I have in-growing toe nail... in Chiang Mai...

[mdlak]

Hello,

As the title suggests, I'm in Chiang Mai... and I have developed an in growing toe nail that is causing me a bit of grief.

Back in the UK I would go to my local Dr for this, as opposed to a hospital.

What should I do here? Go to the hospital? Can I just turn up and point at my toe, without booking in advance?

Thank you

[NancyL]

Yes.

Here you don't really see doctors in their offices unless you know specifically which doctor you want to see. Many have "after hours" clinics, for consultations, but this probably isn't the best way to start out if you've never seen a doctor here before.

You don't say where you live, but something like an ingrown toenail can be attended to fairly quickly at a private hospital like CM Ram, Bangkok Hospital, McCormick or Rajavej. Yes, you can just turn up and point to your toe. Bring your passport and local address in Thai if you've never been seen before because they'll want to register you in their computer system.

Changes are good you'll get to see a doctor fairly soon, or at least get an appointment to see one with a day or so.

[Jingthing]

To add, foot specialists are very rare here.

I assume the problem is with a BIG toe, correct?

I think you will find if you go to a surgeon here they will probably want to remove the entire toenail.

That's actually appropriate but my understanding is they are supposed to apply a chemical to prevent regrowth of the nail and I have read that often Thai doctors do NOT apply that chemical.

So then you have to worry about it growing back and doing the same thing.

There are also partial side cut attempts. I think the success rate on those is much less than removing the entire nail and preventing regrowth.

I had that problem in both big toes because of using Thai pedicures for years.

I managed to solve the problem all by myself without ever needing surgery (or even seeing a doctor about it) but it took a lot of effort during the first month (as in dealing with it daily). It was actually years before it was fully fixed, but significant improvement within months so I knew it was working fairly early.

You can find the information on medical websites. It's basically about changing the way you cut the nail, toes should be STRAIGHT cut, not curved, and using a wedge (like cotton) to redirect the ingrown problem. I also did soaks in epsom salts. I suppose it depends on how severe your case is whether the home remedy is worth a try. Also if you're willing to commit to the effort of home care.

Another issue, as I said for health (not vanity) reasons toenails should be cut straight, but I have never seen a straight cut TOENAIL cutter tool in Thailand and believe me I looked hard. I had to import mine from the USA. Curved tools are correct for fingernails.

This is obviously only my opinion based on personal experience, reading reports from the forum on typical local care, and internet research using very credible mainstream American medical websites, such as WebMD, Mayo Clinic, etc.

Edited October 19, 2015 by Jingthing

[mdlak]

Jingthing... I think I agree and thanks for your input.

I have had ingrowing toe nails in the past as my toes seem to be prone to it. To prevent it happening, I made sure to cut the nail straight.

As it happens, I was having a massage here in Thailand and the masseuse commented on my nail and before I knew it... cut it for me! Curved! At first I was a bit annoyed

and didn't let her do the other toe, but to be fair, the toe nail she did cut is fine. I figured curved is fine or even better so long as the nail is kept short.

I decided to cut my other nail the same way she did but just so happened to accidentally cut way to short. And now it's growing back... and here I am. It's starting to grow

into my skin and has got a bit infected.

I was hoping if I go to a hospital... CM Ram is nearest to me... they could simply provide the medication to stop the infection. I have used that in the past with good affect, and then, as you say, soak the toe and keep the nail raised with cotton etc.

Is hospital still the best approach?

Thank you

[Jingthing]

That was about where I was at with my ingrowns when I started to self treat. There was severe pain and they were growing in a bit but not deeply. You sound like a good candidate for self treatment based on my knowledge. I have seen pictures of advanced cases where redirecting would have clearly never worked, grown way too far into the skin, so surgery would have been needed.

I would guess you could get the medication you want regarding infection at a pharmacy but I can understand wanting to see a doctor. I find in Thailand if you ask for meds, you get meds, but you will probably also get medical advice about treatment and as it's doubtful you'll be seeing a foot specialist (even if one exists in CM) I wouldn't necessarily trust it.

I went cold turkey from Thai pedicurists after all this. On top of cutting things in a risky way, removing cuticles instead of just pushing them down, the hygiene standards here are not good (putting it politely).

Edited October 19, 2015 by Jingthing

[Seligne2]

Try https://www.facebook.com/The-Podology-Center-Bangkok-Chiang-Mai-126689804028941/

[NancyL]

The podology center is very well regarded by those who have sought treatment there. The photos on that Facebook page should be enough to convince anyone (don't look at them if you're enjoying a snack!)

