Please help with my almost ingrowing toenail?

[Flyingoutofcontrol]

So I cut my toenails as NHS recommends, straight across and nice and flat, then tripped over one of DS's toys and smashed my big toe nail at the corner.

It's now growing up and trying to curl under and it a bit tender to the touch - starting to ingrow basically.

I've packed some cotton wool down the side after a shower to soften the skin (done this before once and it seemed to work!) so will this work? If not, what will?
Also if it should work, but doesn't (IYSWIM!) then how do I go about getting a chiropodist? Are they NHS available and do I have to go via my GP? (In Scotland if that makes a difference?)

Please help as I don't want to have either pain or nail removal!

I'm a HPC registered podiatrist, You can go via your gp for free chiropody but you wont be a priority (gangrene is a priority or infection so severe the leg is at risk of amputation) so there will be a wait.

I would go to a private HPC (health professions council) registered podiatrist/chiropodist as a one off to get it assessed and cut properly.

We only tell patients to cut straight accross because otherwise they make a hash of it, we cut down the side as we can see what we are doing and we know what we are doing.

You can soothe it by soaking in lukewarm salt water for 10 minutes a night but no longer or hotter. No dettoll or tcp or letting the dog lick it.

Always check your podiatrists name on this site here.
Ask if they are degree qualified in chiropody/podiatry. Avoid anyone who did not do a degree in it or the old diploma which was an equivalent but converted to being a degree about 20 years ago or so.

The society of chiropodists and podiatrists also has a box advert in the yellow pages where well qualified podiatrists can advertise. Try to go to a member of that society or ask to see their insurance certificate.

HTH.

Thanks for the info.

I'll speak to my GP if there's no improvement after tomorrow (as they're shut until Wednesday) and hopefully they can make a recommendation.

Fingers crossed the cotton wool works though as I hate people near my feet!

GPs can prescribe cream - Fucidin - for ingrowing toenails, which also helps pain, but I don't recommend having toenail removed unless absolutely necessary, and previous poster is right about NHS treatment. See GP soonest then ask friends&family to recommend professional.