• Lyrl@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
        2·
        10 days ago

        OP might be talking about a procedure where a podiatrist or dermatologist kills the mis-growing edges of the nail root. The remaining root grows a narrower nail, but hopefully a straighter one. Sometimes the process doesn’t work the first time (hard to judge how much cell-kill stuff will get just the edges and not damage the middle) and has to be repeated.

  • EtherWhack@lemmy.worldEnglish
    10·
    11 days ago

    While getting it taken taken care of by a doctor is the more prudent option, the cotton trick can temporarily help in the meantime.

    You pull a small strip of cotton about 2.5cm long from a cotton ball and stuff it under your nail, as if you were flossing your nail, with the ends of the cotton acting as a sort of cushion and softening the edges of the nail. You would then use a bandaid to keep it in place for the day. (also, you should use some antibiotic ointment before stuffing in the cotton if you have any broken/torn skin)

    Again, it’s only a temporary solution, but it really does help with the pain.

  • Ferrous@lemmy.mlEnglish
    8·
    11 days ago

    To anyone who gets this: do not let the podiatrist convince you to do the partial removal. Ask your podiatrist if a full nail avulsion could be preferable to a partial avulsion if minimizing chance of reoccurence is the most important factor to you. Ie, removing a tiny strip from one or both sides of the nail. It is HIGHLY likely it will get bad again. Have them do a full phenol cauterization and remove the entire nail. You dont need it, and you’ll be better off without it. However, I’m no doctor.

    • bluespin@lemmy.worldEnglish
      19·
      11 days ago

      Also anecodtal: I had the procedure you’re describing and it worked for me. Ignoring your podiatrist is bad advice

      • doughless@lemmy.worldEnglish
        14·
        11 days ago

        I also had that procedure where the doctor only removes the affected part of the toenail. That was over a decade ago and I’ve never had the issue reoccur; and I still have my toenail.

      • Ferrous@lemmy.mlEnglish
        3·
        11 days ago

        Yeah the science is above my head but I believe usually after they rip out the nail (be it whole nail or a strip), they will apply a cotton ball of phenol to the bed and that is supposed to stop the nail from coming back. It failed to do so 3 times in my case, albeit on two different toes.

    • Bytemeister@lemmy.worldEnglish
      3·
      11 days ago

      On the flip side, I had partial nail removal on two toes each side, and haven’t had any issues in 20 years. Procedure was quick, mostly painless, and the relief was immediate. I was playing soccer 3 days later.

      If you want to ask about a full removal, go for it, but be open to professional advice.

  • Digestive_Biscuit@feddit.ukEnglish
    5·
    10 days ago

    Never had this problem. I have that annoying little nail splitting out from my little toe. Gets snagged on socks all the time.

  • TrackinDaKraken@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    10 days ago

    Get a pair of these.

    They let you cut down along the edge. Cut straight down, as far as you can, then yank out the piece by the root (yes, ouch). Over time, the nail will stop growing along the edge. I can’t tell you how long it takes, I don’t remember. It wasn’t that long, I did it decades ago. It’s a permanent solution.