Quix; ingrown toe not infection but Cytocines (sp)?

My new podiatrist that I saw this afternoon told me that my ingrown toe wasn't infected, that it was a inflammatory reaction of the body trying to push out a foreign body, kind of like an ingrown hair.  It still produces pus, but is not a true infection.

I asked why it would then cause my MS symptoms to flare up, and he responded that the inflammatory reaction releases cytocines, which MS reacts to in the same way that it would an infection.  He said that if left untreated, it could become infected with staph.  I asked why my neuro was concerned about cellulitis, and he said that it could come to that if infected and left untreated, more likely seen in people with diabetes.

I said, hmmmm.

I aparently have a "tabletop" toenail; flat, then angles down sharply.  The problem would happen again if left alone, and he offered a choice of procedures, one slightly better than the other.  I asked if it was billed under a surgical code, which he had his assistant check for me.  The answer was "unsure".

I explained my financial situation and my insurance co-pays going way up for such things.  He said "Let me take a look, see if I can't make things bettter without going to that extreme".  He clipped out the tissue left over from the inflammatory experience, pointing out where my toenail pierced the skin.  He bought me some time to research more options, like would it be worth upgrading to the enhanced insurance policy.

So, my question is, do I or don't I ask for antibiotics if my toe gets another pus pocket?  Should I look into getting the procedure done (cutting the "leg" off the "table" so to speak) to keep from having this inflammation from kicking my a$$ again?  My toe hurts, by the way.  Hope it doesn't get inflamed again!

Thanks,

Kathy

[Quixotic1]

The term is Cytokines and he is likely correct.  However, that inflammatory reaction often becomes infected and I would still cover it with a staph-killing antibiotic despite what he says.  MS is a disease to be more liberal with antibiotics and not less.

IMHO - Quix

[Fluffysmom]

Thanks, I will take your advice!  (another co-pay!).

Dr. C. was pretty adamant about the whole thing, so I'll err on the side of caution.

I'll watch the area where the podiatrist trimmed my toe and make sure it doesn't get infected; I'll keep in clean and slathered in triple antibiotic ointment.

Kathy