Our toenails tell us a lot about our overall health and well-being. Nails contain a protein called keratin, just like skin and hair. This is what makes nails strong, hard plates or shields. The matrix in the nail bed creates new skin cells which push out the old ones creating a nail. A portion of the nail is adhered to the nail bed and a portion at the end, the free edge, is the part we trim. If the nail matrix is damaged or injured, this can affect the way the nail grows. The nail may become thick which will cause discolouration, or it may become weak causing it to break easily or appear dry and rough.
To know how to properly treat a dry toenail, it is important to know what caused it to become dry, brittle or discoloured in the first place. Let’s explore the different causes and what can be done to help.
Footwear
Ill-fitting footwear can cause repetitive trauma to the nail which leads to damage over time. BioPed’s lower limb clinicians will make sure you are wearing the proper size and style for your feet and activity. A wide and deep toe box allows toes to move during gait and reduce pressure and injury to the nail plates. Supportive footwear will offer stability to improve movement of the feet which also lessens injury to the toes and nails.
Toenail Fungus
Fungus is a hot topic these days as it is contagious and common and can be unsightly! A fungal infection in the nail appears in the nail plate but resides in the nail bed’s matrix. Fungal nails can vary in appearance but are often thickened, crumbly, yellow, or brown and may have an odour. Treatment should include thinning of the nail plate to increase comfort in footwear and allow more successful results while using over the counter or prescription medications applied to the nail. There are also oral medications and light therapy. It is important to be assessed by a medical footcare clinician to learn the best treatment option for you, as not all treatments are appropriate for everyone.
Diet
Nutrient deficiencies can affect the texture and appearance of toenails. Low calcium and vitamin C may result in thin, weak, and brittle nails. A vitamin B12 or iron deficiency may cause the nails to become white, thin, and brittle. Your primary care professional can check your blood to rule out or confirm a nutrient deficiency.
Certain conditions influence the health of our toenails. Those that negatively affect our body’s immune system or joints can lead to issues. Diabetes may make a person more susceptible to fungal infections and can also affect the blood flow to the feet and toes reducing necessary nutrients and oxygen. Rheumatoid arthritis causes joint inflammation and toe deformities which often results in excess pressure on toe and nails. Psoriasis causes pitting in the nail plate and may result in a rough surface texture. An underactive thyroid also known as hypothyroidism can make nails brittle. Lichen planus is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause thinning, ridges and splitting of the nail plate. Undergoing chemotherapy or radiation to treat cancer may also change the shape and texture of nails. If health conditions can be managed internally with medication, it may lessen issues affecting the toenails.
Come See Us!
If you are suffering with or bothered by dry, brittle, or discoloured toenails, book an appointment with a BioPed lower limb clinician to figure out why and what solution is best for you. From nail tincture to thorough medical footcare to well-fitting footwear, we can help increase your comfort and improve the health of your feet, including your toenails. We’d love to hear from you!
