Question
Hi, I have an ingrown toenail, and it has recently become infected. (It's red & swollen at the bottom of the nail, there's a small amount of pus, and it has stopped growing.) Do you think I will need to get the WHOLE toenail removed? Because it's the base of the nail that is red & swollen. If so, about how long does it take to recover and completely walk on it?

Answer
Hi Melissa,

From your description, this sounds like a typical infected ingrown toenail.  You will typically have redness all along the edge of the nail and even on the toe behind the nail.  With this problem, I would typically only take a small portion of the side of the nail out.  Most of the nail remains.

Usually, there is actually less pain after the procedure because the toe infection is drained which relieves pressure. In some cases you may need an oral antibiotic.  You can walk on it immediately.  Some people wear open shoes and others their regular shoes.

I would have this cared for by a Podiatrist before it worsens.

Good Luck.


Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com
www.fix-my-foot.com

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