Toe Nail Removal problem

Hi.  My mom has Hepatitis C and she has just gotten her 2 big toe nails removed.  They were wrapped in guaze and the guaze is growing into her skin.  She is not able to get the threads outs.  She has soaked her feet for at least 6 hours to no avail.  She has put anitbiotic ointment there so that they don't dry out.  She is wondering if there is anything else that she can do in order to remove the guaze, as she is out of ideas.  She has tried to get in touch with a doctor through the hospital in her area, but they were of no help and rude.  They told her to call her doctor but she lives in a rural community and the office is closed until Monday.  Is there anything you can suggest? Thank you!  Anything would help right about now!

[copyman]

i do not think she is in any immediate danger so waiting until monday to talk to her doctor sounds reasonable.

[jamimapuddle]

Why in the world do they put gauze on that type of a wound?  My ex boyfriend had his thumb nail removed and he had the same problem.  I don't think I have ever seen anyone in more pain as when he ripped that gauze off.  I hope she has pain meds.

[Amie_Annette]

Well, not when she is on treatment (over half way through 48 weeks) and each of her doctors are concerned about the risk of infection. And considering that the gauze is growing into where her nails are, that is a breeding ground for bacteria.  Bacteria=risk of infection.

[copyman]

man that sounds awful. wish i could help but hopefully someone else will be able to. it is bad enough that some say being on TX feels like chinese torture which could involve having your toe nails ripped off but to have it done for real, ouch! wishing your mom well soon.

[hairtamer]

Did they remove her toe nails because of a fungal problem?  I was experiencing a fungal problem on both of my big toes, before treatment.  It started maybe 3 years ago.  This would be to late for her since they removed the nails.  A couple summers ago I was working in a day spa and the owner showed me what to do for the fungal problem.  She said cut back the nail with nippers until the fungal part was exposed.  Put original Listerine on it.  I have been doing it and got rid of all on one toe and almost all on the other.  So I just keep at it.  A lot of people aren't able to reach their toes.  If she has a problem with the other toes find a good pedicurist to help with the problem.  Our feet are very neglected.  I hope this is helpful for you and anyone with a fungal problem on their nails.
God Bless,
Rose

[GrandmaBRZ]

Listerine Mouthwash????  For the fungus of the toes????

[hairtamer]

Yes, the original gold colored Listerine mouthwash, that is what she told me and it worked for me.  You just have to clip the nail back to expose the area.  She told me you had to keep at it.  It did take a lot of persistence and mine was not as bad as I have seen.  It is a simple and inexpensive remedy.  That was her specialty and also tattooing on scars and breast reconstruction to make it look more natural.  I didn't do pedicures except in beauty school, so I enjoyed working with her and learning from her.  Hope this is of help to you or someone else.
God Bless,
Rose

[mremeet]

I'm not a doctor but I'm pretty sure the gauze is designed to disintegrate over time. It should eventually decompose and just dissolve away (like sutures). Whether or not it will leave some kind of grid pattern on the skin (or nail) afterwards, I don't know but tend to doubt it (especially after the nail grows back over the nailbed and covers the gauze-skin).

[GrandmaBRZ]

thank you so much for the information.  I have a huge bottle that I have not used since I started tx because of the alcohol but will begin using for toes(only) !  

Jenn