A not-very-stylish-or-beautiful toenail question but I thought I might find some beauticians/chiropodists/other foot people on here....

[MadreInglese]

Apologies in advance for TMI

I have a recurring problem with my two big toenails - they are flat at the cuticle but grow towards the tip into a real curve, almost semi-cylindrical IYSWIM. They are also very very hard so difficult to trim unless I've soaked them forever in warm water.

It makes me very prone to ingrowing nails at the edges if I don't trim them very carefully and only a tiny bit, and the edges often feel sore and uncomfortable to touch. They don't look unsightly or anything, but I'll forget and kneel down for something and then my big toes really hurt.

I've tried trimming them less often which avoids the ingrowing edges, but if they get too long they just curve round even more and dig in to the sides of my toes. I've used some toenail softener that a chemist recommended but it didn't seem to have any effect.

Does anyone have this too, and can anything be done about it? At six months pregnant I soon will not be able to reach my feet for a while but would love to have it sorted for the summer. Do I need to go and 'get them done' by some proper foot guru person?

Hi not a foot guru but an ex dancer -so experienced in feet etc!! I was going to suggest the toe nail softening lotion which I find really good. I also buff my toe nails with a nail file to thin them down a bit. Works for me but as I say am no expert. I am sure someone who is will be along soon.

Hi, my nails grow like that too. I'm afraid I just get my chiropodist to trim the big toenails now, after various unsuccessful attempts which resulted in agonising bits of nail sticking into my toe. Get her to smooth my hard skin at same time. Rather an extravagant solution, I guess.

hmmm wonder what I'm doing wrong with the nail softening solution then

filing them down a good idea, and I think I do need to see a chiropodist even if just for a consultation and a bit of advice (ugh - I HATE people touching my feet!)

You could have a pedicure that is focused on nail care - Jessica does a great one.

All for Jessica pedicures - my favourite in fact- but I really would strongly advise a chiropodist first, then a pedicure.

The worst problem I had with my incurving big toenail was when a well-meaning pedicurist 'shaped' it, resulting in a very painful corner digging into my flesh and causing an infection for which I had to seek medical help! Now I stick with a professional with appropriate qualifications for shaping those particular nails and then have the pedicure to beautify them.

I'm a chiropodist, sounds like involouted nails to me, it's part genetics and part footwear related because even wide round toe shoes can press a nail and there easily damaged.

See a chiropodist who either has a degree in podiatry/chiropody or had the old diploma qualifaction.

If you look in the yellow pages the society of chiropodists and podiatrists has a "box" with all your local qualified chiropodists in it.

Don't worry about having someone touch your feet, most patients get over that on the first visit!. You might get free NHS care via the Dr it's how long the waiting list is, I used to be NHS and pregnant women aren't priority anymore.

Hope this helps.

Yup, involuted nails are what I've got. A chiropodist will sort.

I have chiropody every 8 weeks and I cannot recommend it enough, it is very relaxing!

I even managed to find one that does pedis as well as the normal foot shaving and filing. V.g

just googled involuted nails big mistake

but yes, on a less revolting level than google reports it does look like that's what I have

right, thanks for the info, will get looking for a chiropodist