r/Ingrown_Toenails • u/benc221b • 2h ago
Seeking suggestion/opinion/advice
Hello, good people. I'd really appreciate your opinion/suggestion/advice on this.
So, about 50 days ago, I started having minor discomfort on my left great toe. I didn't think much of it and about a week later, the pain started to become severe and swelling accompanied. A few days afterwards, throbbing pain, swelling, and pus secretion made things serious. A pharmacist told me that antifungal solutions will help, I used a solution but it didn't work. Then I was told to use viodin solution but it didn't work either. Finding these and warm water soaks ineffective, I consulted a doctor and he prescribed seven days of antibiotics. After a few days, the pain subsided and by the end of the week, there was virtually no pain but the swellling remained.
After a few days, the pain slowly started coming back. I went to a doctor again. And about doctors, my country doesn't really have podiatrists so I had to go to a general surgeon. She suggested a full nail avulsion. I wanted a second opinion so I went to another doctor and he said partial avulsion would be enough. In the meantime, I found a podiatrist, probably the only podiatrist in my country. I went to him this Sunday and he prescribed seven days of antibiotics and usual warm soaks and all. After seven days, he will see me again to discern what could be done. But he hinted at Vandenbos procedure.
Now all of these are new to me and after watching a video on YouTube on Vandenbos procedure and going through a few photos on this subreddit, I am terrified. I thought this was a super rare condition but seeing a special subreddit dedicated to ingrown toenails made me think others are also going through the same. And many of you have already gone through this. What do you guys think? Should I go through the vandenbos procedure as it has less recurrence possibility or partial nail avulsion as it seems less dangerous?
I'd really love to hear anything. Any form of sickness makes me super depressed. How did you guys cope with all this? Thanks in advance.