- Pain if pressure is placed on the toe
- Inflammation of the skin at the end of the toe
- A build-up of fluid in the area surrounding the toe
- An overgrowth of skin around the affected toe
- Bleeding
- White or yellow pus coming from the affected area
Without treatment, an ingrown toenail can become infected, so it’s important that you:
- Keep your feet clean by washing them regularly with soap and water
- Change your socks regularly
- Cut your toenails straight across to stop them digging into the surrounding skin
- Gently push the skin away from the nail using a cotton bud (this may be easier after using a small amount of olive oil to soften the skin)
- Wear comfortable shoes that fit properly
Surgery may be recommended if your toenail doesn’t improve. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, this may involve either:
partial nail avulsion – removing part of your toenail
total nail avulsion – removing your whole toenail
Partial nail avulsion is a very effective and commonly used operation for treating ingrown toenails.
A local anaesthetic is used to numb your toe and the edges of your toenail are cut away. A chemical called phenol is applied to the affected area to prevent the nail growing back and becoming ingrown in the future.
A course of antibiotics may be prescribed if your nail is infected, and any pus will be drained away.
A local anaesthetic is used to numb your toe and the edges of your toenail are cut away. A chemical called phenol is applied to the affected area to prevent the nail growing back and becoming ingrown in the future.
A course of antibiotics may be prescribed if your nail is infected, and any pus will be drained away.
Total nail avulsion
Total nail avulsion may be necessary if your nail is thick and pressing into the skin surrounding your toe.
After your toenail has been removed, you’ll have an indentation where your nail used to be. However, it’s perfectly safe for you not to have a toenail.
After your toenail has been removed, you’ll have an indentation where your nail used to be. However, it’s perfectly safe for you not to have a toenail.
After surgery
After toenail surgery, your toe will be wrapped in a sterile bandage. This helps to stem any bleeding and prevent infection. Rest your foot and keep it raised for one to two days after the operation.
Taking care of your feet will help prevent foot problems such as ingrown toenails. It’s important to cut your toenails properly (straight across, not at an angle or down the edges).
Wash your feet every day, dry them thoroughly and use foot moisturizer. You can also use a foot file or pumice stone to remove hard or dead skin.
Wearing shoes that fit properly will help to ensure your feet remain healthy. You should also change your socks (or tights) every day.
For genuine and timely CENTRAL govt, STATE govt and ABROAD hospital
staff nurse vacancy notifications hit a like at our facebook page viz www.facebook.com/world4nurses or join our
fb group Nursesworld.com
SIGNUP FOR LATEST JOBS
Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest jobs to your inbox
Your email address is safe with us!
