Video
Elizabeth is particularly ashamed of the state of her toenails, so-much-so that she’s kept them hidden for 6 months. Dr Pixie diagnoses an ingrown toenail whilst tests on clippings also find fungal infection Alternaria. Elizabeth is soon whisked off to see foot and ankle surgeon Anthony Pinnera who suggests having the nails completely removed which Elizabeth quickly agrees to. Elizabeth undergoes treatment to remove both nails and clean out the infected areas. 5 weeks later Elizabeth returns to the clinic to discuss the results of the procedure. On examining Elizabeth’s toes, which are still healing, she notes that Elizabeth has not been changing the dressings frequently enough and that she really must if she doesn’t want the same symptoms to occur.
Patient Name: Elizabeth Patch
Condition: Ingrown toenails
Specialist: Mr Anthony Perera, Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon
Hospital: Spire Cardiff Private Hospital
Length of operation: Approx 20 minute
Yes
NoComments and Questions
You can share your experiences and thoughts with other Embarrassing Bodies site-users below. Comments & Questions are reviewed by moderators, but if you see anything on the site that worries you, please report it and one of our moderators will look at it as soon as possible.
Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.
just had me nail removed yesterday under a local anesthetic. Didn't feel a thing, it got quite uncomfortable later on as the anesthetic wore off today it's still a little painful but not any worse than having the ingrown toenail
Reply to this comment Report this as offensive
I've also had a nail infection which has been diagnosed as fungal for many years. I have rheumatoid arthritis also. Gels and creams have been suggested in the past, but the infection still persists. Tablets were not thought to be a good idea. I have recently seen that laser treatment is available for infections such as these. However, the above cases seemed to have been treated differently. Which is the best route to take - I would love to be rid of this infection finally :o|
Reply to this comment Report this as offensive
i'v got a minor case of ingrowing toe nails. no where as near as bad as these, but im very worried, and sometimes the pain brings me to tears! iv been prescribed time and time again with pain killers and antibiotics, also a magnesium sulphate thing that i can dress my toe in, however it doesn't seem to hold the pain off for very long. Im desperate not to have my nail removed! As pain scares me really. Help !
Reply to this comment Report this as offensive
I had green toenails on three toes since I was a kid. Not fungal, just thick and ugly. The nails on my baby toes rectified themselves but the nail on my big toe never grew the full length of my toe. I used to sand it down with emery boards! Finally it got infected as it started growing into the side of my toe and I ended up going to a clinic in Corsica when on holidays. Doctor diagnosed ingrowing toenail and removed not only the side of the nail but a portion of my toe, like a piece of pie from the front of my toe. Turns out I had a bump on the toe which the nail was unable to grow over, once he had taken out a piece from the front, and pulled the skin together it smoothed out the bump. Now my toenail is (more or less) perfect. Just thought I'd share this as many doctors had seen me when I was a kid, and this was finally fixed at the age of 24! Might help someone.
Reply to this comment Report this as offensive
my toes like that :S it oozes green puss sometimes :\
Reply to this comment Report this as offensive
Like Elizabeth, I've had both toenails removed from my big toes. I had the nail taken out twice on one toe but it kept growing back ingrown so the third time they took it out by the roots. Then it happened on my other toe so they took that one out by the roots straight away. This all happened while I was a child. I'm 26 now and can't even remember what my toes looked like with their nails! I'd advise anyone who is holding back getting their toes looked at to just go ahead and do it. It's so much easier once they are gone. Plus it's a great conversation starter, "You know, I only have 8 toenails..."!!!
Reply to this comment Report this as offensive
I have had this surgery although I didn't get knocked out! I stubbed my toes and had been on antibiotic for about a year and had a good few attempts at trying to save the nails. Nail removal was the best option and the surgery was bareable so don't keep puting it off thinking it's going to be agony! The attemps to save the nails were sorer than the removal. When it's all healed I have been told I can put a false nail on so I can still wear my nice shoes!!
Reply to this comment Report this as offensive