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Original poster

Painful toenail please help

15 replies

curlymom · 08/10/2022 10:38

Hello
i have a very painful second toenail. It’s been looking a bit iffy for many years. It had a fungal infection but gp didn’t do anything saying it not a problem but now it’s stopped growing and seems to be digging in.
I know I need to see someone but I’m scared of what they might do.
I have a picture but not sure anyone wants to see it!

i think it’s ingrown, red and inflamed.
any experiences to share? Thanks

OP posts:
GrannyAchingsShepherdsHut · 08/10/2022 10:46

I think you need to post the pic, so we can try to see what the issue is.

I've had success with slightly ingrown toenails by careful trimming and keeping on top of it until its sorted itself out. And making sure to trim properly, not too short or curved.

Fungal infections I've had success with over the counter stuff. But I've also had to take prescribed tablets in the past, depends on the severity of the infection.

Original poster
curlymom · 08/10/2022 10:49

GrannyAchingsShepherdsHut · 08/10/2022 10:46

I think you need to post the pic, so we can try to see what the issue is.

I've had success with slightly ingrown toenails by careful trimming and keeping on top of it until its sorted itself out. And making sure to trim properly, not too short or curved.

Fungal infections I've had success with over the counter stuff. But I've also had to take prescribed tablets in the past, depends on the severity of the infection.

Thanks, I will crop the image so it shows the toenail from the top. I hadn’t noticed how bad it was until I took the picture. I made a Livi appointment for Monday. Out gp surgery will definitely not give appointment for this

OP posts:
Original poster
curlymom · 08/10/2022 10:49

Sorry about the pic!

OP posts:

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Longdistance · 08/10/2022 10:50

That’s curled over and no ingrown. You’ll need to see a podiatrist, your gp should be able to refer you. You shouldn’t be in pain.

Original poster
curlymom · 08/10/2022 10:52

Longdistance · 08/10/2022 10:50

That’s curled over and no ingrown. You’ll need to see a podiatrist, your gp should be able to refer you. You shouldn’t be in pain.

Thanks, I think I feel slightly better it’s not ingrown as I can’t bear the thought of someone counting there. Do,you know what they can do?

OP posts:
Original poster
curlymom · 08/10/2022 10:54

Side view. Apologies

OP posts:
gingergiraffe · 08/10/2022 11:01

I think you need anti fungal tablets to sort out the fungal nail infection and a podiatrist wound sort out the curling in nail. I had this done a few years ago. They cut a strip of nail away and applied a solution to kill part of the nail in the nail bed to stop that bit from regrowing. Honestly, it was painless during and after to minor op. Healed well and now no sign of the procedure and no more painful toe nail. Mine was free but I think you now have to pay. Worth every penny, or pound!

Original poster
curlymom · 08/10/2022 11:09

gingergiraffe · 08/10/2022 11:01

I think you need anti fungal tablets to sort out the fungal nail infection and a podiatrist wound sort out the curling in nail. I had this done a few years ago. They cut a strip of nail away and applied a solution to kill part of the nail in the nail bed to stop that bit from regrowing. Honestly, it was painless during and after to minor op. Healed well and now no sign of the procedure and no more painful toe nail. Mine was free but I think you now have to pay. Worth every penny, or pound!

Thanks the cutting part sounds reassuring
im sure they won’t treat the infection though as I have a problem with my liver and I’m quite sure liver function would be monitored

OP posts:
pompomdaisy · 08/10/2022 11:53

Definitely fungal

Bestcatmum · 08/10/2022 12:01

It's an involuted toenail. It grows curved in instead of growing flat pinching the skin either side. If it's too deep to cut it down at the sides yourself you'll have to have it removed permanently.

GingerPigz · 08/10/2022 12:02

I would say that IS ingrown - maybe the PP missed the 'w' off when she said 'no ingrown'? I'm not a podiatrist but I do work at one so maybe have a bit more than average idea of foot issues... The bottom line is that you need to get this checked as it won't get better on its own... and trying to cut an ingrown toenail yourself often does more harm than good. Depending upon your area, the NHS can have scant to zero podiatry services so it might be an idea to go private. I know the last thing anyone needs right now is additional expenditure - ask a private clinic if they offer a payment plan that will allow you to spread the cost out over several months. Good luck

Bestcatmum · 08/10/2022 12:04

P.s you can't have a partial nail avulsion (permanently removing a strip of nail each side) with an involuted nail this small as it would look silly. You'd be left with a tiny strip down the middle. They have to remove the whole nail. I do nail surgery in the NHS.

Original poster
curlymom · 08/10/2022 12:15

Bestcatmum · 08/10/2022 12:04

P.s you can't have a partial nail avulsion (permanently removing a strip of nail each side) with an involuted nail this small as it would look silly. You'd be left with a tiny strip down the middle. They have to remove the whole nail. I do nail surgery in the NHS.

Hi thanks for this. Do people wait long for treatment? I can’t afford private right now but I’m struggling to put any weight on it

OP posts:
Original poster
curlymom · 08/10/2022 12:16

GingerPigz · 08/10/2022 12:02

I would say that IS ingrown - maybe the PP missed the 'w' off when she said 'no ingrown'? I'm not a podiatrist but I do work at one so maybe have a bit more than average idea of foot issues... The bottom line is that you need to get this checked as it won't get better on its own... and trying to cut an ingrown toenail yourself often does more harm than good. Depending upon your area, the NHS can have scant to zero podiatry services so it might be an idea to go private. I know the last thing anyone needs right now is additional expenditure - ask a private clinic if they offer a payment plan that will allow you to spread the cost out over several months. Good luck

Thanks. It’s so thickened now I can’t cut it myself anyway.

OP posts:
Oldraver · 08/10/2022 13:28

Tea tree works fab on fungal thickened nails

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