Learn more about some of the common nail conditions
Nail problems affect people of all ages. There are many conditions and disorders that can affect your toenails and change their appearance.
The condition of our toenails can signal the presence or beginning of several diseases. Toenail conditions can cause anything from a change in your toenail’s appearance to pain, inflammation or infection. Podiatrists are skilled at assessing toenails and diagnosing various nail conditions.
Here are some of the nail conditions many people experience:
- Thickened nails – this condition affects the toenails more than the fingernails. Older people are at greater risk. Causes include fungal infection, neglect, injury, poor circulation, arthritis in the toes, altered gait (walking) pattern, ill-fitting shoes, and psoriasis.
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Paronychia – the skin lying alongside the nail can become infected with bacteria, typically Staphylococcus aureus. Symptoms may include pain, redness and swelling around the cuticle and yellow-green discharge.
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Fungal infection – fungal infections, such as tinea, are spread from one person to another and can affect the fingernails or toenails. Without treatment, the nail bed itself can become infected. People with diabetes or with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of fungal infection.
- Ingrown toenail – one of the most common problems treated by podiatrists is ingrown toenails. The big toe is particularly prone to this painful condition. Causes may include incorrect nail-trimming technique, trauma (such as stubbing your toe), nails that naturally curve sharply on the sides and dig into the skin, wearing tight shoes.
- Trauma to the nail – a blow to the nail or compulsive nail biting can cause a range of problems, including bruising of the nail bed, lifting of the nail plate, loss of the nail plate, nail ridges and deformed growth of the nail plate, if the nail matrix is injured.
- Nail discolouration – the healthy nail plate is pink, and the nail looks white as it grows off the nail bed. Causes of discoloured nails typically include nail polish, nicotine from cigarette smoking, hair-colouring agents, certain infections, injury to the nail bed, some medications, including antibiotics, anti-malarial medications, and some medications used in chemotherapy, or melanoma.
Are you suffering from any of these conditions? One of our chiropodist/podiatrist can assist and then recommend what treatment options are best to get you back on track. ✅
Schedule an appointment here or you may call us at 44 (0) 207 101 4000. 📞
We hope you have a feetastic day! 👣☀️
-The Chelsea Clinic and Team
