Once you’ve received treatment for an ingrown toenail, your podiatrist should guide you through the post-treatment care you should follow. However, if you are looking into getting your ingrown toenail removed you might want to know more about what the surgery involves. Post-treatment care for ingrown toenail removal will vary with each patient, but there are some general guidelines that most podiatrists will recommend.

One of the most important things for post-treatment care is to rest as much as possible. While returning to work and daily activities can normally happen soon after the surgery, it is recommended to give the foot as much time to rest as you can. Try to avoid putting pressure on the toe and sit as much as possible. If possible, also try to elevate the toe after the treatment to reduce swelling. When you are on your feet, wear shoes with wide or open toes.

If your doctor has bandaged the toe, post-treatment make sure to keep the dressing clean and dry by changing it regularly. To prevent or treat infection, the doctor may prescribe you antibiotics to take. Follow the doctor’s instructions on how to take these, and be sure to finish the full course of antibiotics. You can also use antibiotic ointments to help the toe heal faster.

If you have any pain after the procedure, you can take over the counter pain medication until it subsides. Post-treatment pain usually won’t last more than a few days.

If you have an ingrown toenail, the best thing to do is speak with a licensed podiatrist about removing it. They will be able to give you information about your toe specifically and help you decide if the surgery is the best option for you. To schedule a consultation with a podiatrist, give us a call at (424)-299-4627 or visit our website for more information.