Ingrown toenail.

[MistressMary]

I think I have one, tis a bit tender.
Anyone had one?
And what can I do to stop it from getting worse?
Will see the chiropodist anyhow.
Just wondered if I could try and help the nail back or best to leave it?

If you cut a 'triangle' out of the middle of the toenail (not too far down obviously) this will encourage it to grow away from the edge and towards the centre.

Dh had one a few years ago and it was infected. he had to have a small op to prevent it. Very straight forward and not too painful!

Take a small tuft of cotton wool and roll it like a little bit of string & try to get it under the bit of nail that's digging in to lift it away slightly. Pop some antiseptic on too if it looks red.

I have one too MM atm, so sympathise, but am far too big a wimp to go to a chiropodist, so usually resort to minor surgery myself and just grit my teeth and bear it! Once I remove the bit that is ingrowing, then the pain goes away, but getting to it...........oooooooooooooooooh ouch. Probably best to leave it to the professionals, but the idea of a local anaesthetic in my big toe is way too much for me!

Agree with kid too - the triangle thing helps too by encouraging the nail to grow straighter. My podiatrist SIL would disagree with me, but I find it works well usually.

Great thanks for that quick response everyone.