Ingrown toenail......ouch!

Nurses General Nursing

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Hey folks,

Anyone on here deal with the repeat offender known as Mr. Ingrown Toenail? I have one right now and it is bothering me like crazy! Stupid me....I attempted to cut the side of the nail and try to dig it out...but I think it's way at the bottom of the nail. Picking at it has made it really,really sore..almost to the point that I can't walk on it. It's pretty red and I'm fearing that it's infected. I've been putting anti-biotic cream on it....but does anyone know what else I can do? I really don't want to see a doctor for something like that..u know? Anyone have any experience with this? Thanks as always...

Luv,

Snoop'

I used to work back-office for a podiatrist...IMHO go get it looked at! usually a simple office surgery procedure will take care of it. I've seen people come in with some NASTY looking toes because they didn't want to see a doctor...if it get too bad you'll end up on antibiotics, won't be able to walk or be in a lot of pain, and still have to have the procedure anyway...i know it's not really what you wanted to hear, but for your own sake it's best to get it cared for. good luck with everything!

Yep, I used to have them over, and over, and over again (most everyone in my family does as well).

Had them cut out by the MD several times. Last time I had it cut out, the doc killed the nailbed/root and it hasn't come back, thankfully.

Definately go in and have it looked at. And the "cutting out" procedure isn't so bad, although that megashot of lidocaine at the beginning is no fun. :)

Yep, I used to have them over, and over, and over again (most everyone in my family does as well).

Had them cut out by the MD several times. Last time I had it cut out, the doc killed the nailbed/root and it hasn't come back, thankfully.

Definately go in and have it looked at. And the "cutting out" procedure isn't so bad, although that megashot of lidocaine at the beginning is no fun. :)

I had this done twice, though I was 'lucky' enough where it didnt take :crying2: ...so I ended up have a small procedure where the doc actually removed part of the root.

Problem solved ~ I've not been plagued by ingrown toenails since!!

one thing about the shot of lidocane...is when we mixed (i want to say half and half) lidocaine and marcaine, it didn't hurt the patient as much. it's been 3 years since i've worked there, but i remember the doctor telling me that. the procedure doesn't take long to perform, and most of the time you don't need the root killed unless it becomes a constant problem.

I've been there too. I had them on both big toes and they got very infected 'cause I didn't want to see a doctor. Ended up going and haven't had any problems since. Easy, quick procedure, and the only pain was that nasty shot. It's well worth the trip to the doctor, trust me.

Specializes in Hemodialysis, Home Health.

Geez, Snoop !

First root canal, now ingrown toenail... sure you ain't got hoof and mouth disease ??? :rotfl:

(sorry... couldn't resist) :chuckle :chair:

Snoop ~ it's best to go see a podiatrist and have a simple procedure to prevent a recurrance. The doctor removes the ingrown portion of the nail and treats the underlying nailbed with phenol to prevent regrowth. It is relatively painless, especially if the doctor preps the injection site with ethyl chloride before putting the needle in. The alternative is continued infections, and in my case, osteomyelitis.

Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

My son went thru this--about 3 bouts of having it just cut out, after a few rounds of soaking and antibiotics per the peds. Finally had what quailfeather is describing--both big toes. He did well w/5 mg of valium and my jacket covering up his head. I couldn't watch tho, I just turned my head the other way while leaning across his knees.

No more ingrown toenails for us!!! Yahoo.

Hey folks,

Anyone on here deal with the repeat offender known as Mr. Ingrown Toenail? I have one right now and it is bothering me like crazy! Stupid me....I attempted to cut the side of the nail and try to dig it out...but I think it's way at the bottom of the nail. Picking at it has made it really,really sore..almost to the point that I can't walk on it. It's pretty red and I'm fearing that it's infected. I've been putting anti-biotic cream on it....but does anyone know what else I can do? I really don't want to see a doctor for something like that..u know? Anyone have any experience with this? Thanks as always...

Luv,

Snoop'

Actually, I'm dealing with one right now. On my right big toe on both sides the nail is growing into the tissue. And like you, I tried digging it out myself. I am sure it's infected; In about 12 days, I am doing to my dermatoligist ( as I 've done in the past for the same thing). I'm sure he'll put me on some antibiotics and then schedule surgery for probably the whole nail to be taken off. He did this on my left toe and it never came back. It's very painful especially after being on my feet at work all day. Also, a good trick is to maybe stick some cotton under the nail to keep it from rubbing on the tissue. Good luck and please get it checked out.

Christine

my big toenails were very thick and i had ingrown toenails often and after one got infected i went to pod and had toenail removed--permantly--all i felt was the shot and when i asked "how much longer" i was told "its done"--its the best thing i ever did--should have had both done at that time-luckily the other toenail doesn't cause me any trouble---i think not wearing pointy shoes helps alot--you will not see me wearing those extremely pointed new shoes--and thats a given!!!!!!!!!

Thanks folks..I guess I will go have it checked out :stone Oh by the way.....thanks jnette..LOL...LMAO.... :rotfl: I'm starting to wonder myself.... :rotfl:

Luv,

Snoop

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