For a few months I have had (what I'm sure is) a fungal nail infection. I've had one before and used an OTC treatment and (eventually) it grew out/cleared up. This one seems different, more cracked/crumbly (ewww sorry!) and situated at the edge of my toenail. I've been using a different OTC treatment but the skin at the edge of my nail is quite puffy and red, and it's quite painful, even when not putting pressure on it. (Thats why I'm awake at 4am!!)
What would you say the best course of action is? DH says go to the chemist "and get some cream" . I'm dis-counting this advice as I am already using an OTC remedy and it's not so far effective. I've just made an online enquiry with a "foot health practitioner" at a local clinic...but should I make a gp appointment? Ideally I hoped it would go away with the nail varnish type stuff, like before, so I wouldn't need to show anyone 
but because it's really painful (I've been awake on previous nights and it hurts during the day) then I feel I need to be more proactive.