However, if all the OP wants is some medication, then a good pharmacist is all he needs. I'd suggest he start with the lady at Peera Pharmacy just inside Thapae Gate across from Hotel M.

But, if his toenail looks as bad as the ones in the Podology Center Facebook, he should book an appointment with them.

[Jingthing]

Try https://www.facebook.com/The-Podology-Center-Bangkok-Chiang-Mai-126689804028941/

Wow. Sounds like a great local resource.

[mdlak]

Thanks everyone, the Podology Center does sound great.

I think just medication is what I need at this point, as I see it's infected. The thing is, the nail is still too short, so it's just going to keep growing in... maybe not if

I soak it etc...

[FolkGuitar]

Try https://www.facebook.com/The-Podology-Center-Bangkok-Chiang-Mai-126689804028941/

I'm a VERY satisfied customer of the Podology Center. I first went to them two years ago with ingrown toenails on the big toe of both feet. I'd been dealing with them (ineffectively) for many years, with treatments from Podiatrists and general physicians for years without much success. When I heard about the Podology center, I figured I give 'em a try. The head man there is quite a fellow... The most unusual person I've ever met... and the most effective at treating my problem that I've ever met as well!

It took several visits to correct my problem. It seems that after many years of Martial Arts, and kicking boards, poles, targets, etc., there were actual pieces of 'stuff' long embedded under the nails, and THAT is what was causing the nails to grow incorrectly in the first place. The previous physicians only dealt with the immediate problem. The Podology Center dealt with the cause, then treated the immediate problem. Now... no more problem.

Dirk isn't a podiatrist. He's a podologist. Both he and his Thai partner, Wittipoon, underwent a five-year course of study in Germany leading to the Podology degree. The knowledge and skill that he brings to his work is nothing short of remarkable. He made a LOT of wild promises about his treatment results to me when I first showed up...and has kept EVERY SINGLE ONE of them!

Other than as a satisfied patient, I have no other relationship with the Podology Center, although I do consider both Dirk and Wittipoon as friends.

[true blue]

few years ago i had a in growing toe nail in big toe,went to chiang mai ram and,if i rember correctly,saw a doctor very very quick he gave me a injection,removed toe nail,bandaged up. no proplem ever since, looking back i dont think it was cheap.

[Jingthing]

few years ago i had a in growing toe nail in big toe,went to chiang mai ram and,if i rember correctly,saw a doctor very very quick he gave me a injection,removed toe nail,bandaged up. no proplem ever since, looking back i dont think it was cheap.

I'm curious. Did he put on the chemical to prevent regrowth, or not? If not, I guess you're saying it regrew well.

[haybilly]

I wish I had known about the Podology Centre a long time ago--I had a nasty Toenail Fungal infection, a few years back, and both big toenails fell off, and, now, several years later, it's recurring in my thumb--I am about 3 weeks into the Monthly medication course--hoping not to lose my Thumb nail, but not too confident.

[true blue]

few years ago i had a in growing toe nail in big toe,went to chiang mai ram and,if i rember correctly,saw a doctor very very quick he gave me a injection,removed toe nail,bandaged up. no proplem ever since, looking back i dont think it was cheap.

I'm curious. Did he put on the chemical to prevent regrowth, or not? If not, I guess you're saying it regrew well.

regressing i had to go agian,not so long after as the other toe had same proplem,same procedure,both toe nails grow back quite naturally and pretty quick,suprised my self how quick they did, had no medicine or anything to hasten growth,reason for in growing nails i fiqured out was i had gone back to uk and put some very tight shoes on,and after years of flip flops,and soft feet,it was not a clever thing to do,even if it was fashionable.

[Lizard2010]

One way to stop the way the Nail Grows

Is to pack cotton Wool under the Nail

Maybe try after the infection and swelling goes away

Just a thought my Podiatrist told me many years ago

[jonwilly]

Maybe ten years ago Dr Tavachai did one big toe for me and about three years ago Dr Morgan did the other.

Both where done in the Doctors own surgery.

Excellent service and cheap.

john

[northernjohn]

Try https://www.facebook.com/The-Podology-Center-Bangkok-Chiang-Mai-126689804028941/

I'm a VERY satisfied customer of the Podology Center. I first went to them two years ago with ingrown toenails on the big toe of both feet. I'd been dealing with them (ineffectively) for many years, with treatments from Podiatrists and general physicians for years without much success. When I heard about the Podology center, I figured I give 'em a try. The head man there is quite a fellow... The most unusual person I've ever met... and the most effective at treating my problem that I've ever met as well!

