My immaculate reputation would be soiled beyond bleaching if I weren't on hand, as it were, to help you out of your toe jam. You did right to write me, Shrimpless, as ingrown nails are nothing to laugh at. If things don't get better within a week, or if pus starts oozing out, visit doc, who will likely lance the skin, drain the pus and prescribe a topical antibiotic. But these potions don't always work their magic for HIVers. Serious cases may end in surgery to remove all or part of the offending nail.
Good grooming goes a long way when it comes to nail health.
Be sure to leave enough nail to cover the delicate underlying tissue, and file down any sharp edges with an emery board. A balanced diet helps make for nifty nails, so graze on plenty of nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, veggies and cold-water fish.