Common Nail Conditions we treat at our clinic!

 

Toenails might seem small, but they can cause big problems when things go wrong.

At Toe-tal Podiatry, we treat a wide range of nail conditions with expert care—from painful ingrown nails to fungal infections and trauma-related changes.

 Below is a breakdown of the most common nail concerns, what causes them, and how we manage them.

 

1. Ingrown Toenails (Onychocryptosis)

What is it?

A painful condition where the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Initially presents with minor discomfort and may continue to prgress and result in an infection and/or become a reoccuring problem.

 Common Causes:

• Poor nail-cutting technique (e.g., cutting too short or rounding edges)

• Tight shoes or trauma

• Inherited nail shape (e.g., curved or fan-shaped nails)

• Poor biomechanics

• Repetitive trauma (kicking)

 Treatment Options:

• Conservative trimming and management by Podiatrist

• Nail packing to lift the edge

• Footwear advice

• Permanent correction via Partial Nail Avulsion with Phenolisation (Ingrown Toenail Surgery). This will remove the problem edge for good!

• Salt water baths

 Prevention:

• Cut nails straight across, not curved

• Avoid tight or narrow footwear

• Don’t self-treat repeatedly infected nails—book in early with your Podiatrist

 

2. Fungal Nail Infections (Onychomycosis)

What is it?

A slow-growing infection of the nail caused by dermatophyte fungi, leading to yellowing, thickening, crumbling, or discolouration. The human nail provides a great environment for dermatophytes to flourish. It becomes a constant source of re-infection and athlete’s foot (tinea pedis).

 Common Causes:

• Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) spreading to the nails

• Warm, moist environments (sweaty feet, closed shoes)

• Shared showers, gyms, or nail salons

• Previous trauma to the nail

• Poor hygiene

 Treatment Options:

• Topical antifungal treatments (e.g; Loceryl, Daktarin, Canastan)

• Oral antifungal medication (via GP; longer course)

• Nail debridement by a podiatrist to reduce thickness

• Prevention education to avoid reinfection

 Prevention:

• Keep feet dry and clean

• Alternate shoes daily (and clean the upper of the toebox if been wearing without socks

• Avoid going barefoot in public showers

• Treat athlete’s foot promptly

• Improve personal hygiene

 

3. Thickened Toenails (Onychauxis)

What is it?

Nails become abnormally thick, sometimes due to trauma, age, or underlying skin conditions.

 Common Causes:

• Repetitive trauma (e.g., tight shoes, sports)

• Long-term fungal infection

• Psoriasis or eczema

• Poor circulation or ageing

 Treatment Options:

• Regular debridement (painless reduction of nail thickness)

• Footwear modifications

• Pressure offloading (orthoses or pads)

• Addressing underlying condition if applicable

 

4. Nail Trauma & Nail Damage

What is it?

Injury to the nail can cause bruising, loosening, thickening, or even nail loss.

 Common Causes:

• Dropping objects on the toe

• Repetitive microtrauma (e.g., runners hitting inside of shoe)

• Ill-fitting shoes

 Treatment Options:

• Monitoring nail regrowth

• Protection and offloading

• Removing loose nail if causing pain

• Long-term nail management for damaged matrix

 

5. Nail Psoriasis

What is it?

Psoriasis can affect nails as well as skin, leading to pitting, discolouration, ridges, and thickening.

 Treatment Options:

• Podiatry care for cosmetic and pressure relief

• Collaboration with dermatologist or GP for topical or systemic treatments

 

6. Involuted or Curved Nails

What is it?

Nail edges curve inwards, increasing risk of pressure or becoming ingrown.

 Common Causes:

• Genetics

• Long-term trauma

• Improper footwear

 Treatment Options:

• Nail reshaping and conservative trimming

• Protective dressings

• Surgical correction in recurrent cases

 

7. Nail Discolouration (Black, Yellow, or White Nails)

What is it?

Nails can change colour due to trauma, fungal infection, or systemic issues.

 Possible Causes:

• Black nails: Bruising, trauma, or melanoma (rare—urgent referral if suspected)

• Yellow nails: Fungal infection or systemic conditions

• White nails: Minor trauma, nutritional changes, or superficial fungal infection

 Treatment Options:

• Diagnosis via nail culture or biopsy (if needed)

• Debridement and topical/oral antifungals

• Referral to GP/dermatologist for suspicious changes

   

8. Detached or Lifting Nails (Onycholysis)

What is it?

The nail separates from the nail bed, often due to trauma, fungal infection, or systemic illness.

 Common Causes:

• Shoe trauma

• Nail polish or chemical exposure

• Fungal infection

• Thyroid issues or psoriasis

 Treatment Options:

• Keeping the area clean and dry

• Avoiding further trauma

• Antifungal treatments if infection is present

• Trimming and smoothing lifted areas

• Monitoring for regrowth

 

Ongoing Nail Care Tips

• Trim nails straight across—not rounded at the edges

• Wear roomy, well-fitting shoes with a deep toe box

• Dry feet thoroughly after showers, especially between toes

• Rotate shoes daily to allow drying

• Avoid shared foot spas or nail salons unless hygienic practices are guaranteed

• Attend regular podiatry maintenance appointments if prone to recurring issues

 

At Toe-tal Podiatry, we’re equipped to handle nail issues big and small—from cosmetic concerns to chronic pain or infection.

 If your toenails are bothering you, don’t wait—early treatment prevents complications.

 

Where feet come first—nails included!