Post Operative Forms

Postoperative Instructions – Nail Surgery

Wound care– Leave the dressing in place for 4-8 hours.  If there is bleeding larger than
the size of a quarter, remove the dressing, perform an Epsom salt soak, and hold
compression on the toe until the bleeding stops.

Twice a day, perform an Epsom salt soak in warm water and a handful of Epsom salt.
Agitate the foot in the water to release trapped drainage. Remove any dried crusty
drainage with a Q-tip. Pat the area dry and apply either over-the-counter topical
ointment or  2-3 drops of the prescription medication that was prescibed into the nail
bed. Apply a Band-Aid or gauze and tape the keep the area clean.
Continue to do this until told to discontinue.

Some discomfort is normal. Take whatever you ordinarily would for mild pain (Tylenol
or Ibuprofen).

You can expect a watery drainage that looks like blister fluid from the nail bed for 2 ½
– 4 weeks. This drainage will likely last longer if you have had the entire toenail
removed. There should be relatively little pain and mild to moderate redness that may
last for 2 – 4 weeks. If your toe is not healed within 4-6 weeks please call and schedule
a follow up appointment.

If you suspect there is an infection (pain, redness, swelling or increased drainage) call
to be seen immediately.

Postoperative Instructions – Wart Removal

You have two alternatives for postoperative care. Use topical antibiotic/Neosporin or
do Epsom salt soaks and then apply a topical antibiotic. We recommend using the

cream as it is effective and a lot more convenient. It also shortens the healing time for
most people. A topical antibiotic/Neosporin works as an astringent to diminish the
drainage and also has antibacterial properties.

Some discomfort is normal. Take whatever you ordinarily would for mild pain (Tylenol
or Ibuprofen). Call if you feel you need something stronger.

You can expect a watery drainage that looks like blister fluid from the nail bed for 2 ½
– 4 weeks. There should be relatively little pain and only mild redness. If you suspect
there is an infection (pain, redness, swelling or increased drainage) call to be seen
immediately.

Topical antibiotic/Neosporin – Leave the dressing on tonight. Tomorrow morning,
remove the dressing and apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment/Neosporin to
the nail bed. Cover with a Band-Aid. Apply the cream and Band-Aid twice daily until
healed.

Or:

Soaks – Leave the dressing on tonight. Tomorrow morning, remove the dressing and
soak the wound in a solution of Epsom salt or Domeboro powder solution (the Epsom
salts are cheaper but many people find that the Domeboro powder is more soothing).
Mix 3 tablespoons of salt per pint of warm (not hot) water. Soak for 15-20 minutes then
apply the antibiotic ointment/Neosporin and cover with a gauze dressing. Repeat
twice daily for the first week then once daily until healed.

Postoperative – Cantharone Wart Treatment

Keep the bandage clean, dry and intact for no longer than 48 hours. However, if you
are experiencing pain prior to this, remove the bandage and wash off the medication.
This may occur any time 2-48 hours after treatment. If you do not have pain in the 48
hours after treatment, that does not mean the medication did not work. Every patient
reacts differently.

You have had a treatment for warts that may cause blood or fluid filled blisters as a
means of killing the wart. This is normal. Should you develop a blister, either allow it
to burst on its own, or you can burst it with warm water soaks and a sterilized needle.
Do this only if you feel comfortable. The fluid may be clear or blood tinged. This is
normal. Keep the area covered with a bandage and allow the blister to dry up before
applying any additional treatments if you have been directed to do so.

Some discomfort is normal. Take whatever you ordinarily would for mild pain (Tylenol
or Ibuprofen). Call if you feel you need something stronger. Padding around the
wound may also be helpful. Warm water soaks may also be helpful. See below.
If you were directed to apply Effudex cream as a home treatment for the warts, wait
until the blister has ruptured and partially dried up before applying the cream. Then
apply it once or twice a day and keep it under duct tape occlusion as you were
directed. If it becomes too wet or painful, then take a few days break and start again.

Soaks – Mix ¼ cup of salt per gallon of warm (not hot) water. Soak for 15-20 minutes. If
the salt does not dissolve, use less salt next time. If the salt water stings the wound,
use less.

Postoperative Instructions – Flexor Tenotomy

Leave Bandage placed today clean, dry and intact until your next visit. Id the bandage
gets soiled or wet, Please contact the office before changing the bandage yourself.

Call the office if you have bleeding that soaks the dressing.

Some discomfort is normal. Take whatever you ordinarily would for mild pain e.g.
Tylenol. Call if you feel you need something stronger.

Use appropriate means to cover your foot or sponge bathing for the next few days to
ensure the dressing stays dry while bathing.

Use your post operative shoes at all times. The bandage placed is designed to hold the
toe as straight as possible; you do not want to scrunch the toes into a closed shoe
preventing the toe from healing straight.

Please call the office if you are having issues

608-831-086