Discoloured Toenail

[Ric.ror]

I feel I cannot ring 111 with this but my big toe is very discoloured around the bottom. Its the nail itself not the skin around it. It looks like bruising but has been there too long for that - and I have not knocked it or anything. Its not painful or causing any other discomfort so I cannot go to the doctors

Anyone any ideas please?

[janbee]

I had something like this and it was a fungal infection. I went to Boots and they gave me some cream stuff. It was quite expensive but it worked.

[Dizmo]

Just because it isn't hurting doesn't mean you shouldn't go to the doctors. Get it checked out by your GP.

[Ric.ror]

Oh Dizmo - do you think it could be something serious?
You've got me worried now

[Dizmo]

It might start causing you discomfort later down the line and then you're going to wish you went to the doctors! Take it from someone who is currently in a lot of pain!

[Sqad]

What colour?

Almost certainly a fungus infection.

Don't bother with home remedies.......make an appt to see your GP.

[Dizmo]

I'm not trying to worry you but a doctor will know better by looking at it.

[Ric.ror]

Its a brown colour

Perhaps a visit to the GP is in order

[Sqad]

"Oh Dizmo - do you think it could be something serious? "

No!

[Sqad]

\\Its a brown colour \\\

O.K.....almost certainly a fungus infection.

[Ric.ror]

I hate to waste the doctors time with a toe nail - there are a lot of ill people about but I suppose - if its going to turn nasty I better get it checked

[Dizmo]

Best answer for Dizmo =p I've only got 12, flutters eye lids.

[Dizmo]

And if it starts to hurt on New Years Eve night you're going to have to sit in A&E for 8 hours or just put up with the pain. As sqad said it isn't likely to turn serious but it might start givjng you some discomfort.

[Retrochic]

If your nail is discolored brown like a bruise it is more likely you have had a fungal infection which now has a secondary bacterial infection. Best see a doctor rather than self treat -the doctor can prescribe something perhaps not available over the counter and certainly will not think you are wasting their time.

[saintpeter48]

don't waste money on nail fungal treatments, they are a rip off. Keep cutting the nail as usual and soak it in vinegar a couple of times a week, the nail will take about a year to grow back to normal, its just one of those things.

[Ric.ror]

Will that really work - I like the idea of soaking my foot in Vinegar more than applying chemicals - though I guess Vinegar is a chemical

[andy-hughes]

I have seen two individual chiropodists to have my nails 'tidied' at different times.

One said the discolouration on one of my bog toes was a fungal infection, and prescribed Curanail.

The other said the discolouration was due to my psoraiasis, which made it appear to be a fungal infection, but was not, and would not respond to treatment.

So - there you have it - or not!

[Ric.ror]

You see I am a psoriasis carrier
My son and cousins have it I do not (I think)

[andy-hughes]

So it may manifest itself in discolouration of your nail, even if not in any other way - it's worth a chat with your GP.

[saintpeter48]

White vinegar is one of the best ingredients for treating toenail fungus because it fights the infection and helps restore the skin’s pH.

Mix one part of white vinegar with two parts of warm water.
Soak the affected toenail in this solution for 10 to 15 minutes.
Rinse it off and dry the affected area thoroughly.
Repeat twice daily until the fungus is gone.

Note: If your skin becomes irritated, add more water to the solution and repeat the process every other day instead of daily.