Use of this site constitutes acceptance of Skinsight's terms of service and privacy policy. Some conditions need professional treatment from a doctor or a dermatologist. Given below are some of the common types of nail problems that an individual can face. If you have an ingrown toenail, you may experience: Toenail trauma can happen several ways, including: Activities such as running or ballet dancing may also cause trauma to the toenail, as can a poorly performed pedicure. Herpes infection can also cause painful swelling and blisters near the nail. Common Toenail Problems You may not think about toenail health until you experience an ingrown or infected toenail. It is the smallest and weakest of all five digits. As the fungal infection makes its way deeper into the nail, your nail will become discolored and thicken. The following are some of the symptoms of this rare condition: Leukonychia is the whitening of the nail plate. Nail disorders are common among infants and children. Common causes of fingernail or toenail changes include trauma, aging, infection, and skin diseases. Common nail problems and diseases. Taking care of your toenails with proper hygiene and properly fitted footwear can help keep your toenails strong and healthy. Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a condition that occurs when a microscopic fungus enters either a fingernail or toenail. Trauma can induce horizontal fingernail ridges (Beau lines), bleeding (hemorrhage) under the nail plate, and white streaks or spots (leukonychia). Toenail abnormalities causes and symptoms, cutting your toenails on a curve instead of straight across, having unusually large or curved toenails, redness and pain along the side of the nail, pronounced angle between the cuticles and nails, small bony growths on the hip bones (iliac horns). There are a number of toenail abnormalities that can cause anything from pain to a change in a toenail’s appearance. Nail Psoriasis. It’s keratin that makes them tough and resilient to daily wear and tear. You may first notice a white or yellow spot under the tip of a toenail. Fungal nail infections account for nearly half of all nail disorders. Nail pitting. Generally the second toe is affected because its the longest. Other damage can include a partially or completely separated nail or injury to the underlying bone. Herpetic whitlow—also called digital herpes simplex, finger herpes, or hand herpes—is a painful viral infection occurring on the fingers or around the fingernails. Treatment options may include surgery and medication. Leukonychia totalis is the complete whitening of the nail. Your toenails serve a purpose, which is to protect your toes. It causes changes in the nails, kneecaps, hip bone, and elbows. Your fingernails protect your fingertips from all sorts of injuries. With mallet toes, the last joint of the toe bulges, and a painful corn will grow near the toenail. an infection of the fold of skin at the margin of a nail. It occurs when the corner or side of your toenail grows into the flesh. Your nail may also crumble and become jagged at the edge, and spread to other toenails. Nail Infection. Brittle splitting nails, or onychoschizia, is a common issue that dermatologists see. Toenail trauma. An inherited gene mutation, certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, and heavy metal poisoning can also cause leukonychia. Symptoms of toenail trauma depend on the type of injury and may include: Nail clubbing refers to changes under and around the toenails that cause your toes to take on a widened, club-like appearance. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Fungal nail infections can be difficult to cure and usually require prescription antifungal pills. An ingrown toenail results from clipping the nail too short and wearing ill-fitting shoes. Toenail fungus. They form the base of the toe and are a separate bone from the middle phalanges (the…, The little toe is also known is the fifth digit of the foot. Diet is generally not responsible for abnormal nail changes, unless the person is suffering from severe malnutrition. STUDY. There are a number of problems that can affect the great toe –also known as the Hallux. The metatarsals are the long bones of…, The distal phalanges (foot) are located at the end of each toe. Make a troublesome nail pretty (and pretty strong) with these effective at-home remedies. They result from a sudden interruption of nail keratin synthesis an, Nail lifting (onycholysis) is the spontaneous separation (detachment) of the fingernail or toenail from the nail bed at the end of the nail (distal) and/or on the sides of the nail (lateral). 5. They are positioned between the distal phalanges (which…, Located within the foot, the calcaneus is also known as the heel bone. Color changes. Fungal and bacterial infection, lack of grooming, and general carelessness towards the health of fingernails are some of the main causes of fingernail problems. Common Nail Problems in the Elderly. Onychomycosis, commonly known as a fungal nail infection, is infection of the fingernails or toenails by forms of fungi and yeast. It takes several months for a fungal nail infection to go away. Any abnormality of the claw or deformed nail may indicate a problem. Some people get Ram’s horns because the condition runs in the family. If there is any discoloration, swelling, pus, or foul odors, there may be a problem. Injuries and arthritis are among the causes of mallet toe. Learn more about common conditions like alopecia, male pattern baldness, razor bumps, ingrown toenails, dandruff, club nails, and fungal nail infections. Advertisement. a superficial fungal infection of the nails caused by various species of Trichophyton and occasionally by Candida albicans. Stephen Pinney, MD. Thick, overgrown nails Medical name: Onychogryphosis Ram’s horn nails This happens when the nails thicken and overgrow. The new coronavirus disease outbreak first identified in China has become a pandemic. For example, ice pick-like depressions in the nails (nail pitting) are common in people who have psoriasis — a condition characterized by scaly patches on the skin. