The thread is more like “ three for me “
and please remember I’m not a GP, so can’t give specific diagnoses for individual members. However, my comments on the three conditions mentioned :-
• An ingrown toenail occurs when the sides of the nail grow into the skin, causing inflammation. It can be caused by cutting nails too short or on the edges, tight fitting shoes, excessive sweating, injury, or fungal nail infection. Self-care measures may be sufficient, but the chiropodist ( podiatrist ) or GP may recommend partial nail removal which is very effective, or occasionally complete removal.
• Gout is a type of arthritis, caused by a build up of uric acid in the blood and deposition of crystals or “ tophi “ ( sodium urate ) in the joints. The joint of the big toe is commonly affected and it results in SEVERE pain, swelling and redness. It can run in families, is commoner in men - risk factors include wrong diet, alcohol excess, obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. See your GP if you’re worried – a blood test will confirm, and effective drug treatment is available.
• Fungal nail infection is common, especially in toenails, which become thickened and discoloured, but it’s not usually painful. It can be associated with “ athlete’s foot “. Often it’s the result of poor foot hygiene such as wearing shoes causing hot and sweaty feet, or inadequate drying after bathing. Treatment might not be needed if it’s mild, apart from regular cutting of nails, good foot hygiene, and local treatment of athlete’s foot with over-the-counter remedies. If it’s marked, the GP needs to send nail clippings to the laboratory for confirmation, then either antifungal tablets or nail paints may be prescribed. Tablets are more effective as the treatment reaches the nail through the bloodstream ( but there are occasional side effects ).
A prescribed nail paint needs to be taken every 3-4 days for at least 9 months, as the toenails grow very slowly.