What to do about an infected (ingrowing?) toenail?

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DS2's big toe nail has been a mess for a while. He keeps saying it doesn't hurt and is getting better but then I get a glimpse of it (he's 15) and think actually I really need to do something about that.

Who should he see? . A non urgent gp appointment is c. 4 weeks here and presumably gp would then have to refer him elsewhere?

Or is there somewhere else I should take him? Minor injuries? Bite the bullet and go to a private chiropodist?

I'd see a chiropodist/podiatrist privately. Also soak it in warm saltwater daily while you're waiting for an appointment.

Thank you, if he needs antibiotics, either ointment or meds, is a chiropodist able to prescribe?

For a short term solution you can get him to soak his foot in quite hot water (as hot as he can tolerate) with salt dissolved in it. It will help draw out the infection

They can't prescribe, but they can give a recommendation to the GP apparently, so you don't need to see the GP separately (mine didn't have to do this so I don't know the procedure).

Cut a small "v" shape in the middle of his nail it will divert the nail out of the skin also cover in germoline and cover with a plaster. Check his shoes aren't too tight

My podiatrist told me that was no longer recommended. I wouldn't cut it without consulting someone first to check what would be most suitable.

I’d advise going to the GP because then a referral can be made to the hospital where the edge of the nail can be cut (under a local) and then prevented from growing back.

I had horrific toenails when I was a teenager and into early twenties. Saltwater/antibiotics etc. did nothing. Occasionally the toenail would be removed 9incredible pain followed by sheer bliss), but it always recurred. Getting the toenails removed and the nailbed nuked so they wouldn't grow back was a revelation.

Anyway - to answer your question, go to the GP. If an initial course of antibiotics doesn't shift it (and I gather it's difficult to treat infection at the extremities), then don't be scared about going for a wedge resection.

Oh - and it probably doesn't hurt him too much unless he stubs his toe. Then it's excruciating.

You need to see GP who will refer and give anti biotics, Get it done sooner rather than later because it will only get worse! I had one for 2 years 😩 nurse told me they couldn't do it when I was pregnant then when DD was 3 months they said that was a lie 😂

I'd try a podiatrist.

And another home remedy to try (as you might not be able to get him seen my anyone before Monday now) is apple cider vinegar. It won't do any harm, and might help.

Recently took my ds to a walk in centre, he got antibiotic prescription from the nurse. Also was told to keep easing the nail out of the skin after the soak until it grew longer.

Did salt water soak and savlon at least once a day for a couple of weeks and the nail happily grew out.

Excuse the dozy question but how much salt in a bowl of water and for how long?

If it’s infected, then that’s a non routine, ie urgent gp appointment I’d say.

One tsp of salt to every pint of water.

Thank you

See a podiatrist. In my bitter experience a GP will be useless. Even if infected, the key is to sort the source of the infection I.e. cut out the issue. I had a chronically infected nail. Tried about 5 different antibiotics and had a botched surgery but it was finally cured by a treatment by a podiatrist and no drugs.