Managing Recovery from Ingrown Toenail Surgery: Key Questions Answered - Surgery

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Managing recovery from ingrown toenail surgery requires careful attention to wound care and understanding the healing process. After the surgical removal of part of the toenail, it is common to have questions about how to best care for the wound and what signs to look for during recovery.

Firstly, it is great to hear that you have been diligent in your wound care routine. The initial phase of daily dressing changes and cleaning with saline is crucial for preventing infection and promoting healing. After 17 days, if the wound appears to have a scab-like layer and is not painful upon light pressure, this is generally a positive sign that healing is progressing.

Regarding your question about continuing to apply the iodine ointment (like Betadine), it is typically recommended to continue using it until the wound is fully healed or until your healthcare provider advises otherwise. The iodine ointment helps to prevent infection and can promote healing. However, if the wound is dry and no longer showing signs of infection (such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge), you might consider reducing the frequency of application.
As for the concern about the wound sticking to the dressing, this can happen if the dressing is not changed regularly or if the wound exudate (fluid) is not managed properly. To prevent the dressing from adhering to the wound, you can use non-stick dressings or apply a thin layer of ointment before covering it with a sterile bandage. This will create a barrier that helps keep the dressing from sticking to the healing tissue.

In terms of how long to continue applying the ointment, it depends on the wound's appearance and your healthcare provider's recommendations. If the wound is healing well and the scab is forming, you might only need to apply the ointment for a few more days. Once the scab has formed and the skin appears to be healing, you can switch to just covering the area with a clean, dry bandage without ointment.

It is also essential to monitor the wound for any signs of complications. If you notice increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge, or if you experience increased pain, it is crucial to contact your healthcare provider. These could be signs of infection or other complications that may require further intervention.

In summary, continue to care for your wound as you have been, but feel free to adjust the frequency of ointment application based on the wound's condition. If you have any doubts or if the wound does not seem to be healing as expected, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further guidance. They can provide personalized advice based on the specific characteristics of your wound and overall health.