Surgical procedure to remove a toenail that has curled and grown into the skin, causing pain.

 

Ingrown Nail

Copyright © 2005 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. www.nucleusinc.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huyMG8yJqC0

Parts of the Body Involved

Toe and toenail, usually the big toe.

Reasons for Procedure

With this procedure, the entire nail or only the portion of the nail growing into the skin may be removed. It is most often performed for the following reasons:

• To relieve pain
• To relieve swelling (inflammation or infection)
• To remove a deformed nail
• To correct abnormal nail growth

Risk Factors for Complications During the Procedure

• Diabetes
• Problems with blood circulation

What to Expect

 

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:

• Exam of the area
• Conservative care before surgery

The day of your procedure:

• Wear comfortable clothing and loose-fitting shoes.
• Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure.

 

Anesthesia

Local

 

Description of the Procedure

Local anesthetic is used to numb the area, usually the whole toe. The doctor will pull the nail up and cut along the edge that is growing into the skin. A chemical may be used to prevent the nail from growing back in the same area.

A total nail removal is a more extensive procedure. For a total nail removal, the doctor eliminates the nail, the nail bed, and any adjacent tissue. The tissue may be cut away and stitches used to close the area. Alternatively, a laser will be used to destroy the tissue, or an acidic chemical will be applied to kill the nail’s growth cells.

 

How Long Will It Take?

Less than 1 hour

 

Will It Hurt?

Most patients report no pain during the procedure once the anesthetic has been given. But injection of the local anesthetic can be painful; this discomfort can be reduced by careful administration by your doctor. Anesthetic injection into toes or fingers is usually quite painful due to tight skin and many nerve endings. Spraying with a topical anesthetic spray first before the injection may help. Some anesthetic preparations may be less irritating than others, so the doctor can reduce the discomfort somewhat.

 

Possible Complications

• Infection
• Excessive swelling or bleeding

 

Average Hospital Stay

None

 

Postoperative Care

• Do not put weight on the affected toe.
• If needed, take the pain medication ordered or over-the-counter pain remedy recommended by your doctor.
• Keep your foot elevated for the first day after the procedure.
• Soak your toe in warm, salt, or plain water for 10 to 20 minutes, two or three times each day for one week; soaking decreases pain and swelling.
• Keep a clean, dry dressing over the toe.
• Wash your hands before caring for the nail area or changing the dressing.
• Wear white, cotton socks and loose fitting shoes for about two weeks.
• Do not run or engage in strenuous activities until your doctor says you can, usually after about two weeks.

If your toe is infected:

• You’ll be given an antibiotic cream or ointment to treat the infection; do not touch the antibiotic with your finger, instead put a small dab of the cream on a clean dressing or sterile applicator and use that to touch your toe.
• For severe infections, you may need to take an antibiotic by mouth. If one is ordered, take all of the pills. Do not stop the medication, even if the toe looks better, unless told otherwise by your doctor.

To avoid future ingrown nails:

• Do not wear high heels or shoes that fit poorly.
• Trim your toenails straight across and do not pick or tear at them.
• Foot care is extremely important if you have diabetes, consider letting a podiatrist or other health professional trim your nails and examine your feet routinely.

Outcome

If needed, stitches are usually removed in about 10 days. Complete healing takes about two to three weeks but does not interfere with most daily activities. (Strenuous activities are limited for about two weeks as stated above.)

If the entire nail was removed, your body will generate a hard skin in its place. After the skin has covered the sensitive area, you can resume normal activities.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site
• Chalky white, bluish, or blackish appearance to skin of toes or foot (Call immediately.)

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org

American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
http://www.footphysicians.com

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Calgary Foot Clinic
http://www.foottalk.com

Nurses Entrepreneurial Foot Care Association of Canada
http://www.nefca.ca/default.asp

Total view -1099- Daily view -1-

Is Organic Worth It?

When you head to the grocery store, shopping for products like eggs, meat, fish, milk, and produce can be very tricky. Signs are posted everywhere labeling food as natural, organic, and a number of other things—but what’s the difference, really? Learning what specific names mean can help you decide if you should shell out extra money on a product of it is simply a marketing ploy.

 

Natural is a turn associated with a number of fruit and vegetable product. Typically, this is simple a marketing ploy to convince you to buy the product. After all, all fruits and vegetables are natural, right? Unless it’s a new kind of food that has been developed and processed, the product is natural. What you really probably want is organic. Organic foods are grown without chemical pesticides and fertilizers. There are two main benefits to organic foods. First, you are helping the environment because those chemicals are not being introduced into nature. Secondly, you are avoiding ingesting chemicals and are therefore healthy more healthy foods. However, organic products are usually more expensive. If you’re on a budget, skip over organic fruits and vegetables that you can peel, like oranges and bananas. After all, once you’ve discarded the peel, you’ve also discarded the chemicals. Instead, opt for organic items like apples, where you eat the peel. No matter what you buy, however, make sure that you rinse off the food when you get home.

