Is My Toe Healing Properly After Ingrown Nail Surgery?
I’m 35 years old and completed a course of antibiotics just today. My weight is 180 lbs and I stand 5'7" tall. Nine days have passed since my ingrown toenail was surgically removed, and I’m curious if the appearance is normal for this stage of recovery. The area is still quite sensitive and has a purplish hue. Each night, I’ve been soaking my toe and applying Neosporin before covering it with a bandage. I also took my final dose of antibiotics this evening.
Answers (1)
2/14/2026, 12:50:33 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s great to hear that you’re actively monitoring your toe healing after your ingrown nail surgery. Nine days post-surgery can still show some sensitivity and discoloration as part of the normal healing process, but it's important to ensure there are no signs of complications.
Understanding Your Symptoms:
After surgery, it’s common for the area to have some purplish hue due to bruising and the body’s inflammatory response. Sensitivity can persist as the tissue heals. However, pay attention to any signs that suggest an issue, such as increasing redness, swelling, pus, or a fever, which could indicate an infection.
Next Steps:
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Continue Cleaning and Protecting: Keep soaking your toe daily but ensure it’s not over-soaked. Clean it gently with mild soap and water, pat dry, and reapply Neosporin if your doctor recommended it. Make sure you cover it adequately with a clean bandage to protect against infection.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the color and sensitivity. It’s normal for bruising to take some time to resolve. If you notice the purplish hue spreading, or the area becomes increasingly painful, these could be signs to look out for.
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Limit Strain: Avoid putting too much pressure on the toe, especially if it’s sensitive. If you can, try to wear loose-fitting shoes or sandals to minimize discomfort.
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Rest and Elevation: Keep your foot elevated as much as possible to help reduce swelling. Giving your toe time to heal is crucial at this stage.
When to Seek Further Help:
While your situation sounds typical for recovery, if you experience:
- Severe or increasing pain
- Redness spreading from the surgical site
- Pus or foul odor
- Fever or chills
Then it would be appropriate to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Taking care of your healing toe with these steps can help ensure a smooth recovery. If you have additional concerns or questions about changes you notice, don't hesitate to ask!
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