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Suggest Treatment For An Ingrown Toe Nail
Question: Please give me advise for an ingrown toe nail. I have thick nail syndrome (not sure their is such a diagnosis). However it makes my nail grow into the skin on the left side of my big toe. I usually have a pedi cure every 2 weeks to keep in check. I travel extensively for work. Someone boarding the plane with me stepped on my toe and activated the pain. I decided to fix it myself and trimmed the toe nail very short and scooped the inside out as much as I could. There is still a thin Small part of the nail I cannot get trimmed. Apparently I have really irritated the toe and it is very painful. I have soaked it and it is still swollen and very sensitive to touch. Please tell me what I can do as I am in the road working
Peggy.
Peggy.
Brief Answer:
Some practical advises on what you can do.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking HealthcareMagic.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.
-- Proper nail trimming it is very important in your case. The lateral nail plate should be allowed to grow well beyond the lateral nail fold before trimming horizontally.
-- Also, well-fitting shoes are very important. Heels make it worse, so avoid them if possible until the inflammation goes away.
-- Place a cotton wedging or dental floss underneath the lateral nail plate to separate the nail plate from the lateral nail fold, or use tape to pull the lateral nail fold away from a spicule, thereby relieving pressure. An additional option called "cotton nail cast" has been proposed for mild ingrown toenail - a piece of cotton (u-shaped), is placed with forceps between the nail plate and inflamed tissue, secured with a cyanoacrylate liquid glue, and allowed to harden to form a "cast" but that should be done by a doctor.
-- Soak the affected foot in warm, soapy water for 10 to 20 minutes, three times per day for one to two weeks, pushing the lateral nail fold away from the nail plate. Alternatively, a solution of water mixed with 1 to 2 teaspoons of Epsom salts can be used.
-- A medium to high potency topical corticosteroid can be applied after soaking to reduce inflammation.
-- If not better in 1-2 weeks, you may need partial surgical removal of the nail.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Some practical advises on what you can do.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking HealthcareMagic.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.
-- Proper nail trimming it is very important in your case. The lateral nail plate should be allowed to grow well beyond the lateral nail fold before trimming horizontally.
-- Also, well-fitting shoes are very important. Heels make it worse, so avoid them if possible until the inflammation goes away.
-- Place a cotton wedging or dental floss underneath the lateral nail plate to separate the nail plate from the lateral nail fold, or use tape to pull the lateral nail fold away from a spicule, thereby relieving pressure. An additional option called "cotton nail cast" has been proposed for mild ingrown toenail - a piece of cotton (u-shaped), is placed with forceps between the nail plate and inflamed tissue, secured with a cyanoacrylate liquid glue, and allowed to harden to form a "cast" but that should be done by a doctor.
-- Soak the affected foot in warm, soapy water for 10 to 20 minutes, three times per day for one to two weeks, pushing the lateral nail fold away from the nail plate. Alternatively, a solution of water mixed with 1 to 2 teaspoons of Epsom salts can be used.
-- A medium to high potency topical corticosteroid can be applied after soaking to reduce inflammation.
-- If not better in 1-2 weeks, you may need partial surgical removal of the nail.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thank you. I cut the nail too short. I cannot force anything under the small piece of the nail that is causing the pressure.
Brief Answer:
See if you can follow the other advises.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the follow-up question.
Try following the other advises expecially the soaking and push gently the lateral fold with a cotton tip.
Follow up with me in 2 weeks if you want.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Regards,
Dr.Papaqako
See if you can follow the other advises.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the follow-up question.
Try following the other advises expecially the soaking and push gently the lateral fold with a cotton tip.
Follow up with me in 2 weeks if you want.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Regards,
Dr.Papaqako
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
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