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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 Saudi Arabia 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
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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and is home to the holy Muslim city of Mecca, all Muslims are required to make a pilgrimage to this city at least once during their life and non-Muslims are forbidden from the city. There are other wonders to be found here, from the Red Sand Dunes in Riyadh, Jeddah’s coral architecture, to the azure waters of the Red Sea. In the last few years, the Kingdom has developed a plan to encourage international patients to seek treatment at its medical centers. The healthcare sector in the country has constantly improved and developed and the country has all the attributes to have a successful medical tourism industry, such as ultra-modern hospitals that are well-equipped with cutting-edge technology, foreign-trained doctors and specialists, and a well-established private healthcare sector.
The capital city is Riyadh, which is one of the wealthiest cities in the world. It offers amazing attractions for tourists, such as the Masmak Fortress, the National Museum, the Kingdom Center, the Sky Bridge, Riyadh Zoo, and the Antiquities Museum. Another popular city is Jeddah, which is called the Bride of the Red Sea. It’s a large metropolitan city with an incredible waterfront and beautiful old town. It’s the traditional gateway to Mecca, as well as the historic crossroads of traders and pilgrims. Most tourists visit this city to admire its World Heritage Red Sea architecture, explore its lively souq, relax in its laid-back coastline, and try its world-class cuisine.
King Fahd International Airport is the largest airport in Saudi Arabia, located in the city of Dammam. It serves flights to and from numerous cities in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Domestic flights are the best way to travel around this country. Buses, taxis, and car rental are widely available for travel inside the cities.
Almost all nationalities need to have a visa to visit Saudi Arabia, except for citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and the UAE. eVisa or visa on arrival is available for holders of passports of 51 countries, including all EU countries, the US, the UK, and Japan. Most other countries need to obtain a visa prior to arrival.
Saudi Arabia has two seasons, summer and winter. Summer (April – October). The weather is extremely hot and humid. The average temperatures range between 40oC to 45oC, but it can soar to 49oC. Winter, from November to March, brings mild temperatures, with an average of 20oC during the day and 10oC during the night.