General Information:  Stay off your feet as much as possible today.  You may wear any shoe, sandal or open toe footwear that does not squeeze, constrict or put pressure on your toe(s).  Your toe(s) may remain numb for up to 6-10 hours after the procedure.  Please contact our office if you have any questions or concerns.

Bleeding:  Slight bleeding, discoloration and drainage are normal.

Discomfort: You can elevate your foot to help alleviate minor swelling, bleeding and discomfort.  You may also take Aspirin, Tylenol or other over-the-counter pain relievers as directed on the package.  If pain or discomfort is not controlled adequately, then contact our office.

Soaking Instructions

• Leave the initial bandage on your toe(s) for 4-6 hours following nail procedure.
• Then remove the bandage & soak the affected toe(s) in 1/4 cup Epsom Salts and (1) quart of lukewarm water. If the Epsom Salts sting or burn you may use soapy water.
• Soak the toe(s) for 10-15 minutes twice daily until the doctor tells you otherwise (usually 4 weeks).
• While you are soaking, gently massage the cuticle area so the soaking solution can reach the nail bed.
• At the end of each soaking use a Q-Tip to clean out any dead tissue from the cuticle area and the nail bed.
• Apply an antibiotic cream (such as Neosporin) and a large, clean band-aid.
• Please keep in mind that the numbing medication will last for 6-12 hours, so be careful not to injure yourself.
• PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS

Amerigel Wound Dressing

• Starting the second day after surgery, carefully remove the dressing and shower or bathe as normal.  If the gauze or bandage sticks to the area, dampen it with water or shower/bathe with the bandage in place.  This will make it easier to remove with minimal or  no discomfort.
• DRESSING SHOULD BE CHANGED ONCE DAILY FOLLOWING BATHING.
• After showering or bathing, blot the surgical site (nail bed) dry and apply a liberal amount of AmeriGel Wound Dressing.  Stinging may occur and is normal.
• Cut a suitable size piece of gauze to fit directly over the entire surgical area.
• Secure gauze in place with a band-aid. IMPORTANT:  The band-aid should be applied around the toe resembling a ring.  When dressing a toe, apply band-aid loosely.