Should I bother a doctor?

[FreierFall]

I've been treating myself for a nail infection for months. It's not working. Toe is now swollen, and oozing pus, nail come off in places. It hurts. Feel embarrassed about phoning a doctor and getting any help.

Yes. Incase it gets worse. You could probably just get antibiotics

Yes, sounds really nasty. If you don’t get it looked at now it could get worse and need A&E instead.

Yes you need to get it seen

Infection can quickly get worse and make you very unwell. GP or Nurse Practitioner will probably prescribe antibiotics over the phone on hearing your description of your poor toe. Make the call OP.

Yes, a lot are doing email or phone consultations. Prob best to call now while capacity is better than leave it and have to call later. Hope you get better soon!

yes, because you really don't want it to turn into sepsis.

Yes. It is still the national HEALTH service, not the national coronavirus service. You dont have to have covid-19 to get healthcare.

Yes I think you should ring the drs. I expect they will write you a prescription for some anti-biotics after speaking to you on the phone x

Yes.

My daughter has had some.infected excema this week, we called the GP on Monday and described it and he prescribed antibiotic cream over the phone. He said 'they' (the NHS?) had relaxed antibiotic rules and were giving them out over the phone if necessary to reduce face to face contact.

Most coronavirus things should go through 111 so your local GP is still available for things just like this. You don't need to suffer.

Thanks everyone. Will phone tomorrow.

Once the infection is sorted, get to chiropodist/podiatrist as it may be ingrown and they can sort it for you.
You have my sympathies - been there. It hurts!