Revealed: What your TOENAILS say about you, according to experts

Daily Mail​

2 days ago

You probably don't pay them much attention on a daily basis.
But your toenails could tell you a lot about your health, a doctor has revealed.
Whether it's nutritional deficiencies, diabetes or circulatory issues, checking the condition of your nails could highlight issues such as infections, diabetes or even cancer.
Sheena Bagga, a pharmacist prescriber from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, has revealed everything you need to know about toe and nail health – and eight symptoms to look out for.
'While often overlooked, your toenails and feet play a huge role in your overall health and it's important to pay attention to their condition,' she said.
'While everyone's toes look different, healthy nails should have a smooth surface with light pink or translucent colouration without much variation in shade or hue.
'While a lot of the time problems with toes and nails are easily treated, if you are facing symptoms due to issues such as diabetes, poor circulation, or nutritional deficiencies, consuming a healthy, balanced diet is crucial to support your overall health.'
So, do you recognise any of these symptoms?
YELLOW DISCOLOURATION
This can indicate a toenail infection, Ms Bagga explained, and it can occur on any part of the nail. It causes the nail to discolour, become crumbly or thicken.
Another cause can be nail psoriasis, where the nail plate can become pitted with patches or lift up from the nail bed underneath.
To help prevent toenail infections, it's good practice to keep your nails short, clean, and tidy, she advised. It's also important to wear a clean pair of socks every day and wear shoes that fit correctly.
DARK NAIL STRIPES
This is known as Melanonychia, which can appear as a brown or black band running lengthwise along the nail.
Most of the time it is simply a normal variation in the pigmentation of the nail. However, in some rare cases, it is a tell-tale sign of Subungual Melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
'To help prevent Melanonychia, it's crucial to focus on good nail and foot hygiene,' Ms Bagga said. 'You also want to try and avoid any nail trauma - if you do injure your nail, allow it to fully heal properly and avoid picking at it.'
SWOLLEN TOES
This can be caused by a number of conditions including lymphatic issues, poor blood flow, or even gout.
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis characterised by sudden, severe joint pain, often in the big toe, caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It is more likely to occur in people who are overweight, and consuming a healthy diet that aids weight loss can help manage the condition.
Meanwhile there are less serious causes of toe swelling such as sitting or standing for long periods of time, wearing shoes that are too small, being overweight, dehydrated, or eating a diet that's heavy in salt.
'Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet can help with some of these common issues, along with regular exercise and movement,' Ms Bagga advised.
WHITE TOENAILS
White lines or spots on the nail. also called 'leukonychia', are often caused by trauma such as stubbing your toe. However sometimes they can be a sign of deficiencies in protein, zinc, or iron.
Although rare, fully white nails are slightly more concerning and could be an indicator of a systematic illness in another part of the body, Ms Bagga warned, including liver cirrhosis, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes.
BLUE DISCOLOURATION
If your nails have a bluish hue and you notice that your toes feel unusually cold, it may be a sign that they are not getting proper circulation, Ms Bagga said.
This is a common symptom of a condition called Raynaud's disease, which causes narrowing of the smaller arteries which supply blood to the extremities.
'Regular exercise can help improve blood circulation, which can be beneficial for managing the symptoms of Raynaud's, alongside helping you maintain a healthy weight,' she added.
ITCHY TOES
Athletes Foot is a common fungal infection that shows as itchy white patches between your toes.
It can also affect the soles or sides of your feet, sometimes causing fluid-filled blisters.
To help prevent Athlete's Foot, make sure to completely dry your feet after washing them, especially between your toes, Ms Bagga said, as well as wearing clean socks every day.
ULCERS ON TOES OR FEET
Unlike a blister that occurs under the skin, an ulcer is a break in the skin's surface, appearing as an open wound.
It's very important that these are looked after to reduce any risks of infection, the doctor warned.
'During the time the wound is exposed, it can leave you vulnerable to developing an infection, which in serious cases can lead to amputation,' Ms Bagga said.
SPOON NAILS
Ms Bagga advised that people inspect their toenails on a regular basis, as if they start to change shape and look curved or 'spoon'-like, it could indicate an iron deficiency or anaemia.
Iron is essential for producing healthy red blood cells and maintaining proper nail health, so it's important to speak to a healthcare provider who may recommend taking a supplement, she said.
WHAT IS AN INGROWN TOENAIL?
An ingrown toenail is a 'common' problem that occurs when the nail grows into the toe.
An affected digit may be red, painful or swollen. The nail may also curve into the toe.
Signs of an infection include pus oozing out of the toe and feeling hot or shivery.
Ingrown nails can usually be treated at home by:
Soaking the foot in warm water three-to-four times a day for a few days to soften the skin and stop the nail growing into it
Keeping the foot dry for the rest of the day
Wearing wide, comfortable shoes
Taking painkillers if necessary
The NHS advises we leave the nail to grow out rather than cutting or picking at it.
If the at-home treatment does not work, or the toe is painful or appears to be infected, see a GP. Patients should also seek the help of a doctor if they have a fever or diabetes.
A foot specialist may then cut away part of the nail or remove it entirely. A local anaesthetic will first be applied to numb the area.
Ingrown toenails can be prevented by: