Friday, February 5, 2010

Can I go to the doctor to remove my ingrown toenail for good?

I tend to get ingrown toenails every month and a half or so and I've never had one removed by the doctor. There is a tad bit of puss so it might be infected. If I were to go to the doctor could they destroy the root of the nail so It can't grow back on the first time? And could I just go to my family doctor? Or do I need to see a specialist? Oh, and how bad does it hurt?Can I go to the doctor to remove my ingrown toenail for good?
I've had that procedure done a few times. First they give you a few shots to numb the area, then they sterilize it with iodine. The doctor cuts out the nail and burns away the nail bed with acid (but you barely feel it, if at all). Then they wrap your toe up in a big ol' bandage and send you on your way.





In a small percentage of people (like me), the nail bed can grow back. You just get it done again, only this time the doctor gives it a couple of acid-washes to be sure.





Anyway, you have to soak your foot in an epsom salt bath for a few days afterwards (three times a day, if I remember correctly).





I was referred to a podiatrist for the procedure.





P.S. If you don't want to lose the whole nail, they can just remove the edges. I had that done after my toenails grew back.





P.P.S. I wholeheartedly recommend you get both big toes done. I remember how often I'd get ingrown nails, and how terribly painful they were! The small discomfort of the procedure is well worth going the rest of your life without ingrown toenails.Can I go to the doctor to remove my ingrown toenail for good?
I went to a general surgeon for my ingrown toenail. I was given the option of bring put to sleep or having them cut it out while I was awake. I choose to get put to sleep because I am squeamish and scared of needles. Plus the nurse said that it would hurt to have all of those needles injected into my toe. After the surgery I felt little to no pain and I didn't have any side affects from the stuff that put me to sleep. It's been a few months since my surgery and my ingrown toenail has not grown back. Mine was severely infected before my surgery and getting the surgery and getting put to sleep was defiantly worth it.
If it really bothers you, start by going to your family doctor to see what he/she recommends. If you don't mind removing it yourself, continue doing that, but I imagine you're going to end up with a nasty infection at some point without proper treatment.
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