Isla Bennett
Toenail removal surgery is a safe and effective procedure that is performed to relieve pain and prevent infections caused by deformed, curved, or ingrown nails. The surgery involves numbing the toe with a local anaesthetic and removing either a part or the whole nail. A chemical, typically phenol, is applied to the nail bed to prevent the nail from growing back. After the procedure, it is normal for the wound to ooze a light-yellow discharge and for the area to be inflamed or blistered. This discharge typically increases after 3 to 14 days and gradually reduces as a scab forms. While the toe heals, it is important to keep it clean, bandaged, and elevated, and to avoid tight-fitting shoes that may irritate the wound.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for the procedure | Few minutes to an hour |
| Time taken for anaesthesia to wear off | 6 to 24 hours |
| Time to keep the bandage on initially | 12 to 24 hours |
| Time to keep the toe covered with gauze | First 3-4 days |
| Time to keep the toe covered with a bandaid | After drainage is minimal |
| Time to keep the toe covered at night | First 3-4 days |
| Time to wear shoes after minor removals | 2-3 days |
| Time to wear shoes after entire nail removal | 1-2 weeks |
| Time to change the bandage daily | 5-7 days |
| Time for the wound to scab or peel | 2 weeks |
| Time for the wound to be mostly healed | 3-4 weeks |
| Time for toenails to grow completely out | 12 to 18 months |
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What You'll Learn
The oozing is normal
It is understandable to be concerned about oozing after a toenail removal procedure. However, it is important to remember that oozing is a normal part of the healing process and is typically nothing to worry about.
Toe nail removal surgery involves removing part or the entire nail to relieve pain and prevent infections caused by ingrown toenails. During the procedure, a chemical called phenol is applied to the nail bed to prevent the nail from growing back. This chemical can cause an increase in discharge, which is why oozing is common after this type of surgery.
The oozing typically starts a few days after the procedure and is characterized by a light-yellow discharge. This is a normal part of the healing process, and it is important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection. It is recommended to cover the toe with gauze for the first few days to absorb the discharge and protect the wound.
In most cases, the oozing will gradually decrease, and a scab will form over the wound. This is a sign that the toe is healing well. It is important to continue keeping the area clean and open during this time and to follow any instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
While oozing is normal, it is important to monitor the area for any signs of infection. If you notice a significant increase in discharge, redness, swelling, or pain, it is important to contact your healthcare provider as you may require antibiotics or further treatment.
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Bleeding and drainage are common
It is important to keep the area where the toenail was removed clean and open. If the whole toenail was removed, you must keep the sides open and prevent them from closing. If only one side was treated, keep that area open to allow drainage. Wash your toes with warm water and soap, then use a Q-tip to remove any debris and clean the area. This will prevent the chemical used to kill the root from becoming trapped.
For the first few days, use gauze to cover the toe instead of a plaster. This allows the toe to breathe. Once the drainage is minimal, you can switch to a plaster. Keep the toe covered at all times for the first three to four days with gauze. After this, you can use a plaster at night, leaving it uncovered to allow it to breathe.
You should expect the toe to feel sore, swollen, and tender during the first three days. Keep it bandaged and dry. Swelling and pain should decrease by days four to seven. Keep the area clean and change the bandage daily. The wound will start to scab or peel by week two, showing signs of healing. Soft, closed-toe shoes might be okay to wear. By weeks three to four, the wound should be mostly healed, and you can resume normal activities.
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Keep the toe covered
It is important to keep your toe covered after a toenail removal procedure. The bandage you have on your toe should be left in place until the next day. There is no need to remove it, and you can expect to see some bleeding, which is normal. If there is excessive bleeding, you can change the dressing. Keeping the wound covered is essential to protect it, prevent infections, and reduce pain.
For the first few days, use gauze to cover the toe instead of a band-aid. This allows the toe to breathe. Once the drainage is minimal, you can switch to a band-aid. Keep your toe covered at all times for the first 3-4 days with gauze. After this, you can use a band-aid, and at night, leave it uncovered to allow it to breathe.
The time to keep the bandage on will depend on the severity of the surgery. For minor removals, you can start wearing shoes after 2-3 days, but make sure they are soft, open-toe shoes or sandals that don't put pressure on the toe. If the entire nail was removed or the procedure was more severe, avoid closed-toe shoes for 1-2 weeks. The wound will start to scab or peel by week 2, and by weeks 3-4, it should be mostly healed.
You can usually stop dressing your toe after 5-7 days but always follow your doctor's instructions. It is normal for the wound to weep a light-yellow discharge, and for the area where the nail was removed to be inflamed or have a slight blister. After 3-14 days, there is usually an increase in discharge, and then it will gradually reduce as a scab forms.
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Clean the toe regularly
It is important to keep the area where the toenail was removed clean and open. If the whole toenail was removed, keep the sides open and don't allow them to close. If only one side was removed, keep the groove where the nail was removed open to facilitate drainage. This can be done by washing the toes in warm water with soap and then using a Q-tip to remove any debris and clean the gutter. Keeping the area clean will prevent the chemical used to kill the root from becoming trapped.
For the first few days, cover the toe with gauze instead of a Band-Aid. Gauze allows the wound to breathe while still covering the area. Once the drainage has slowed, a Band-Aid can be used. Keep the toe covered at all times for the first 3-4 days, and change the dressing daily. At night, leave the toe uncovered and open to the air to allow it to breathe.
After 3 to 14 days, there is usually an increase in discharge, which is a normal part of the healing process. This does not mean that your toe is infected. However, if there is a significant increase in discharge, redness, or pain, contact your doctor as you may require antibiotics.
After about two weeks, the scabbing and discharge should reduce, and the toe should be mostly healed. You can stop dressing the toe once the dressings come off clean for two days in a row.
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Healing takes several weeks
After a toenail removal procedure, it is important to follow the aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and recovery. The healing process will go through several stages, and each stage requires special care.
In the first few days after the procedure, it is normal to experience some bleeding, soreness, swelling, and tenderness. Keep the toe bandaged and dry, and elevate your foot for the first four hours. You may also need to take pain relievers as recommended by your healthcare provider.
During the first week, it is important to keep the area clean and change the bandage daily. You should also avoid getting your toe wet for too long, as this can slow down the healing process. Additionally, it is recommended to wear soft, open-toe shoes or sandals that don't put pressure on the toe.
By the second week, the wound should start to scab or peel, indicating that the healing process is progressing. You may also notice an increase in discharge, which is a normal part of the healing process due to the chemicals used during the procedure. It is important to gradually transition to using a Band-Aid instead of gauze as the drainage decreases.
By the third and fourth weeks, the wound should be mostly healed, and you can resume normal activities. However, it is important to continue following your healthcare provider's instructions and to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection.
It is worth noting that the healing time may vary depending on the severity of the surgery and individual factors. Therefore, it is always best to follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider and to seek medical advice if you have any concerns or questions during the healing process.
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Frequently asked questions
The wound will start to scab or peel by week 2, showing signs of healing. It is normal for the wound to weep a light-yellow discharge and for the area where the nail was removed to be inflamed or have a slight blister.
You should keep the bandage on for 24-48 hours after the procedure. After that, change the dressing daily until the wound heals. You can usually stop dressing the toe after 5-7 days but always follow your doctor's instructions.
For the first few days, use gauze to cover the toe instead of a Band-Aid, this allows the toe to breathe. Once the drainage is minimal, you can switch to a Band-Aid.
