Dealing with Ingrown Toenails: Treatment Options and What to Expect - Surgery

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Dealing with ingrown toenails can be a frustrating and painful experience. An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, often leading to inflammation, pain, and sometimes infection. In your case, it seems that after having a portion of the toenail removed, the new growth is not developing properly, which can happen if the nail is obstructed by the surrounding tissue or if the nail bed has been damaged.


Treatment Options
1. Observation: If the ingrown toenail is not causing significant pain or signs of infection (such as redness, swelling, or pus), you might consider simply monitoring the situation. Sometimes, the nail can grow out properly over time without intervention.

2. Home Care: If you are experiencing mild discomfort, you can try soaking your foot in warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes a few times a day. This can help reduce swelling and relieve pain. After soaking, gently dry your foot and consider placing a small piece of cotton or dental floss under the edge of the nail to encourage it to grow above the skin.

3. Medical Intervention: If the nail continues to grow improperly or if you experience increased pain, redness, or swelling, it is advisable to see a healthcare professional. A podiatrist or dermatologist can assess the situation and may recommend one of the following treatments:
- Partial Nail Avulsion: This involves removing a portion of the nail to allow it to grow out properly. This is often done under local anesthesia.

- Matrixectomy: If ingrown toenails are a recurrent problem, the doctor may suggest removing the nail matrix (the tissue under the base of the nail) to prevent the nail from growing back in that area.

- Antibiotics: If there is an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat it.


What to Expect
After treatment, you can expect some discomfort and swelling, which is normal. The healing process can take a few weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure and your overall health. It’s essential to follow your doctor’s post-operative care instructions, which may include keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding tight shoes, and monitoring for signs of infection.


Prevention
To prevent future ingrown toenails, consider the following tips:
- Proper Nail Trimming: Cut your toenails straight across and avoid rounding the corners, which can encourage the nail to grow into the skin.

- Footwear: Wear shoes that fit properly and provide enough room for your toes. Tight shoes can exacerbate the problem.

- Foot Hygiene: Keep your feet clean and dry, and moisturize the skin around your toenails to prevent dryness and cracking.


Conclusion
In summary, if your toenail is not growing out properly and is causing discomfort, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an evaluation. They can provide appropriate treatment options to alleviate your symptoms and prevent further complications. Ignoring the issue may lead to increased pain or infection, so proactive management is key.