Sophia Delgado
Toenail removal is a common procedure for those who experience issues with their toenails, such as ingrown toenails, deformed nails, or nail infections. The procedure can be performed in several ways, including partial or complete nail removal, and it is typically carried out by a podiatrist or GP under local anaesthetic. Proper aftercare is crucial for a speedy recovery, which includes keeping the wound clean, changing dressings, and monitoring for signs of infection. Toenails grow back slowly, taking 6 to 18 months to reach their normal length, but in some cases, a chemical is applied to the nail bed to prevent regrowth.
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What You'll Learn
- Healing time: Four to six weeks for partial nail removal, 10 to 12 weeks for full removal
- Aftercare: Keep the wound clean, change dressings, and monitor for infection
- Footwear: Wear open-toed or loose shoes for the first two weeks
- Regrowth: Nails may grow back thickened, misshapen, or ingrown
- Prevention: Cut nails straight across and avoid tight shoes
Healing time: Four to six weeks for partial nail removal, 10 to 12 weeks for full removal
The healing time for toenail removal surgery depends on the type of procedure performed. If part of the nail is removed (partial nail avulsion), it typically takes four to six weeks for the nail to heal. During this time, it is important to keep the wound clean, change dressings regularly, and monitor for signs of infection. Soaking the foot in Epsom salts can help with pain relief, and wearing appropriate footwear is crucial to support the healing process.
On the other hand, if the entire nail is removed (total nail avulsion), the healing time increases to 10 to 12 weeks. This extended healing time is necessary because the procedure involves removing the nail bed, which is the area where the nail grows from. To prevent regrowth, a chemical is applied to the nail bed, which can cause increased discharge and inflammation for the first three to 14 days after surgery. While this may make the toe look worse before it gets better, it is a normal part of the healing process and does not indicate an infection.
Regardless of the type of procedure, proper aftercare is crucial for a smooth and speedy recovery. This includes following your doctor's instructions for dressing changes, foot soaks, and pain management. It is also important to wear suitable footwear that supports the healing process and avoids activities that may hinder healing or cause trauma to the toe.
While toenail removal surgery can provide relief from pain and infection caused by ingrown toenails or other nail conditions, it is important to be aware that there is a possibility of the condition reoccurring, which may require additional operations in the future.
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Aftercare: Keep the wound clean, change dressings, and monitor for infection
After a toenail removal procedure, keeping the wound clean and changing the dressing regularly are crucial steps to prevent infection and promote healing.
Keep the Wound Clean
Use warm, soapy water to gently cleanse the toe, taking care not to apply pressure or bump the toe. Dry the area by patting it gently with a towel. Maintaining good hygiene practices is essential to prevent infection and ensure proper healing.
Change the Dressing
Change the dressing once or twice daily, or as advised by your healthcare provider. Soaking your foot in warm water before removing the old dressing can help it come off more easily and prevent sticking to the wound. Keep the wound covered at all times during the first week.
Monitor for Infection
Schedule a follow-up appointment with your podiatrist or doctor about a week after the procedure. They will assess the healing process and check for any signs of infection. During this time, it is important to avoid activities that may put excessive pressure or strain on the toe, such as strenuous sports or swimming. Reducing your physical activity and keeping your foot elevated can aid in the healing process and reduce the risk of infection.
Additionally, it is recommended to avoid smoking and consuming alcohol during the healing period, as these can negatively impact the body's ability to recover.
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Footwear: Wear open-toed or loose shoes for the first two weeks
After a toenail removal procedure, it is important to follow the correct aftercare to ensure a speedy recovery. One of the key aspects of this is wearing the right footwear. For the first two weeks, it is recommended to wear open-toed or loose shoes. This is because the toe needs room to heal without the pressure or restriction of tight, closed shoes. Sandals are a good option, as long as they don't rub or put pressure on the toe. Soft shoes with ample room for the toes are also suitable.
Wearing the correct footwear will aid the healing process and help to avoid infection. It is also important to keep the wound clean, changing the dressing regularly, and soaking the foot in warm water or Epsom salts to reduce pain and inflammation.
It is normal to experience some pain and swelling after toenail removal, especially once any anaesthetic wears off. Over-the-counter painkillers can help with this, and applying ice within the first 24 hours will reduce swelling and discomfort.
During the recovery period, it is important to avoid strenuous activity and to rest the foot. Bumps to the toe and pressure on the toe should be avoided, as these can cause pain and potentially affect the healing process. It is generally recommended to avoid sports for at least a couple of weeks, and to follow the guidance of your podiatrist or healthcare provider about when to resume normal activities.
Following toenail removal, it is important to monitor the toe for signs of infection. Increased redness, swelling, or pain, as well as pus or discharge from the wound, could indicate an infection. If you experience these symptoms, or fever or chills, contact your healthcare provider.
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Regrowth: Nails may grow back thickened, misshapen, or ingrown
After a toenail removal, it can take up to 18 months for the nail to fully regrow. The healing time also depends on how much of the nail was removed; it takes around four to six weeks to heal if part of the nail is removed, and 10 to 12 weeks if the whole nail is removed.
During the healing process, it is important to keep the wound clean and change dressings regularly. Soaking the foot in a bath containing Epsom salts can help to relieve swelling and inflammation, while applying an antibiotic ointment can help to reduce the risk of infection. It is also important to monitor for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pain, and to contact a healthcare provider if any of these symptoms occur.
To prevent future ingrown toenails, it is recommended to cut nails straight across and avoid cutting them too short. Wearing appropriate footwear is also important, as tight shoes can cause ingrown toenails.
Even with proper aftercare, there is a chance that the toenail may grow back thickened, misshapen, or ingrown. In some cases, medications may be used to inhibit nail regrowth or destroy the nail matrix and permanently prevent regrowth.
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Prevention: Cut nails straight across and avoid tight shoes
Toenails grow back slowly, taking 6 to 18 months to reach a normal length. To prevent ingrown toenails, which occur when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh, causing pain, inflamed skin, swelling, and sometimes infection, it is important to practice good foot care.
To prevent ingrown toenails, it is recommended to cut toenails straight across rather than tapering them to the shape of the toe. Toenail clippers are designed to cut straight across the nail, reducing the likelihood of the nail penetrating the bordering skin. Nails should be trimmed so they are even with the tips of the toes; cutting them too short may cause pressure from shoes, which can direct the nail to grow into the tissue.
It is also important to wear properly fitted shoes that are not too tight or too loose. Shoes that place too much pressure on the toes or pinch them may cause nails to grow into the surrounding tissue. Keeping the skin surrounding the toenails dry can also help prevent ingrown toenails, as compressed toenails are more likely to pierce the skin.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, it takes four to six weeks to heal if part of the nail is removed and 10 to 12 weeks if the whole nail is removed. It can take up to 18 months for a toenail to fully regrow.
Keep the wound clean and change the dressing regularly. Soak your foot in Epsom salts to relieve pain and swelling and apply antibiotic ointment if recommended. Avoid tight shoes and wear open-toed or loose shoes for at least two weeks.
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice increased redness, swelling, or pain, pus or discharge from the wound, or fever or chills. These could be signs of infection.
Implement good nail care practices such as cutting your nails straight across and avoiding cutting them too short. Also, wear appropriate footwear and avoid tight, pointy shoes. Replace your footwear every 8 to 12 months.
