Ingrown Toenail TreatmentIngrown Toenail Treatment
What exactly is an ingrown toenail?
When the nail edge is broken, the nail no longer fits properly into the side groove, resulting in an ingrown toenail. In addition, because the nail bends downward and grinds into the skin, it causes discomfort, oedema, redness, and drainage. Sometimes a nail fragment (called a lateral pointing spicule) becomes embedded in the side tissue, causing the tissue to pile up (hypertrophied).
What is the cause of an ingrown toenail?
Various factors can cause ingrown nails, but the two most prevalent are ill-fitting shoes and incorrectly cut nails. Tight shoes compress the side of the nail, altering its fit in the groove. When nails are peeled or torn, the edge of the nail can extend down into the nail groove’s corner. A ripped nail can irritate the skin around it, causing inflammation (swelling, discomfort, and redness) and, in some cases, infection.
Is it possible to avoid ingrown nails?
The easiest technique to avoid an ingrown nail is to keep your nails properly trimmed. Nails should be cut straight across, with the nail’s edges projecting from the toe. Children and teenagers who play with their toes in bed might wear socks to bed to avoid peeling or picking at their toes.
How can I get rid of my throbbing nail?
When an ingrown toenail is somewhat inflamed (slightly red and sore), bathing the foot in warm water and placing a piece of dry cotton under the nail corner may be all that is required. Inflammation (pain, swelling, and drainage) may worsen as the ingrown toenail worsens. At this point, an antibiotic ointment can be attempted. If you visit your doctor about the condition, he or she may prescribe oral antibiotics. If the issue worsens, surgical removal of a portion of the nail is frequently required.
What surgical technique is advised for ingrown nails?
Ingrown nails are surgically removed by removing a tiny bit of the side of the nail and destroying the nail bed beneath. Numbing medication is injected into the toe, and the toenail is chopped to create a fresh, straight nail edge. Because the cells beneath the nail will try to produce a new nail, they must be eliminated, resulting in a permanently thinner nail. In addition, it must be removed if there is a buildup of tissue on the side of the toe. The toe is then wrapped till it heals fully (a few weeks).
How long would it take for me to recuperate from my surgery?
On the day of the surgery, you should relax and elevate your foot for a few hours; the next day, you can return to work or school. Running or strenuous exercise should be avoided for two weeks following surgery.
After Ingrown Toenail Removal
- Following the procedure, an antibiotic ointment will be put on the toe. The ointment is relaxing and aids in the healing of the toe. Apply the antibiotic ointment twice daily until the wound has healed completely. Because of the numbing drug mixed in with the antibiotic, we like the over-the-counter (nonprescription) antibiotic ointment Mycitracin Plus.
- The day after surgery, you may shower. After showering, gently dry the region and apply antibiotic ointment. Avoid bathing, swimming, or wetting the toe for the following two weeks. Maintain a clean and dry toe.
- Your bandage will aid in padding and shielding the wound while absorbing wound drainage. If blood or fluid soaks through the bandage, change it. Please keep the surgical wound bandaged for at least one week after the procedure.
- You may feel some discomfort following the ingrown toenail treatment. If you are experiencing pain, take three 200-mg tablets of ibuprofen (brand names: Advil, Motrin, Nuprin) three times a day with meals and two 325-mg tablets of acetaminophen (brand name: Tylenol) every 4 hours.
- You should wear loose-fitting shoes or sneakers for the first two weeks following the surgery. In the future, please avoid wearing high-heeled or tight-fitting shoes. Running, jumping, and intense activity should be avoided for two weeks following surgery. Teenagers should avoid physical education activities for 1 to 2 weeks following the surgery.
- During the first several weeks following surgery, an infection in the toe may develop. Contact your doctor if you have growing pain, swelling, redness, or drainage from your toe.
- The easiest technique to prevent another ingrown nail is to trim the nails straight across the top of the nail. The nail should not be sliced into the corners, picked at, or ripped out. If you get another ingrown nail, consult your doctor as soon as possible because early treatment may avoid the need for surgery.