Share

TOENAIL PROCEDURES: AFTERCARE

  1. Please keep your bandage clean, dry, and intact for 24 hours after the procedure. Do not remove the bandage. Do not let the bandage get wet.
  2. You may or may not have been prescribed a medication, such as an antibiotic. Please take all medications as indicated and as prescribed. Call the office if you have questions.
  3. Once you remove the bandage (after 24 hours), wash the site gently with antibacterial soap and a cotton tipped applicator daily.
  4. You may soak your foot in lukewarm water with Epson salt for no more than 20 minutes daily.
  5. Apply antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin) to the site and a band-aid daily.
  6. Perform steps 2-5 daily until the next appointment with the doctor.

When to call:

  1. If site has increasing redness to joint line, significant pain, increasing swelling, or pus.
  2. If site has a foul odor.
  3. If the site is consistently bleeding, so much so that the bandage is saturated with blood.
  4. If you feel nauseous, are vomiting, have a fever or chills.

What is normal:

  1. Drainage. Drainage that is slightly yellow or straw colored, but generally clear is normal. You will notice it on the bandage or band-aid during dressing changes, and it is expected. This drainage is not pus. Pus is milky white or milky yellow in color.
  2. Blood. Bleeding is normal after this procedure and you should expect to see a small amount of blood on the bandage or band-aid daily. If you do not see blood daily, that is normal, too.
  3. Swelling and Redness. Swelling and redness around the site is normal as the procedure was just performed. Redness to the joint line is too much redness.
  4. Pain. Pain and discomfort post procedure are normal. Over-the-counter Tylenol or Motrin is all that is needed for pain management post procedure.

    **Permanent Procedure. Increased drainage or bleeding is expected with the permanent procedures. It is also normal to see a small, grey or black discolored area, skin, or scab at the base of the nail. This is from the chemical used to perform the procedure and will go away over time. The permanent procedure takes longer to heal, that is normal and expected.