Ingrown toenail

[LotKell]

my 16 year old son looks like he has the beginnings of an ingrown toenail.

He has a severe blood needle phobia so really want to avoid any surgical procedure. Is there anything he can do now to avoid surgery ?

Yeah, but it's painful as well. Soak the toe in a mix of water and TCP (or salt). When it's softened, push the affected part of the toenail up with a flattened cotton bud. TBH, MUCH less painful to just get the surgery done. Takes no time at all and no bother afterwards. I was 19 when I had it done and all fine since :D

I used to suffer from these when I was a dancer , absolute nightmare . Soak in hot salty water , and when the nail is soft after about 15 mins , lift it up and slightly trim the bit away that’s growing into the skin. It hurts but my dr said unless it’s going smelly and manky they’ll just treat it the same at the GP practice so best to do it at home . I used to do this as I would get puss and everything it was so sore. Also Make sure he wears sensible shoes , like flat trainers .
This website tells you how to do it a bit better than me www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ingrown-toenails/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355908

My 13 year old had one recently. She hates needles, but the podiatrist was just amazing and it’s so much better now. It’s good to get it sorted early, as it requires less cutting.