How to prevent problems with the toenails?

Proper toenail care is essential for maintaining overall foot health and preventing long-term issues like fungal infections, ingrown toenails, and discomfort. Many people tend to overlook the importance of toenail care, but neglecting this part of your grooming routine can lead to a range of painful and sometimes serious conditions. By incorporating simple yet effective toenail care practices, you can prevent complications, promote foot hygiene, and maintain healthy, well-groomed feet. One of the most important aspects of toenail care is regular trimming. Long toenails are prone to breaking, snagging, or becoming ingrown, which can lead to infections and pain. However, it's not just about cutting your toenails; it’s about doing it correctly. Toenails should be cut straight across rather than rounded at the edges. This helps to prevent ingrown toenails, a condition in which the sides of the nail grow into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. Trimming should be done every few weeks or as needed, depending on how fast your nails grow. Keeping toenails at a moderate length helps prevent injury from shoes and other impacts. Use proper nail clippers or scissors that are sharp and designed for toenail use. Dull clippers can split or tear the nail, leading to jagged edges that can get caught on socks or shoes, increasing the risk of nail damage.

Maintaining good foot hygiene is crucial for preventing infections and keeping your toenails healthy. Fungal infections, such as onychomycosis, are common in toenails and can be persistent and difficult to treat. Wash your feet thoroughly every day with soap and water, ensuring that you clean between the toes. Dry them completely, especially between the toes, as moisture can encourage fungal growth. Applying a moisturizer to your feet, particularly to the heels and soles, helps prevent dry, cracked skin. However, avoid applying lotion between the toes, as excess moisture in this area can lead to fungal infections. Use antifungal powder or sprays in shoes and on feet, especially if you are prone to sweaty feet or if you frequently wear closed shoes like sneakers. This can help prevent the growth of fungi that lead to conditions like athlete’s foot and nail infections.

Wearing the right shoes is another essential factor in maintaining toenail health. Tight or ill-fitting shoes can cause a range of problems, from blisters to nail trauma. Shoes that are too tight can cause the toenails to press against the shoe, leading to bruising, nail thickening, and deformities over time. Always ensure your shoes fit properly, with enough room for your toes to move comfortably. Opt for shoes made from breathable materials like leather or mesh, as they allow air to circulate around the feet, helping to reduce moisture buildup that can lead to fungal infections. If you are engaged in physical activities like running or hiking, consider wearing appropriate footwear with extra cushioning or support to protect your toes from trauma. Repeated impact or pressure on toenails can cause black toenails (a condition where the nail turns dark due to blood pooling underneath), and may even lead to nail loss.

Ingrown toenails and onychophosis are two of the most common and painful toenail problems. They occur when the edges of the toenail grow into the surrounding skin, often due to improper trimming, trauma, or wearing tight shoes. At the first sign of an ingrown toenail (pain, redness, swelling), soak your foot in warm water with Epsom salts to reduce inflammation. Gently lift the ingrown edge of the nail and place a small piece of cotton underneath it to encourage proper growth away from the skin. If the condition worsens or becomes infected, see a healthcare provider. Podiatrists can safely remove the ingrown portion of the nail and recommend treatments to prevent recurrence. Ignoring an ingrown toenail can lead to infection or the need for more invasive procedures, such as partial or full toenail removal. Fungal infections in the toenails are a persistent problem that can cause discoloration, thickening, and brittle nails. Preventing fungal infections begins with good hygiene and wearing shoes that keep your feet dry. Look for early signs of nail fungus, such as yellowing or white spots on the nail, thickening, or crumbling of the nail edges. Catching fungal infections early makes them easier to treat. Over-the-counter antifungal creams or prescription medications can be used to treat mild fungal infections. However, severe or long-standing infections may require more aggressive treatments, such as oral antifungal medication or even removal of the infected nail in extreme cases.

Proper toenail care is not only a matter of personal hygiene but also crucial for preventing long-term foot problems. By incorporating regular trimming, maintaining good foot hygiene, wearing appropriate footwear, addressing issues like ingrown toenails and fungal infections early, and ensuring a balanced diet, you can protect your toenails from damage and promote overall foot health. Neglecting toenail care may seem minor, but it can lead to painful and long-lasting complications that are difficult to treat. Therefore, adopting these simple but effective practices can ensure that your toenails stay healthy, strong, and problem-free for years to come.

Craig Payne is a University lecturer, runner, cynic, researcher, skeptic, forum admin, woo basher, clinician, rabble-rouser, blogger and a dad.