Fungal Nail Infection - Self Treat, Or Visit The Gp ??

[Gizmonster]

Although I've never actually seen a nail with a fungal infection, I'm fairly sure my big toe is infected .... it's quite discoloured and a lot thicker than the other big toe nail, although I'm not in any pain.
My question is, can I just get some medication from the chemist; or will I need to visit my GP for him to confirm that I have got an infection, then get my GP to prescribe a course of action ??
I've tried looking online, but I'm getting conflicting advice.
Any advice please, my learned ABers ??

[ubasses]

Cure a nail from the chemist. Warning - it's about £20. but good. i

[Sqad]

If it is not painful and the only problem is the "sight" of your toenail.....I wouldn't bother about getting it treated.

However, if you are concerned, then see your GP as tablets with solve your problem.....although you may need to take them for at least 10 weeks.

[Gizmonster]

I was hoping you'd make a guest appearance Sqad.
It's not painful at all and the sight of it doesn't bother me, so I'll leave it .... for the time being anyway.

[ladyalex]

Curanail is horribly wrong expensive and GPs are reluctant to prescribe the tablets ...or at least mine was.
What has helped, though is Canesten thrush cream applied night and morning.
Much cheaper than Curanail.
Takes a long time though, so be patient.

[Gizmonster]

I've heard that Vics vapour rub can help as well - also takes quite a while to take effect .....

[saintpeter48]

i dont think that there is a 'cure', time is the answer, if its not painfull just leave it, it'll take about a year but will 'grow out'.

[Maydup]

^^^^ or not as the case may be. I have an infected big toe nail and just live with it now. It doesn't grow out and all treatment is ineffective, so don't get your hopes up for a cure. Sorry :-)