Anyone had a full nail avulsion?

[pootle100]

Hello :) Last Thursday I had a total nail avulsion done on my big toe and had it treated with phenol to stop it regrowing. I am a massive hypochondriac and am freaking out about its recovery as no one told me what to expect over the coming weeks. (In my mind every symptom means infection, septicaemia, gangrene, death, bla bla bla)

I have virtually no pain, only a bit when I walk. However it is weeping through its dressings and bleeds a little. Currently my dressing are being changed every two days and no one has said it looks infected, just that its bled.

Has anyone else has this done? I really need to know what is normal and what the recovery will be like....so then I can stop freaking out at every tiny thing. If anyone could explain the process of this healing to me, I would be very grateful.

Thank you xx

[hiddenhome]

I've had two done and it takes around four weeks to heal. Try to get some inadine from the pharmacy and dress it every day after a shower. Once it starts to settle down you can stop using the inadine. The inadine will prevent infection.

[pootle100]

Thank you for your reply :) so did yours weep lots in the first week? Mine is coming through the dressing and making my foot wet.

[hiddenhome]

Yes, that's normal. It does get better. You think it won't, but it does

I found soaking mine in warm, salty water helped too.