Our toenails can tell us a lot about our overall health and well-being. Nails contain a protein called keratin, like skin and hair, making nails strong, hard plates or shields. The matrix in the nail bed creates new skin cells, pushing out the old ones, and creating a new nail.
A portion of the nail adheres to the nail bed. The other 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, causing discolouration or weak, causing it to be brittle or appear dry and rough.
To properly treat a toenail, we must first know what caused it to become dry, brittle or discoloured. Let’s explore the different causes and how to treat damaged toenails.
Ill-fitting footwear
Ill-fitting footwear can cause repetitive trauma to the nail which leads to damage over time.
At BioPed, our lower limb clinicians can make sure you are wearing the proper shoes. A style and size of shoe fitted for your feet and the needs of your daily activities. This includes a wide, deep toe box which allows the toes to move during gait and reduce pressure and injury to the nail plates. Finding supportive footwear that will offer stability to improve movement of the feet lessens the risk of injury to the toes and nails.
Fungus
A fungal infection in the nail appears in the nail plate but actually resides in the nail bed’s matrix.
Fungus is a hot topic these days as it is common and can be unsightly. Fungal nails can vary in appearance but are often thickened, crumbly, yellow or brown and have an odour. Treatment should include thinning of the nail plate to increase comfort in footwear. This also allows more successful results while using over-the-counter or prescription medications applied to the nail. Other options include oral medications and light therapy. Not all treatments are appropriate for everyone, it is important to be assessed by a footcare clinician to learn the best treatment option for you.
Nutrient deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies can affect the texture and appearance of toenails.
Diets low in calcium and vitamin C may cause thin, weak and brittle nails. A vitamin B12 or iron deficiency may cause the nails to become white, thin and brittle. Your doctor or nurse practitioner can check your blood to rule out or confirm a nutrient deficiency.
Other conditions causing dry, brittle, and discoloured toenails
Certain conditions have an effect on our toenails. Those that negatively affect our body’s immune system or joints can lead to toenail 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 result in excess pressure on the toe and nails.
Psoriasis causes pitting in the nail plate and may result in a rough surface texture.
Hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid, 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.
Treatment for dry, brittle and discoloured toenails
In conclusion, 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 care to well-fitting footwear, we can help increase your comfort and improve the health of your feet, including your toenails.
