Blister / toe nail advice

[Shauna]

Well it is one week until we begin our camino from SJPDP and I have a toenail problem. Some time ago (months) I dropped something on my big toe. It only bruised and I thought that was that. Last week I noticed that as the nail has grown it is actually starting to come off but not enough that I could take it off.

What would be best to do? Should I just leave it one should I tape it when walking. Last year I developed a couple of blister under toe nails and am worried this may happen with big toenail. I get very hot feet and think this causes the blisters as boots and socks are fine.

Wish it would just drop off then I would not need to worry.

 

[MTtoCamino]

I am a retired tank commander we dropped/smashed heavy things on our toes, & fingers all the time. Blood blisters under nails are a painful thing that has to get fixed. When you don't have a clinic you have to fix stuff your self. So find the thinnest knife blade you can & very carefully start drilling in circles with it until you cut just the toenail to the skin. Now slowly start cutting the nail to the top, the goal is to split the nail with out cutting your toe. That does two things it will release some pain while helping the nail to fall off. If the pressure from the blood blister is still pain full the blister has to be drained.
So most folks who have never done this it may be too much, so if you can go to a professional.
I have always drained my blisters be they plain or bloody. I have never had an infection but I always fix them after washing my feet first sterilizing the needle with a buetain lighter & using a anteseptic cream.
If once again you can't do go seek some medical help.
Good luck
Keith

 

[Shauna]

Thank you for the advice. I do not have any discomfort and no blood blister. I think I will tape it down whilst walking and hopefully soon it will just drop off!

 

[MTtoCamino]

Thank you for the advice. I do not have any discomfort and no blood blister. I think I will tape it down whilst walking and hopefully soon it will just drop off!

It will or just try pulling it up slowly & cut with scissors to split/ trim

 

[Oztrekker]

Go see a podiatrist. Its not worth messing up your feet and camino holiday pay a professional.

 

[Tia Valeria]

This might sound odd but you could try super-glue, very carefully. This would stick the nail down to the new growth underneath and will gradually grow out. Do not pull at it, but it will file with a nail file. I used it to mend a split in my finger nail and it grew out very nicely during our Camino. Our daughter gave me this hint with a nail that was breaking from the side into the quick and it does work.
If the glue gets onto the surrounding skin it will grow out, or remove with the specialist remover. Never try to pull it off.