It took several visits to correct my problem. It seems that after many years of Martial Arts, and kicking boards, poles, targets, etc., there were actual pieces of 'stuff' long embedded under the nails, and THAT is what was causing the nails to grow incorrectly in the first place. The previous physicians only dealt with the immediate problem. The Podology Center dealt with the cause, then treated the immediate problem. Now... no more problem.

Dirk isn't a podiatrist. He's a podologist. Both he and his Thai partner, Wittipoon, underwent a five-year course of study in Germany leading to the Podology degree. The knowledge and skill that he brings to his work is nothing short of remarkable. He made a LOT of wild promises about his treatment results to me when I first showed up...and has kept EVERY SINGLE ONE of them!

Other than as a satisfied patient, I have no other relationship with the Podology Center, although I do consider both Dirk and Wittipoon as friends.

FolkGuitar You have spoken highly of him in the past. I was wondering if he does any thing for Neuropathy?

[Jingthing]

The best thing is prevention.

Ingrain toenails may sounds trivial, but when they happen they are very painful and make it difficult to wear normal shoes. Then many people will be headed towards full toenail removal.

I personally suggest considering avoiding pedicures in Thailand. That's definitely what caused my problem.

Instead cut your own toenails.

Cut them straight with a straight toenail cutter (probably obtained abroad).

Do not remove cuticles. Just push down.

Do not ever cut the nails short.

File a little after cutting. In one direction not back and forth.

If you're starting without a problem, doing all that, I reckon you'll be preventing this common problem for life.

Also of course toenails grow much slower than fingernails, so this is really not much work at all.

Edited October 19, 2015 by Jingthing

[FolkGuitar]

Try https://www.facebook.com/The-Podology-Center-Bangkok-Chiang-Mai-126689804028941/

I'm a VERY satisfied customer of the Podology Center. I first went to them two years ago with ingrown toenails on the big toe of both feet. I'd been dealing with them (ineffectively) for many years, with treatments from Podiatrists and general physicians for years without much success. When I heard about the Podology center, I figured I give 'em a try. The head man there is quite a fellow... The most unusual person I've ever met... and the most effective at treating my problem that I've ever met as well!

It took several visits to correct my problem. It seems that after many years of Martial Arts, and kicking boards, poles, targets, etc., there were actual pieces of 'stuff' long embedded under the nails, and THAT is what was causing the nails to grow incorrectly in the first place. The previous physicians only dealt with the immediate problem. The Podology Center dealt with the cause, then treated the immediate problem. Now... no more problem.

Dirk isn't a podiatrist. He's a podologist. Both he and his Thai partner, Wittipoon, underwent a five-year course of study in Germany leading to the Podology degree. The knowledge and skill that he brings to his work is nothing short of remarkable. He made a LOT of wild promises about his treatment results to me when I first showed up...and has kept EVERY SINGLE ONE of them!

Other than as a satisfied patient, I have no other relationship with the Podology Center, although I do consider both Dirk and Wittipoon as friends.

FolkGuitar You have spoken highly of him in the past. I was wondering if he does any thing for Neuropathy?

Easy way to find out.... Just ask them!

[BarnicaleBob]

Both of my big toes were ingrown and I went to see Dr. Dirk Weeber at the Podology Center. I called him and he gave me an appointment for the very next day. His work was very professional and he cured my problem without having to remove my toenails. He numbed my toes and cut a lot of the nails away removing the impacted parts from my toe tissue. Gave me antibiotics and pain pills to take for a few days and I was very happy with his service. The follow up visit to check how my toes were healing a week later was free. Dr. Dirk does have a gift of gab which may make him seem a bit strange but he took his time with me and made sure everything was done correctly. https://www.facebook.com/The-Podology-Center-Bangkok-Chiang-Mai-126689804028941/

[DogNo1]

Yeah, foot infections can take a long time to heal. Mine took 3 months on oral antibiotics. Now cut my toenails very carefully

[FolkGuitar]

Dr. Dirk does have a gift of gab which may make him seem a bit strange but he took his time with me and made sure everything was done correctly. https://www.facebook.com/The-Podology-Center-Bangkok-Chiang-Mai-126689804028941/

After listening to him speak (about interesting subjects) non-stop for an hour and a half while he worked on my feet, I asked him why he talked so much. I mean, it was really NON-STOP!

His answer: 'When I work on your feet, it often causes some discomfort and even a bit of pain now and then. I find that my talking is effective at distracting my patients from paying attention to the pain.' He was correct... I really did pay more attention to what he was saying rather than what he was doing! Well done, Dr.Dirk!