 

Another tricky label you will see is “no hormones.” This is usually in regards to milk or meat products and is false, since all animals naturally produce hormones. Hormones are what helps an animal (even a human) regulate body organs, have young, and otherwise function. All meat products have hormones. What the labels really mean is that no hormones were unnaturally given to the animal, which is sometimes done to increase milk production. Regardless of hormones, however, the milk and meat is safe for a person and not a violation of an animal’s rights.

 

Lastly, a label on eggs and meat can indicate if the animal was caged or penned. This does not make a difference in the quality or nutritional value of the meat, but is simply a matter of animal rights. These products may be a bit more expensive, but if you want to make human decisions, that is the way to go. Reading the label and making healthy choices can sometimes be difficult, but learning how to do so can help you make the best choices for you diet.

Total view -347- Daily view -0-

FotoFacial RF

Over time, the aging process and the effects of the sun, wind and pollutants in the air can wreak havoc on our skin. Unfortunately, our highly competitive society places a premium on a youthful look.

A wide variety of medical lasers and light systems are used to rejuvenate the skin. However, every laser is not effective for all skin types. This means patients may have to visit multiple practices to achieve their desired results. Now, all patients who wish to effectively remove these unwanted effects and rejuvenate their skin can benefit from the advanced FotoFacial RF.

The FotoFacial RF uses the AURORA/ELOS™ system developed by SYNERON. It combines optical energy with radio frequency (RF) energy to deliver satisfying, lasting results. Now, patients can enjoy the results they desire regardless of their skin type.

How is the FotoFacial RF different from other laser procedures?

Unlike other lasers, with a FotoFacial RF, the visible light energy is absorbed by the pigment in the skin’s surface, while the RF energy stimulates the production of collagen (which supports the skin) from within. A FotoFacial RF can be used to rejuvenate the skin of the face, neck, chest and arms.

What conditions can be treated with a FotoFacial RF?

Fine lines, rosacea, flushing, pore size, ruddy complexion, broken capillaries and spider veins, hyperpigmentation, melasma, freckles, age and sun spots, a pregnancy mask, as well as non-pitted acne scars can all be diminished in a softer, more gentle way with a FotoFacial RF. All patients see positive results from a FotoFacial RF without any of the potential side effects seen with other laser systems.

What are the benefits of a FotoFacial RF?

• There is no downtime with a FotoFacial RF.

• FotoFacial RF is effective on any area of the body where smoother, younger-looking skin is desired.

• With a FotoFacial RF the results are progressive.

• FotoFacial RF provides lasting results.

What are the treatments like?

First, the area to be treated is cleansed. Then a thin layer of cooling gel is applied to the treatment area. FotoFacial RF treatments are accomplished through a delicate handpiece attached to the AURORA/ELOS system. When placed against the skin you will feel the cold tip. When the pulse of light and low energy radio frequency is administered there is a momentary sensation that is easily tolerated. Treatments take between twenty minutes to a half hour depending on the size of the area being treated.

How many treatments will I need?

Usually, 4-5 treatments are sufficient. FotoFacial RF treatments are administered every three to four weeks. The number of skin rejuvenation treatments depends on the area treated, your expectations and your goals.

What about the results?

With a FotoFacial RF, the results are progressive. With each treatment you will be more pleased. Your skin will look and feel smoother. Your complexion and skin color will begin to look more even. Fine lines and wrinkles will gradually smooth out. Dark spots and broken blood vessels will begin to fade away. Since the aging process continues after your treatment, maintenance treatments may prevent the return of your symptoms.

Following your treatment:

Immediately after your treatment the area is cleansed and you can return to your normal activities. Dark spots and small blood vessels may seem a little more noticeable, but they will begin to fade after several days. Your physician may recommend that you use a specially-formulated skin care product line or prescribe a skin care regime especially formulated for your skin type after your FotoFacial RF treatments. The use of sunscreen is recommended on any treated areas exposed to the sun.

This information is intended to supplement, not replace, a consultation with a board certified physician. To find out if you could be a candidate for one of these procedures or to learn more information about these procedures, we invite you to contact one of our doctors for a private consultation.

Resource : topdocs.com

Total view -498- Daily view -0-