Ingrown toenails are painful and often debilitating. Once you have decided with a podiatrist to have an ingrown toenail removal performed, it is important to know how recovery will look afterward. While ingrown toenail removal recovery often does require some effort, the outcome of having a successful treatment will be worth it. Different types of ingrown toenails require different treatments depending on how severe the ingrown is and where it is located. Depending on the treatment received, recovery will be accordingly different.
The most common type of ingrown toenail removal procedure is partial nail plate removal. With this procedure, only the part of the nail that is growing into the skin is removed. After this treatment, the podiatrist will usually bandage your toe. This dressing should be kept clean and dry. After the procedure, try to elevate your feet to reduce swelling of the toe. Also, try to rest and avoid strenuous activities, as they may aggravate the toe. Keep the dressing on for as long as your podiatrist recommends. After it is removed, you can soak the toe in warm water and Epsom salts to relieve the ingrown and soften the skin. You can also apply antibiotic ointment to the wound. If the ingrown was infected, the doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics that should be completed in full.
More invasive procedures for ingrown toenail removal include complete nail removal and a nail plate plus germinal matrix removal. These treatments are done when ingrown toenails are more severe, and specific instructions for recovery should be provided by your podiatrist. Generally, recovery will involve keeping any dressing on the toe clean, elevating the feet, and avoiding putting pressure on the feet.
If you have an ingrown toenail that hasn’t been treated, you should be seen by a licensed podiatrist before it worsens. To schedule a consultation with a podiatrist, give us a call at (424)-299-4627 or visit our website for more information.