When Toenails are Broken, Brittle and Not Beautiful

When our toenails are broken, brittle and not beautiful, we sometimes feel like giving up. They seemed fine the last time we looked down but that was before we tried to trim them. Then there is the added complication of getting close enough to examine the problem. Podiatrists definitely have their moments. Do you think this one of them.

Why Oh Why Do We Have to Have Toenails

A toenail has approximately the same keratin composition as the hooves, claws, and horns of mammals. In fact, the best way to describe them scientifically could be as ‘horn-like envelopes’. Their main job is to help protect our sensitive toe tips. They also counterbalance the pressure when we tread on an object, increasing the sensitivity of the signal we receive.

A toenail grows approximately four times slower than a fingernail since the rate is proportional to digit length. It follows we trim them up to four times less frequently. This increases the likelihood of a broken, brittle and not beautiful toenail creeping up on us unawares. We really ought to inspect the nails on our feet as often as we trim our fingernails. Because we generally do not, we stand a chance of contracting nail fungus, or having thickened or ingrowing toe nails.

Causes and Treatment of Fungal Nail Infections

If you develop athlete’s foot, and do not do anything about it, the fungi may decide the minute spaces under your toenails are a good place to breed. Early warning signs to watch out for are white or yellow spots under the leading edge. As the infection moves deeper, the affected nail or nails start to discolour, darken, crumble at the edge, and thicken.

Fungal toenail

Factors that encourage fungal nails are not keeping feet clean and dry, wearing sweaty shoes, and walking barefoot in communal gyms, locker rooms and showers. People with psoriasis, diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or weakened immune systems are more susceptible.

It follows that countermeasures include keeping feet clean and dry, wearing shoes that breathe, not sharing towels and socks, and wearing shower shoes in communal locker rooms and gymnasiums. Also clip the nails on your toes regularly. That way, the fungi do not have time to settle in.

Avoiding and Treating Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail develops on a big toe, when one or both sides curl down and bite into the flesh. Symptoms include pain under pressure, skin inflammation, and white or yellow pus. If you experience anything more than mild discomfort, we encourage you to consult your podiatrist or medical doctor urgently.

We can innocently begin the problem by doing the wrong things. When we cut a big toenail too short or trim the edges, we increase the likelihood of the skin growing over. Wearing tight socks, tights and footwear encourages this further. Stubbing your toe or having sweaty feet weakens your defences. If you have naturally fan-shaped or curved nails, be especially careful.

Fortunately, we can reverse ingrown toenails ourselves, if we notice them sufficiently early. After we apply olive oil to our toe, we may be able to ease the skin away gradually with a clean cotton bud. Otherwise, our advice is similar to what we provide for fungal infections. Keep your feet clean and dry, trim your nails straight across the top, and wear the right shoes. We are providing general, not professional medical advice. It is always best to consult a specialist when in doubt.

How to Trim Thickened Nails Carefully

This is not an easy job, especially if we are getting on in years and find it difficult to bend down. Factors causing toenail thickening include injury, psoriasis, and fungal infections as we discussed in a previous paragraph. Bulking up like this is a leading cause for toe nails that are broken, brittle and not beautiful any more. Here is how to trim them:

• Purchase a pair of quality nail nippers from a chemist, or drug store

• Soak your nails in warm water for ten minutes to soften them, then dry them

• Take extra care if you have reduced sensation, diabetes, or bad circulation

• Cut your nails straight across in small bites to prevent cracking or splintering

• Tidy up with an emery board to prevent sharp edges catching on your socks

There is no need to despair about ingrowing toe nails, or ones that are broken, brittle and not beautiful any more. With prevention and a little care, we could soon have them looking great again. Then we can put our best feet forward with our toenails in good shape.