Question
Hello.  I have a toe nail about to fall off from an injury.  Do I keep it covered with a bandage in the meantime?  Also, after it falls off, do I keep it covered and apply an antiobiotic ointment?  Do I need to see a doctor?  Thanks for your help!

Answer
This Chicago, South Loop & Elmhurst Podiatrist of AnklenfootCenters.com says.......

Dear Harold,

Although it is not unusual for someone to have pain following a toenail removal-sometimes they can get infected, take longer to heal and be painful. Do not use Hydrogen Peroxide-too drying----antibiotic cream is better
If soaks with a mild solution of Epsom salt-2 times a day, applying a little antibiotic cream and a little gauze-and open shoes or sandals does not help within a few days then, you need to try to see a Doc.
If you think it's infected-see a Podiatrist

The podiatrists of AnkleNFootCenter.com are specialists in toe pain cases.
We are located in Chicago & Elmhurst.
Hope This Helps
Good Luck!

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com

DISCLAIMER:
This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem.  It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice.  Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site.  The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site.  The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no further.