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. It provides connections among the bones of the feet. Your nails are susceptible to discoloration from substances you come into contact with. Other than the discoloration, there aren’t usually any other symptoms associated with discolored nail beds. When family caregivers are taking care of their elderly relative, it’s easy to overlook nail care. This can happen when wearing the same sweaty shoes or boots every day or working in wet conditions. Last medically reviewed on August 28, 2018, The dorsal tarsometatarsal ligament is located in the foot. These happen when the nails are not properly trimmed, or worn down by walking. Toenail fungus can give nails an unattractive, deformed appearance. There are several home remedies that you can take or use to help treat each problem properly but the key factor here is to conduct these treatments diligently and properly. Common causes of fingernail or toenail changes include trauma, aging, infection, and skin diseases. When i clip the nail, I see dark debris under the nail, which I can pull out. Pain, itching, and discoloration are just some of the signs of toenail problems. Half of all people over age 70 develop this infection. The most common changes that occur with toenail fungal infections include: Discoloration beneath the nail, usually brown, white, or yellow Thickening of the nail An increase in white debris beneath the nail which is keratin, a protein that gives form to skin and nails Common causes of fingernail or toenail changes include trauma, aging, infection, and skin diseases. Diet is generally not responsible for abnormal nail changes, unless the person is suffering from severe malnutrition. The treatment of toenail problems depends on the issue and its cause. Flaking nails. Wearing proper-fitting shoes and trimming your toenails straight across and not too short can help you prevent an ingrown toenail. Nail polish, dye from your shoes, and other products containing dye can stain your nails. 3. Common nail changes include: Splitting, peeling, or brittle nails. The most common symptom is underdeveloped or missing fingernails and toenails. Splitting or layering of the nail plate (onychoschizia) is caused by having hands that are constantly wet, frequent use and removal of nail polish or artificial nails, and continuous mild trauma (eg, from habitual finger tapping). Common? Toenail fungus can be caused by a fungal infection on your foot or from walking barefoot where someone else with an infection has walked, such as saunas or locker rooms. Trauma can induce horizontal fingernail ridges (Beau lines), bleeding (hemorrhage) under the nail plate, and white streaks or spots (leukonychia). Common toenail problems are can be quite a handful to treat when left unattended. It’s painful and annoying. Toenail abnormalities causes and symptoms. Causes of toenail problems include trauma, ill-fitting shoes, poor circulation, poor nerve supply and infection. We spoke to National Mavala Trainer, Tracey Winder, to cover five of the most common nail problems and how to fix them. It is situated in the back of the foot, just below the talus, tibia, and fibula…, Proximal phalanges (foot) are the largest bones in the toe. Toenail Discoloration, Fungus & Treatments In some cases, an underlying cause is not found. This allows the drywall to separate from the framing and causes the nails to pop out of the wood. See your doctor about any abnormal changes to your toenails or if you experience signs of infection, such as redness, severe pain, or drainage of pus. 4. Premium Questions. There is a rare medical condition that can cause your nail plates to turn white. In the foot, there are three cuneiform bones. Three phalangeal bones make up each digit, articulating with each other at bending…. 2. Ingrown nail. List of nail abnormalities: Causes and symptoms Vertical ridges and brittle patches can develop due to aging or minor injuries. Method 2 of 3: Diagnosing Deformed Nails … Certain diseases also cause brittle nails. Red or black lines down the nails can be signs of a variety of serious infections and medical conditions, including cancer. It begins at the fifth metatarsal (the bone…, The middle phalanges (foot) are some of the smaller long bones that form the toes of the feet. Paronychia. 