Hi, You mentioned possible symptoms: i) Sore nail oozing clear liquid ii) Thickened nails, and you possibly suspect a fungal infection The above has being aggravated most recently by hiking. I suspect you do have a fungal infection of your nails, although it would have being ideal to see the area to be certain. With the oozing of clear fluid from the toe nail, and if there is associated redness, pain and swelling of the nail, this most likely is as a result of a bacteria infection. For the acute bacteria nail infection, I would advise soaking the nail in lukewarm slightly salty water, avoid soapy water, and keep clean and dry. If it is possible for you to get some antibiotics prescribed oral either a penicillin based one or penicillin alternative if you have allergies. If this is not possible, an antibiotic cream might be helpful too. If symptoms are not settling in a few days, please take a sample of the oozing liquid to your physician to send off to the lab for culture. At the same time, I would advise take a scarping of the nail for assessment-this is called mycology, if it indeed a fungal nail infection, your physician would offer options of antifungal for about 3-9 months, or nail lacquer for around that length of time. But again, I have given advise for both symptoms based on your history above, should your symptoms not settle with the above treatment or should it not improve within the next few days, particularly the oozing, it would be best to see your family physician to review and manage safely. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Joy Anosike, General & Family Physician