Advice please, baby toes

[ElmtreeMama]

My 8 month old DD toenails have never needed cutting, they haven't grown, however as her feet have grown the nails are now looking a bit ingrown due to the skin growing around them maybe 🤔
Anyway last week one of the big toes was looking particularly red and sore to the touch, DD cried every time we tried. The GP prescribed antibiotics over the phone and suggested we speak to HV about the nails not growing, have spoken to HV today who says it's not their area and to go back to GP.

I have attached photos of both feet, can anyone see what I mean about them looking like they're growing in to skin, to reiterate we have never cut them.

We also soak them in salt water every morning and massage cuticles, I think the nails look a bit of a funny shape but that could be just totally normal.

I guess I'm asking if they look normal, if anyone has come across toenails not really growing before and whether to go back to GP or try find a private podiatrist or whatever 🤔

Oh poor little thing, that looks sore!

Toenails don't grow as quickly as fingernails but that's the extent of my knowledge, I'd see the gp first I think.

Her feet looks totally munchable btw - very cute!

Oh dear, that does look very sore. I would definitely get a GP appointment asap. It is very unusual not to need to cut nails for 8 months.

Thanks
@Brented @Onlyhereforthebatshitneighbours
I think I felt like I was maybe being a bit precious as both GP and HV were a bit dismissive!
I'll definitely go back to GP

My little one has toenails like this, he is over two now and I really struggle to cut them, I discussed them with the HV the other day who took a look and declared she'd never seen toenails like it. I know this isn't helpful but at least you are not alone!

Thats interesting @bloodywhitecat !
There's no way I could get clippers under the tip of them at all, it does help to know she's not a complete anomaly!!

My son had a exactly this, sort of a little ingrown but very sore.
I went to chemist who gave me some bandage and magnesium sulphate paste to put on it for a few days. Solves the problem. Happened only once.
It kind of drew out the nastiness.
I didn't see a doctor but the chemist checked my son's foot.

Oh thanks @AnuSTart ! Good idea

Sorry not immediately helpful but all 3 of my children have suffered with ingrowing toenails over the years (not as babies though).

In our area (Leicestershire) you can self refer on behalf of your child to an NHS podiatrist. Google self referral podiatry or similar to see if your Trust offers this. They come back to you within a few days. When you self refer (fill out an online application form), you can detail the problem/issues and also upload photos too. All the podiatrists have been amazing and we’ve seen them throughout the pandemic (when you couldn’t get a doctors appt for love nor money!)

They are the experts and worth a try. Before I discovered this service we spent ££ on private podiatrists with varying levels of success.

And yes, cute feet btw!

PS I’m not saying that they are ingrowing, just that they are the experts and can diagnose best course of treatment.

Definitely get them checked out. I always found biting my baby’s nails a lot easier than clippers.

Thanks @Snooks1971 I'll definitely look in to that!
I will @LittleBearPad , I find that easier for her fingers but her toenails never seem long enough!

Can you use a nail file instead? That's what we did with my niece.

Could try @Onlyhereforthebatshitneighbours I've never thought they seem long enough to even try tbh! They don't seem to grow at all
But a file is a better idea than clippers I agree!

Just felt compelled to say OP and I’m sure you’ve thought of this and so, sorry, but she will be trying to walk soonish and therefore need shoes etc, I would push for a referral because your first photo looks sore!

Toes can be sore but sorted! Good luck x

Oh yes @Snooks1971 tbh I think that's why they are looking so sore as she is 'using them' when crawling and trying to stand etc so it's definitely on my mind!
I have filled in a referral form, husband is going to go to pharmacy tomorrow and if they don't suggest anything I'll be phoning GP tomorrow afternoon
This is why I love mumsnet, the group mind!

That’s great @ElmtreeMama was it a self referral form? Fingers (and toes!) crossed they will get back to you asap. Bless her!

Yes, I'm not 100% sure if she meets criteria but it said to fill it in anyway then someone will be in touch to discuss so thought no harm in trying!
Thank you x

@ElmtreeMama you’re very welcome and hope your DD gets sorted soon x

Sorry to jump on but is it really unusual? I only ask because I've never cut my 13 month olds. He tends to bash them about as he's crawling about and they break off before they get any length, theyre a bit smashed and ragedy looking atthe ends but done bother him so ive never thought much of it. Should I be worried he's damaging them? I'm hoping it will get better now he's starting to walk.

I never had to cut either of my childrens finger or toenails until they were well over 18 months. They seemed to just flake off as they got to the top of the nail bed. I’ve still never cut my sons finger nails and he’s over 2. I’ve never seen him bite them and they’re a perfect length so I’ve got no idea what happens. Bit of a mystery really.

I've had to cut all my childrens fongernails weekly or they would scratch themselves, Toenails however I only had to cut monthly they appeared to grow slower.

Definitely ingrown, pretty severely IMHO.