Ingrown toenail at bottom

[Bonnejournee]

I have an ingrown toenail, but it seems to actually be a double layer toenail (retronychia?) That is growing back into my toe. I have nail varnish on to try and hide it.

I am pretty sure it's now infected - I bought a cheap tool from boots to try and see if I could help it a bit, but I just ended up releasing lots of pus and blood(which was horrible). The tool was one of those where you put it behind the ingrown nail and file it, but I don't think it'll work as the nail seems to be growing into my cuticle.

I went to the doctors about 2 months ago, before it looked infected and she told me nails couldn't grow backwards and she would refer me to podiatry. I've not heard anything from them yet, and I imagine it's a pretty long wait. I contacted a podiatrist who has quoted me £600 to remove the nail, which I can't afford.

So basically - any ideas on how i can fix this while I wait for the NHS? I've been using germoline twice a day, and I've started today trying to file the nail.

Ouch that looks really really sore. I would take off the nail varnish. Soak in hot water with a bit od salt. Book an appointment for the doctor and antibiotics as it looks really infected

Are you able to cut a little v in the centre of the nail to relieve some pressure. It definitely sounds like there is some infection in there so you do need medical attention to treat the infection

While you wait for a GP appt I'd suggest you remove the polish (no judgement I did the same when I had both big toe nails ingrowing at the same time) and then soak in warm salt water to try to draw some of the pus out. Although I've had part of my nail removed I still get the nail trying to embed in my toe sometimes and Gehwohl nail softener helps. It reduces inflammation and I think is mild antiseptic

Gehwohl nail softener is the answer, I used it morning and night for a few days and the nail softens and stops ingrowing. Amazon used to sell it but didn’t last time I looked. They do other nail softened products but I found Gehwohl on eBay.

Remove the nail varnish, soak in warm water at least twice a day with a handful of salt, see the GP for antibiotics.