***KLAXON*** in - grown (in growing?) toe nail...can I self treat?

[ThingsThatGoHumpInTheNight]

Would rather not waste nhs time/money but have had this for a while and it doesn't seem to be getting better. I get them every now and them and just cut a 'v' into the nail to release the pressure and let it grow out. It's not working this time though and I've had to release quite a bit of puss a couple of times (it's green and yellow if that makes a difference?

Any ideas, or is docs the next step?

I do the v thing too.

I would soak in a bowl of warm salty water for ages-do it twice a day.

Also done tcp or savlon on it at night.

When the infection has died down I would put some cotton wool under the corner of the nail to encourage it to grow out.

If infection doesn't go see your doc!

I think you should see a Dr as there is infection there.
Magnesium sulphate is a drawing paste you can buy OTC. Maybe speak to a pharmacist & see what they suggest. Might save you a trip to the Drs.

I have been savlon-ing it at night and will try the warm salty water. If no luck by Tuesday I will go the pharmacy and then docs depending on their recommendation. Just feel like a bit of a timewaster moaning about my toe! Bloody hurts though. Thanks for the advice!

If be surprised if the salty water doesn't help.

I'd not if

Bloody phone

My advice would be make an appointment to see the GP and see if you need some antibiotics to clear the infection. I soldiered on with a toe nail like yours for months and did myself absolutely no favours at all. I wont bore you with all the details but by the time I realised I couldn't sort the problem myself the infection was so deep seated I needed several courses of antibiotics over a period of months to clear the infection and despite the best attempts of a podiatrist to save the nail I ended up having to have part of it removed.

I understand absolutely where you're coming from when you say that you don't want to waste NHS time/money but knowing what I do now I wouldn't hesitate in seeking medical advice. If you really don't want to see your GP make an appointment to see a podiatrist. Your feet are in important!