No clinics available
At Medijump, we're making medical easy. You can search, compare, discuss, and book your medical all in one place. We open the door to the best medical providers worldwide, saving you time and energy along the way, and it's all for FREE, no hidden fees, and no price markups guaranteed. So what are you waiting for?
An ingrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis, is a condition that occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the skin of the toe. It can result in swelling, pain, and redness. Sometimes, you can take care of ingrown toenails on your own. However, if the pain is spreading or severe, you may need medical treatments. You may also want to promptly seek medical treatments if you have diabetes, a compromised immune system, or poor circulation.
The treatment option for ingrown toenail may include lifting the nail, removing some of the nail (partial nail removal), and removing all of the nail and tissue (total nail removal). The type of treatment you will undergo depends on your specific condition.
Lifting the nail
If your problem is mild, meaning the nail is only slightly ingrown and there is no pus, your doctor may be able to carefully lift the edge of the ingrown nail and place a splint, dental floss, or cotton under it. The splint, dental floss, or cotton will set the nail in a new position, separating the nail from the overlying skin and helping it to grow above the skin.
Partial nail removal
Partial nail removal may be needed for a more severe ingrown toenail. This means that there’s redness, pain, and pus.
During partial nail removal, your doctor will cut away the sides of the nail so that the edges are completely straight. Then, a piece of cotton or a splint is placed under the remaining portion of the nail in order to stop the ingrown toenail from recurring. In some cases, your doctor may also use a compound called phenol to treat your toe. Phenol can keep the nail from growing back.
Total nail removal
If you experience ingrown toenails repeatedly on the same toe or if your ingrown toenail is caused by thickening, your doctor may remove your whole nail along with the underlying tissue (nail bed).
To start the procedure, your doctor will loosen the skin around and from the nail. Then, the nail is separated from the skin by using a special tool under the nail. Your doctor may use a laser, a chemical, or other methods to remove the nail.
All procedures are performed under local anesthesia, which is injected directly into the toe. With local anesthesia, you will be awake but your toe will be numbed, so you will not feel anything throughout the procedure.
You are allowed to leave the hospital on the same day of your ingrown toenail treatment. However, it is recommended that you stay in Argentina for a few days following the surgery, at least 3 days, to let your toenail to recover before you travel home. It may be uncomfortable for you to travel long distances during your initial recovery time.
Recovery can be different for everyone. On average, it takes about four to six weeks to heal after partial nail removal and around 10 to 12 weeks after total nail removal. During the recovery time, you should be able to walk and carry on your life as normal after 3 days of rest. However, you need to avoid strenuous activities, including running and jumping for 2 weeks. It is also advisable that you avoid taking part in sports activities and dancing until you have fully healed.
Your doctor will give you specific aftercare instructions, which may include:
If your doctor gives you pain reliever make sure to take it as directed. Your doctor may also give you oral or topical Medication (antibiotics) which helps get rid of the infection.
Keep your foot raised for a day or two to allow your toe to heal properly.
Wear special footwear for the first few days. Then, you can slowly start wearing sandals or open-toed shoes until the area feels better.
Avoid picking at the wound.
Keep the wound clean and dry, except when cleaning the area or showering.
Soak your toenails with salt water daily.
Ingrown toenail treatment is a safe procedure. According to the National Health Services (NHS), partial nail removal is 98% effective in preventing future ingrown toenails. It is important, however, to remember that every type of surgery carries some possible risks, such as toenail deformity, infection, and anesthesia complications. Serious complications are typically rare and untreated ingrown toenails carry a much higher risk of complications.
If your ingrown toenail is not infected, you should be able to treat it with home remedies, such as keeping your feet dry, soaking your feet in warm water, using a wedge to lift your nail and apply antibiotic creams. However, if your ingrown toenail is infected, there’s no alternative than to get the medical treatments mentioned above.
Before ingrown toenail treatment, you may experience swelling, tenderness, hardness, redness, bleeding, pain, and pus coming out of your toe. In some cases, the condition can be serious and cause an infection in the bone, leading to foot ulcers and tissue decay at the site. After treatment, all of the painful symptoms you experience before will be relieved and the chance of the condition to complicate will be reduced.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
Enquire Now
Argentina is beautiful and intriguing, the country’s cultural diversity, coupled with its beautiful nature, ensures a wide-ranging natural and cultural experience for tourists. Today, Argentina is emerging as one of the most important destinations in the world for medical tourism. Today, you will find highly-experienced healthcare professionals, medical centers with cutting-edge technology, personalized patient care, and high-quality services. The majority of medical tourists in this country arrive from Latin American countries, the USA, and Canada. These medical tourists travel to Argentina to undergo dentistry, bariatric surgery, breast implants, and ophthalmology.
Known as the ‘Paris of South America,’ Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city in Argentina. It is known for its heavy European influence, which makes it diverse and vibrant. In this lively city, you will be welcomed with a dynamic food scene, magnificent architecture, colorful murals, lively nightlife, and glamorous tango. One of the most popular places in Argentina, besides Buenos Aires, in Córdoba, which is a fascinating city with a blend of old and new. In this city, you can find DJs spinning electro-tango next to 17th century Jesuit ruins. Another famous tourist destination is Mendoza. Filled with atmospheric plazas, leady avenues, and cosmopolitan cafes, this city captivates its tourists by its laid-back vibe. Those looking to relax on a beach should definitely visit Mar del Plata or Pinamar, where you can soak up some sun and have a lot of fun.
Ezeiza International Airport is the largest airport in Argentina, located in Greater Buenos Aires. It connects the country with almost every country in the world, such as the US, Mexico, France, the UK, and the UAE. Since Argentina is very large, traveling around the country is easier with domestic flights. However, buses are popular among those who want to appreciate the country’s landscape. The best way to travel inside cities is by renting a car.
Citizens of several countries, including Brazil, Ecuador, and the US, can visit and stay in Argentina without a visa for up to 90 days. Most other nationalities need to apply and obtain a visa to enter the country.
Given the immense size of the country, the weather varies widely from one region to another. Buenos Aires tends to be hot from December to March, but it is very pleasant to visit between July and August. The south of Argentina is nice to visit from December to March, while July and August tend to be very cold. North Argentina has three climate zones and areas around the Iguazu Falls are generally tropical with humid weather.