or a foul odor. If you notice any of these signs, or if you have a fever, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
It is important to remember that these instructions are general guidelines. Your healthcare provider may provide specific instructions based on your individual case and the type of ingrown toenail procedure performed. If you have any concerns or questions during the healing process, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance and support.
Many Surgical Procedures are available for correcting ingrown toenails, thick toenails, or traumatic/painful toenails. Many of these procedures are temporary, and the original problem can recur. The procedure performed on your toenail is permanent, so the nail or side of the nail removed should not grow back.
The medication used to prevent nail growth causes a chemical burn on the skin around the nail matrix and nail plate. The skin will turn red, and the nail bed will drain clear/yellow serous fluid. This is normal for the procedure. The toe may even look infected, but it is not. This is the skin’s reaction to the medication; however, if the drainage is thick and creamy, has a foul odor, or redness starts to go up the toe and into the foot, call the office immediately at (813)502-5904. If it is after hours, follow the after-hour prompts to contact the doctor on call.
