Question:
I have horrible in-grown toenails....

that I need to get fixed by a podiatrist everyonce in a while. Will WLS help eleviate this problem?    — [Anonymous] (posted on November 8, 2001)

November 8, 2001
I also suffer from this problem and I say suffer cause its horribel. I post and I still get them. I just had one removed the other week and my doc was able to clot the root of the nail so it won't grow back maybe you should ask about something like that. This surgery has cured so many things for me so if it doesn't help my ingrown nails I'll deal with them. Also my Doc says that some people are just prone to get them. Have a Great Day
   — Heather G.

November 8, 2001
Yes, wls will help....assuming that your toenail problem is the result of a big belly that keeps you from clipping your nails. Otherise....no...why would it??????
   — [Anonymous]

November 8, 2001
This is so creepy, I was just thinking about posting something about ingrown toenails today too. I feel your pain (literally!). I have had my big toenails completely removed in the past because of ingrown toenails (and now they are back with a vengance), and total removal is just NOT the way to do it. My boyfriend also had ingrown toenails and what his podiatrist did is remove the sides of the nail (effectively narrowing the nail) and then he cauterized the nail bed in those spots, so it would not grow back on the sides. He has had no problems ever since. Losing weight might help this problem because all of that weight on your feet helps push the nail down into your skin (and I even have fat toes, lol). The surgery I mentioned above is not that bad I hear (pain wise) and you can be on your feet afterwards. If you have severe fungus on the nails (like I do on one big toe) you might have to get the whole thing removed, but even then, it's not debilitating. Like I said, I had it done to both big toes before, but now I am looking to have it done again (right this time). One of mine also grew back in two halves, one overlapping the other in the middle of my nail bed. VERY GROSS. I did not go to a podiatrist when I had this done (a big mistake) because my mom just took me somewhere because I was a kid and she didn't know any better. The doctor actually wanted to cauterize my whole nail bed (so nothing would grow back!) and it's just not neccessary. It's easier to do it that way for the doctor probably, but don't let them talk you into anything you don't want. Good luck and soaking your feet helps in the meantime! :)
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 8, 2001
HI after many times of having one nail or both removed, them growing back infected I opted for the having the nail bed removed from both big toes---it is heaven--no more sore toes---infections etc---I paint them as if they had a nail and unless you look very carefully--you can't tell--ps diabetics need to watch this would rather lose a nail than a toe, foot or leg--
   — Linda L.

November 8, 2001
Boy, can I sympathize with this one. I fought those things for 25 years. FINALLY had the sides removed by an orthopedic surgeon. For some reason, got the idea in my head that the Pod would not be covered under ins. Wrong. Anyway, it was this huge "procedure", cutting, stitches, scars. BUT those new edges ingrew AGAIN. Oh boy. So, this time, I went to the Pod. He cut both sides of the big toes, both sides of the next toes and charged HALF of what I'd paid for the botched job. They did not grow BACK, but he scraped the nail bed. The Pod "poisoned" the nail bed, so much less invasive. I am SOOOOOOOOO happy I did this and SOOOOOOOO sorry I did not know about it til I was in my 40's! While the WLS might've helped a little, the fact remins that the nail was curled up over itself, so changing ME would not have changed the problem with the nail itself.
   — vitalady

November 8, 2001
I have been a manicurist for over 17 years and I have seen big, small and petite get ingrown nails. From the experience I have seen, weight does not matter. Good luck...
   — Marie A.

November 9, 2001
I suffered from the same problem. My podiatrist removed the side of the nail and then used a chemical to kill the nail bed. It was a quick easy procedure. The worst part was the needle to numb my toe. Afterward I just had to keep the toe bandaged with some neosporin on it, and soaked it twice a day in warm water and epsom salts. The remaining nail looks normal. If your nail is too bad the doctor can remove the entire nail and kill the nail bed. I know 2 women who have had this done. When they have a pedicure the maicurist just paints the skin and no one ever notices that there's no nail there.
   — Lori C.