Common Toenail Problems

While your toenails are often the last thing that you might think about, they are actually under constant stress from walking and moving. As a result, they can potentially have a lot of issues that result in considerable amounts of pain when they surface. A lot of these problems can even lead to serious complications if they are left untreated.

Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is one of the most common nail problems. Toenails are often left in hot and slightly damp socks throughout the day, which provides an excellent breeding ground for fungus. Fungus that is found on the toes can give off a bad odor, cause the feet to become extremely itchy. Fungus can be prevented by always wearing clean and dry socks and changing them often. Individuals who are more prone to fungus should consider investing in medicated powder for their toenails which will help reduce the growth of fungus on their feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Individuals who wear closed toe shoes are more likely to suffer from ingrown toenails, and so are women who wear high heels. An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the big toenail begins to grow into the skin around the top of the toenail. The condition causes pain, redness, swelling, and can even cause the toenail to become infected. Those who suffer from ingrown toenails should be sure that they are wearing properly fitting shoes and that their shoes are not putting too much pressure on their toenails. The treatment for an ingrown toenail is often the removal of the ingrown part of the nail, which provides instant relief.

Nail Trauma

Another common toenail issue is nail trauma. Toenails are often hitting dressers, being stubbed into the ground, or having an object fall on them. When trauma occurs on the nail, it will often thicken to make up for the protection that it lost. Blood can pool underneath the nail and bruises can occur. Many times when there is trauma to a toenail, the nail will fall off.

Individuals who put a lot of stress on their toes or who are constantly on their feet are more likely to suffer from the most common toenail problems, including trauma. It is important that you make sure you are taking proper care of your toenails and that you are always keeping a dry, clean place for them in your shoes and socks.