What have I done to my toenail & what treatment needed ?

[catfood12]

I request a consultation with the doctors of PH.

I kicked my big toe up wondering around the house barefoot a few months ago. Bit of pain at the time, nail went black and started to grow out. I've kept it trimmed, but not too much, as it grew.

It seems to have stopped growing now, and I get a lot of pain in the toe itself. Clearly I need someone to look at it, either chiropodist or doctor. I don't want to bother the latter if the former could fix it, but I'm not sure what I've done. My toe (see below) doesn't look like images from Dr. Google on ingrowing toenails or involuted nail.

Any idea chaps ? Scroll down.... not pretty....

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[Bill]

Mine did exactly that. It looks like a fungal infection but once the dead section came off (with some persuasion as one side came loose and started snagging on socks etc) it was fine. It's been ages - years I think - and it's still only half grown.

[Carlososos]

I think it’s a knackered nail bed. I ripped mine off in one go (toe next to big toe) it grows back but it’s doubled in thickness where the nail bed is totally kaput. Probably best to see a pro though.

[catfood12]

Thanks chaps, I'll make an appointment with my GP.

Doubtless follow up images in the months to come!

[dave_s13]

All that loose nail is flapping in the wind and irritating the fleshy side of your toe.

It needs clipping back and tidying up and it'll be fine. Your GP won't do that, or want to, or know how to.

You need a podiatrist.....NHS or private, depending on what's available locally.

[drmike37]

I’d agree that your gp isn’t the best place for this.
Chiropodist/podiatrist would be a better bet.

[pherlopolus]

Definitely a job for a Podiatry clinic. The doctor will just refer you anyway.

If you get referred it will be free, if not £40+ a visit.

I have had both my big toenails removed, both due to trauma in years passed. I would only go private now, aftercare is much better.

[Mr Pointy]

Having watched many Toe Bro videos I can confidently diagnose that you've had tramautic separation of the nail from the bed. It needs cutting off & will regrow, but it will probably be thicker. As has been said you need to see a podiatrist or chiropodist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkKU0abAA7Q

If you've got any cows I can do hoof diagnosis as well as I've seen lots of Hoof GP videos.

[BigBiffa]

You'd bother our overburdened NHS with that, as any fast bowler would tell you all you need is a hot bath and a Stanley knife with an optional set of pliers. I've got 16 in my collection, the wife keeps trying to throw them out but they bring back memories.

[peterperkins]

BigBiffa said:

I've got 16 in my collection, the wife keeps trying to throw them out but they bring back memories.

LOL

[PH4555]

Submerge your foot for 30 mins in the bath or something. It will soften the skin and your nail. Then you'll be able to gently peel it off and you'll see the new nail already growing underneath it . You don't need to see anyone. I have this recurring issue with my right toe #4 all the time - just keeps growing a new one underneath, existing one goes black and gammy and can be peeled off and binned once softened up.

[BigBiffa]

I found a couple!

[BabySharkDooDooDooDooDooDoo]

BigBiffa said:

I found a couple!

Sure they aren’t pork scratchings?

[efcgriswold]

Do a YouTube search for the Toe Bro. Then decide to leave it and not see anyone about it

[catfood12]

Mr Pointy said:

Having watched many Toe Bro videos I can confidently diagnose that you've had tramautic separation of the nail from the bed. It needs cutting off & will regrow, but it will probably be thicker. As has been said you need to see a podiatrist or chiropodist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkKU0abAA7Q

If you've got any cows I can do hoof diagnosis as well as I've seen lots of Hoof GP videos.

Toe Bro.... ugh..... Video nasties... I followed Mr. Pointy's link above. I was sick in my mouth and sweating watching it.

Thanks chaps for all off your advice. Chiropodist appointment booked for next week.

Original nail hasn't come off, and a separate one isn't growing up from behind. It's still the original nail, but has stopped growing, and I get a lot of pain in my toe, which I didn't before, and I don't think it's gout!

I'm not sure if it's infected as Bill says above, I do get regular bouts of athlete's foot, and am always careful to clear it up, always fearing a nail fungal infection.....

Doubtless the chiropodist will have seen it all before......

Thanks again for all the replies, and Big Biffa's impressive collection...