Fungal infection or no fungal infection? Negative test, what next?

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Hi all,

I've been suffering with my toenails for about 5 or 6 years and they seem to be getting worse. All of them are yellow or white with many thickening, a couple are becoming U-shaped in profile. One big toe has a reoccurrent split down the centre and is detached from the nail bed.

I have tried a number of home remedies and over the counter topical treatments over the years but nothing has had an effect and the problem has slowly got worse. Most recently I have tried tea tree oil and Vicks vapour rub.

I few weeks ago I went to see my GP. He was confident that it was a fungal infection and order a test with a nail clipping. I phoned the surgery today for the test results and was told that it came back negative and that no further action was needed.

So what do I do now? I'm fed up of hiding my feet, I'd like to go on holiday at some point or go swimming or find a girlfriend - but not with my toes in their current state!

I've now made an appointment at a local podiatrists but I'm unsure if she'll be able to do anything. She's a member of the society for chiropody and podiatry.