Introduction

Having an ingrown toenail can be very painful and uncomfortable. It can force you to stay off your feet and limit your activity. The good news is that, with a bit of patience and care, you can get your toenail back to normal after it has been removed. In this article, we will discuss what to do after an ingrown toenail removal.

Take Care of the Wound

The first step in healing an ingrown toenail is to take care of the wound. This means keeping the area clean and dry. If you have stitches, you’ll want to keep them dry and clean as well. You can clean the area by washing it with mild soap and warm water. Make sure to dry it completely. If you have stitches, you’ll need to keep them clean and dry for the duration of the healing process.

Keep It Covered

Once the wound is cleaned and dried, you’ll want to keep it covered with a dry bandage. You’ll want to change the bandage at least twice a day to keep the wound clean and dry. You should also avoid any activities that could cause the wound to become wet or dirty. This includes swimming and soaking in water for long periods of time.

Take It Easy

After an ingrown toenail removal, it’s important to take it easy and give your feet a break. This means avoiding any strenuous activities that could put additional strain on the area. You should also avoid wearing tight shoes or socks that could irritate the area. It’s best to wear loose-fitting shoes and socks to give your feet some extra room to breathe.

Elevate Your Feet

Elevating your feet can help reduce swelling and promote healing. Whenever possible, try to keep your feet up and off the ground. This can be done by propping them up on a pillow or chair when you’re sitting or lying down. Doing this several times a day can help reduce swelling and promote healing.

Apply Ice

Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce pain and swelling. Make sure to use an ice pack and not a direct application of ice. Wrap the ice pack in a thin cloth before applying it to the area. Leave the ice on for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Do this several times a day for the first few days after the procedure.

Take Pain Medication

If necessary, you can take over-the-counter pain medication to help relieve any pain or discomfort from an ingrown toenail. Make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging for the best results. If the pain persists or gets worse, you should talk to your doctor about other options.

Keep It Clean

It’s important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent any infection. You should clean the area several times a day with mild soap and warm water. Make sure to dry the area completely before applying a bandage. If the area becomes wet, you should change the bandage right away.

See a Doctor

If you experience any redness, swelling, pain, or other symptoms in the area, you should see a doctor right away. This could be a sign of an infection and should be treated as soon as possible. Your doctor can check the area and prescribe any necessary medications.

Conclusion

Having an ingrown toenail removed can be a painful experience, but with the proper care and attention, you can heal the area and get back to your normal activities. Make sure to take care of the wound, keep it covered and dry, take it easy, and see a doctor if necessary. With a bit of patience, your toenail will be back to normal in no time.