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Losing my toenail

I was on holiday recently, and I was just putting on my shoe when I noticed that one of my toenails was a rather odd colour. It had gone bright white normally where you can see pink flesh. I looked a little closer, and noticed right at the bottom where the cuticle is (are they still called cuticles on toes?), the toenail had come away.

It's been over a week or so now, and it still isn't coming off. Oddly enough, it's not painful either, but it isn't highly practical. Is there anything I can/should do? Or should I just leave it to avoid infection and see what happens?

Thanks! :smile:

Reply 1

Fluffy

Sounds like you might have a fungal infection, I would either show it to your local pharmacist who will be able to tell you if it is and what antifungal would be best, or go see your GP.

NEVER remove a nail yourself.

Reply 2

Glory

leave it be, go see a doctor and to prevent an infection soak your foot in warm salty water 3 times a day.

Reply 3

Anonymous #1

Thanks both of you. :smile:

If it falls off in the meantime is there anything I should do?

Reply 4

Fluffy

Keep the nail and see your GP.

Reply 5

ladyportacabin

Take a picture and post it up here. Oh go on!

Reply 6

six_empire

if it doesnt fall off, rip it off with a pair of pliars and them eat the nail with some vinegar - oh, save some of tht vinegar for ur toe, where the nail used to be

Reply 7

randomuser#6

Fluffy

NEVER remove a nail yourself.

I last time got my toe stuck, yanked it out and the nail ripped out.

Reply 8

Floozie

The nail on my little toe did this. I'm pretty sure its because I wear stupid shoes that squash my toes. Anyhoo I pulled the nail off, didn't hurt or anything just like a piece of dry skin underneath, I think its growing back now.

That probably doesn't help you, I just felt like telling a story

Reply 9

indy_punk

ladyportacabin

Take a picture and post it up here. Oh go on!

Good lord NO! >_<
Go to your GP as everyone said and make sure its not infected till then!

:confused:

another anon post!!

Reply 10

Anonymous #1

ladyportacabin

Take a picture and post it up here. Oh go on!

I'm actually tempted.. :p:

but surely none of you have any interest in what a dying toenail looks like?

Reply 11

Anonymous #1

It came off today, everyone. Luckily it'd been not really attached for long enough so that another one grew underneath and I didn't even realise it had come off until later. :smile:

Thanks for all of the advice- is there still a risk of infection?

Reply 12

jennyflake

I would have thought there was little risk, however assume there is a risk, and keep it super clean and look after it well. Maybe try putting antiseptic on it...better than getting an infection!