Care After Having An Ingrown Toenail Removed

When an ingrown toenail causes you severe pain and oozes with pus, your doctor may remove part of the nail. Nail removal typically relieves the majority of the pain, but the toe will remain sore until it heals, explains Dr. Laura Allman, a podiatrist for Dubois Regional Medical Center. Proper care after surgery will help the toe heal faster and decrease the chances of recurrence.

Procedure

Surgery reduces the pressure and irritation caused by an ingrown toenail. The severity and frequency of your ingrown toenail will determine if the surgeon will only remove a portion of your nail or remove a portion of your nail and the underlying tissue, Allman explains. If your ingrown toenail is a chronic issue, the surgeon may use a special medication called liquid phenol to prevent the regrowth of the removed portion of the nail, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Severe cases may result in the removal of the complete toenail.

After-Surgery Care

The potential for infection and extreme pain after surgery decreases when you take care of your nail properly. For the first day, avoid placing weight on the affected toe and keep your foot elevated as much as possible. Take acetaminophen and ibuprofen to minimize the pain you feel. Wash your hands prior to performing any care for your affected toe to prevent the introduction of bacteria into the open wound. Keep your dressing clean and dry at all times. Allman advises wearing cotton socks and loose shoes for the first week or two after surgery to allow proper blood circulation to reach the wound and to decrease pressure on the toe. Follow any specific directions given to you by your surgeon. Your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics or antibiotic ointment.

Activity Level

Normal activity levels may cause you pain and increase the swelling of the affected toe, if began too soon. Resume normal, light activities after giving your foot a day or two to heal and the pain subsides. Refrain from running, jumping and other strenuous activities for at least two weeks after surgery, according to New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated.

Regrowth Prevention

Prevent the regrowth of your ingrown toenail by wearing shoes that allow plenty of room for your toes to move and soak your foot in warm water to soften the nail twice a day. A hard nail will have an easier time pressing into the skin, resulting in irritation and infection. Use a clean, sharp nail trimmer to cut your nails straight across the top. Nails tapered at the side or picked off have a greater chance of becoming ingrown.

When To Call A Doctor

Infection or a recurring ingrown toe nail needs medical attention. Contact your doctor if you experience extreme pain, increasing redness or seeping of pus from the affected toe. Your doctor may determine you need antibiotics or additional surgery.