Out of sight , out of mind.
Most of us are guilty of that when it comes to our toenails. Some of us may pay regular visits to the pedicurist for minimal toenail maintenance, but other than that, we often neglect them, and even subject them to abuse too, until they start giving us problems.
While nails are made of keratin with a hardier structure to protect the rich network of blood vessels, nerves and bones beneath, it takes more than a weekly visit to the nail salon to care for them. Here's what you can do to keep your toenails in healthy shape:
When trimming toenails
Try to trim them straight across, and not cut into the corners. Nails should not be trimmed too short; the free edge of a nail should be about the same level as that of the toe.
Do trim toenails when they are softest and easiest to trim after showering.
If you visit your pedicurist regularly, be sure to ask her not to file any sharp edges and avoid picking any debris from beneath the sides of the toenails with any form of sharp instrument.
The cuticle should also not be pushed too hard as it can cause damage to the skin, resulting in an infection.
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How do your toenails grow?
- Toenails, unlike the fingernails, grow at a slower rate, about 1mm per month on the average.
- This rate of growth slows with age and poor circulation. It takes about 12 to 18 months to regrow a toenail completely.
- Nails are divided into sections: nail root, bed, plate and the cuticle.
- Nail root is where the growth of the nail starts and extends under the skin.
- The nail plate is the nail itself.
- A smooth nail bed ensures normal nail growth.
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What are brittle nails
Brittle nails are thin nails and they may even have split. Malnutrition, systemic diseases, certain drugs, harsh detergents or chemicals, and some dermatological conditions may cause the nails to be inelastic. They also have reduced water content, but applying some moisturizer may help a little.
What to do with an ingrown toenail
An ingrown toenail is a condition where the nail grows and embeds itself into the surrounding tissue. It can be caused by tight footwear, incorrect cutting of the nail, trauma to the nail or abnormal curvature of the toenail and is an often painful condition.
Consult your podiatrist or a medical specialist for help if you suffer from this.
Why do my nails looks yellow?
Yellowish toenails can be caused by too much nail varnish. To address this problem, be sure to apply a layer of base coat before the actual nail polish. If possible, you should avoid colouring your nails more than once a week.
If your nails appear thickened and yellow, that can be caused by psoriasis or when the toenail has been repeatedly traumatized, such as wearing too-tight shoes that pinch the foot.
If you often wear enclosed shoes without taking them off to air your feet, you may be more prone to fungal infections, since fungi favour dark and humid environments that are often found in such footwear. Your toenails may end up looking yellow, black or green-ish.
Repeated trauma and people whose immune systems are compromised by diseases such as diabetes may also have a higher risk of developing fungal infection.
Treatment consists of oral and topical anti-fungals. Topical anti-fungals containing active ingredient such as Miconazole, Terbinafine and Clotrimazole have fewer side effects, but they may take a longer time for the clearance of the fungi.
Treat your toenails with the dignity that they deserve and they will be well maintained without much trouble.
This article was contributed by Ms Kin Ismail, Senior Podiatrist, Singapore Footcare Centre.
