Is this a whitlow?

[WinterBerry7]

Cut my nails probably a bit too short. The last few days my toe has been turning more and more painful and swollen. Today it is really throbbing and has a bit of a purple tinge...is this a whitlow forming? Apologies for rank picture of my toe 😂

I would have guessed an ingrown nail? I had one once and it was v v painful and looked similar.

Yeah I was also thinking ingrown toenail but I only cut them about 4 days ago so would it be ingrown so soon? I hope it’s not - I’d rather the whitlow!

My DH had a similar looking toe. It was likely an ingrown nail but it was purple to begin with, and then there was a clear circle of pus underneath. He lanced it himself eventually, as it was so swollen, he could barely move. He gets them on his fingers quite a lot too!

Yeah it’s becoming really sore to walk on! Didn’t help when someone trod on it this morning
Currently soaking it in the hottest water I can stand to see if it helps

Stick a pin in it if you’re feeling brave! The relief is instant so I’m told!

I think it could be ingrown that soon - it is a shard of the nail cutting into the flesh. You need to find the sharp bit and put eg cotton wool (and some antiseptic cream!) under it so that it grows out without digging in. Finding it won’t be the most pleasant moment of your life but also could be worse and you’ll feel much better!