6 Common Fingernail problems. Friction from your shoes, your level of physical activity, and the heat and moisture they’re exposed to can wreak havoc on your toenails, as can some health conditions. These are common problems that develop when your hands are frequently exposed to water, strong soaps, and other chemicals. People with diabetes or compromised immune systems have a higher risk of fungal nail infections. Another common nail problem in dogs are ingrown nails. Its precise location is within the sole of the foot, directly above the plantar aponeurosis. Nail clubbing occurs when the tips of the fingers enlarge and the nails curve around the fingertips, usually over the course of years. Vertical ridging and brittle nails are often a normal result of aging. Nail splitting is often seen together with onychorrhexis – long-wise (longitud. The older you are the more likely you are to experience it. Usually these are simply a cosmetic problem and no need for concern. Make sure you are adding oil — generally 2-3 drops a day — to your nailer. We also would like to pass along some solutions to common problems you might encounter with your hardwood floor nailer. Clubbing is most often caused by an underlying medical condition, such as heart disease, lung disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and cancer. In some cases, removing the nail also may be recommended. Got severe nail injury. One of the most common nail problems looks quite harmless: parallel white lines that run horizontally across the nail.The clinical name for them … Small, round depressions in the nail (nail pits) are seen with psoriasis or a condition that causes areas of hair loss, called alopecia areata. The appearance of nail lifting may resemble a half-moon, or the, Onychoschizia, commonly known as nail splitting but also known as onychoschisis or lamellar dystrophy, is a condition that causes horizontal splits within the nail plate. It can alter the nails color and spread to other nails, even fingernails. Discoloration is usually not painful and will improve when your nail grows out or when you stop taking the medication or using the product that caused the discoloration. Onychomycosis. Personal Care. Common Nail Problems. Abnormalities — such as spots, discoloration, and nail separation — can result from injuries to the fingers and hands, viral warts (periungual warts), infections (onychomycosis), and … Nail turned dark and half of nail is detached from nail bed. Yellow nails. Easy Fixes for the Most Common Nail Problems. Beau’s lines. Beau's lines are horizontal (transverse) depressions in the nail plate that run parallel to the shape of the white, moon-shaped portion of the nail bed (lunula) seen at the nail's origin. The flexor digitorum brevis muscle is located in the foot. It caused by a genetic mutation. They are the intermediate, lateral, and mediate cuneiforms. Avoiding toenail fungus is difficult, especially if you walk through wet areas where people tend to go barefoot, such as locker rooms and swimming pools. They’re made from keratin, which is the same protein that makes up your skin, hair, and fingernails. The nail on one side appears to lift up. Jul 1, 2014 E+/Getty Images. 1. Nail-patella syndrome is a rare condition that affects an estimated one in 50,000 people. 11 Common Nail Problems from Fungus to Hangnails. Your toenails experience daily wear and tear, making toenail problems quite common. You can re-drive the nails many times, but you will usually have the same problem continue to arise. The nail should be white or clear with a pink cuticle underneath. The result is an ugly bump or even a hole in your wall. It can also be an inherited trait in some people. Click any of pictures of nails below to learn more about what skin changes are common in fingernails and toenails. One thing to note is that a common theme to these common nailer problems stems from a lack of lubricating oil. All rights reserved. Diet is generally not responsible for abnormal nail changes, unless the person is suffering from severe malnutrition. About 10 percent of people are affected. The condition can be divided into types based on the extent of the whitening: It is believed white streaks that form on the nail are due to problems with how the nail makes keratin. Common causes of nail problems include injury, infection and skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. This inflammation may occur in the short term (acute) or may be. The flexor digiti minimi brevis (foot) is a muscle that is located on the outer edge of the foot bones. 3. Discoloration of the nail plates is usually the least worrisome of toenail problems. Clubbing can develop gradually over weeks or years, depending on the cause. Viral warts, caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), may cause a change in the shape of the nail or thickened skin growth under the nail (called periungual warts). A common nail problem occurs when the framing behind the drywall will shrink or warp. The common problems and changes we see in our fingernails and toenails are minor, usually preventable or treatable health problems. 9 Nail Problems That Might Be Signaling Something Serious About Your Health. Clubbed nails. The cause Nail problems are caused due to various factors. Leukonychia partialis is a partial whitening of the nail. Injuring a toenail can result in a collection of blood under the nail, called subungual hematoma. People with diabetes are also at high risk for this infection. 1. Leukonychia striata are white streaks on the nail. In infants, these lines are commonly seen after birth. 17. Toenail problems can also be prevented as long as you keep your feet clean and well groomed. Toenail fungus and fingernail fungus can cause inflammation around the nail (paronychia) as well as lifting of the nail plate from the nail bed (onycholysis). Common Nail Problems. Mycosis is a type of infectious disease caused by micropscopic fungi that ... 2. If you have toenail fungus, one or more of your toenails may become: Ingrown toenails are one of the most common and most painful toenail problems. See your doctor if you notice these types of changes. Fungi thrive in dark and damp environments, so people whose feet remain wet for extended periods have an increased risk of toenail fungal infections.