Another ingrown toenail?

Question:

I have another question about ingrown toenails. I have had one for about a week and a half or so. I soaked with w/warm saltwater, put peroxide on it, and put anitbiotic cream on it. A few days ago, i was able to see the ingrown nail and I clipped it. The toe felt great, then I thought I didnt get it all out. The very tip corner of my toe (where to ingrown toenail is/was) is very sensitive to the touch of anything. It hurts really bad if my sock brushes agaist it. I called me doc and they will not do the nail cutting procedure in the office, they told me I have to go to a specialist (podiatrist). A specialist with my insurance is really expensive and I dont have much extra money. What can I do to lessen the tenderness and pain of the tip of my toe? The very tip is the only place it hurts, the sides seem they are not swollen anymore, just red. Any suggestions on how to see if a piece is stuck in there still w/o the terrible pain? Anthing that totally numbs it or anything?

Answers:
well, its very hard to die from an ingrown toenail. to say that first.
keep the area clean, and allow a lot of fresh air to get to it. you can use all kinds of antiseptics to clean it, some of them even include procainamide (allergy?) that sets down the pain (one brand is called baktine, you can buy it at cvs). if you still have that much pain, there is probably still some nail in there penetrating your tissue = infection + pain. if that's the case it wont go away by itself. you have two options to get it out of there: go to the specialist who is expensive, or go to any general surgeon who will cut out a "triangle" on the left/right side of your toe nail (painful at first, but also works).

Other Answers:
Dude. I just had two procedures for my big toes. Here's the answer: a specialist is the only way to go. It may be expensive, but it will save you a lot of pain and possibly money down the road. Did you know you can DIE from an ingrown toenail? It's called Septicemia. That's when an infection enters your bloodstream and heads for your hear. You can tell if you have it when you have a red streak along a vein or so leading from the place of infection. I doesn't necissarily hurt, but it is highly dangerous. Check to see if that's the case. Also, it sounds like your infection is very serious if you still have lingering pain after the fact. they are technically considered a medical emergency. Go for a consultation to a podiatrist and tell them your money situation. most specialty doctors have some sort of plan for patients who are strapped. He may also let you pay it off over time, in installments. but believe me: I've had so many many ingrown toenails. I've had to have one of them removed. twice!

The procedure to fix it is simple, and heals rather fast. It's only been about a month, and both my feet are almost completely recovered.

One more tip: the salt you should use to soak ought to be Epsom Salts. they are cheap and available anywhere. Sometimes you can see a trail of puss comming out where you soak (it's gross, but good!). Hope that helps! I know it looks expensive (it is), but the specialist is the only way to go. Better go now, before other complications start and they start saying 2 visits are not enough. You could work out a way to pay them.breaking it into easily payable amounts. Most doctors agree to such things. After the surgery..you can do preventive stuff, so you don't get it again.

Treatment Options for you:
Ingrown toenails should be treated as soon as they are recognized. If they are recognized early (before infection sets in), home care may prevent the need for further treatment:
* Soak the foot in warm water 3-4 times daily.
* Keep the foot dry during the rest of the day.
* Wear comfortable shoes with adequate room for the toes. Consider wearing sandals until the condition clears up.
* You may take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief.
* If there is no improvement in 2-3 days, or if the condition worsens, call your doctor.
* You may need to gently lift the edge of the ingrown toenail from its embedded position and insert some cotton or waxed dental floss between the nail and your skin. Change this packing every day.
Why are you getting ingrown toe nails? Is it congenital or are your shoes too tight (not allowing your nails to grow properly) or are you not cutting it correctly? Unless the problem is congenital, the best way to prevent ingrown toenails is to protect the feet from trauma and to wear shoes and hosiery (socks) with adequate room for the toes. Nails should be cut straight across with a clean, sharp nail trimmer without tapering or rounding the corners. Trim the nails no shorter than the edge of the toe. Keep the feet clean and dry at all times.

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Another ingrown toenail?

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