Question
I recently had my big toenail removed and my doctor told me to soak it at least twice a day and to keep a band-aid on it the rest of the time. What he didn't tell me was when I needed to stop soaking it and when I should stop wearing a band-aid. It's been over a month now and it looks pretty good (except for the bottom half of the nail bed which is covered in a build up of something and is red in color, is this normal?) and I was wondering if you think I still need to be soaking it every day and when I should start not wearing the band-aid.
Another question I had was that the big toenail on my other foot looked infected so my doctor told me to use lamisil cream on it, I've been using it for about 3 weeks with no improvement that I can tell. Should I continue to use it or am I just wasting my time?

Answer
Hi Monte,

Your Dr should be giving you very specific instructions and seeing you back for follow-up care for both of the toes. If  you did not get enough information, you need to call their office and speak with the Dr regarding your concerns.

I don't know exactly what type of procedure was performed so it is hard for me to know what it should look like.  Also, each Dr has a different routine after surgery so you need to check with them.

As far as the red toe that looks infected, you need to have that looked at by a Dr. since it has not improved.

If you are not getting satisfactory information or treatment from your Dr you may want to find another Podiatrist in your area.

Good Luck.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com
www.fix-my-foot.com

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