Least Effective Exercises Slideshow

Medical Author:

Allison Harvey, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

Next Steps

Follow-up

• Any skin stitches or stitches in the nail will need to be removed in seven to 14 days. Any stitches in the nail bed will dissolve by themselves and can be left in place.
  
  
• The doctor may want to recheck the wound in three to five days.
  
  
• Take any antibiotics as directed.
  
  
• Keep the wound clean and dry. Follow any specific wound care instructions given by the doctor.
  
  
• Keep the hand or foot above the level of the heart to aid in pain control.
  
  
• If the doctor prescribed pain medicine, then take it as directed. Otherwise, acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used for pain control if there are no allergies to these medications.