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:
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Poor nail-cutting technique (e.g., cutting too short or rounding edges)
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Tight shoes or trauma
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Inherited nail shape (e.g., curved or fan-shaped nails)
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Poor biomechanics
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Repetitive trauma (kicking)
Treatment Options:
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Conservative trimming and management by Podiatrist
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Nail packing to lift the edge
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Footwear advice
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Permanent correction via Partial Nail Avulsion with Phenolisation (Ingrown Toenail Surgery). This will remove the problem edge for good!
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Salt water baths
Prevention:
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Cut nails straight across, not curved
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Avoid tight or narrow footwear
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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:
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Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) spreading to the nails
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Warm, moist environments (sweaty feet, closed shoes)
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Shared showers, gyms, or nail salons
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Previous trauma to the nail
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Poor hygiene
Treatment Options:
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Topical antifungal treatments (e.g; Loceryl, Daktarin, Canastan)
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Oral antifungal medication (via GP; longer course)
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Nail debridement by a podiatrist to reduce thickness
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Prevention education to avoid reinfection
Prevention:
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Keep feet dry and clean
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Alternate shoes daily (and clean the upper of the toebox if been wearing without socks
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Avoid going barefoot in public showers
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Treat athlete’s foot promptly
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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:
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Repetitive trauma (e.g., tight shoes, sports)
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Long-term fungal infection
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Psoriasis or eczema
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Poor circulation or ageing
Treatment Options:
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Regular debridement (painless reduction of nail thickness)
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Footwear modifications
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Pressure offloading (orthoses or pads)
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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:
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Dropping objects on the toe
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Repetitive microtrauma (e.g., runners hitting inside of shoe)
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Ill-fitting shoes
Treatment Options:
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Monitoring nail regrowth
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Protection and offloading
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Removing loose nail if causing pain
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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:
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Podiatry care for cosmetic and pressure relief
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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:
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Genetics
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Long-term trauma
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Improper footwear
Treatment Options:
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Nail reshaping and conservative trimming
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Protective dressings
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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:
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Black nails: Bruising, trauma, or melanoma (rare—urgent referral if suspected)
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Yellow nails: Fungal infection or systemic conditions
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White nails: Minor trauma, nutritional changes, or superficial fungal infection
Treatment Options:
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Diagnosis via nail culture or biopsy (if needed)
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Debridement and topical/oral antifungals
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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:
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Shoe trauma
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Nail polish or chemical exposure
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Fungal infection
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Thyroid issues or psoriasis
Treatment Options:
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Keeping the area clean and dry
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Avoiding further trauma
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Antifungal treatments if infection is present
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Trimming and smoothing lifted areas
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Monitoring for regrowth
Ongoing Nail Care Tips
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Trim nails straight across—not rounded at the edges
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Wear roomy, well-fitting shoes with a deep toe box
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Dry feet thoroughly after showers, especially between toes
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Rotate shoes daily to allow drying
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Avoid shared foot spas or nail salons unless hygienic practices are guaranteed
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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!
Contact Us.
Please contact the appropriate location for bookings.
Salisbury Medical Centre
PH: 3277 1621 - Fax: 3277 2887
ACE Sports Medicine – Hibiscus Sports Complex
PH: 3349 5733 - Fax: 3349 5122
Acacia Ridge Day And Night Chemmart Pharmacy
PH: 3277 4220 - Fax: 3255 5644
Brisbane Medical Specialists – Tarragindi
PH: 3184 0400 - Fax: 3892 7094
Morningside General Practice Clinics – Morningside Plaza
PH: 3399 4685 - Fax: 3395 7377
Any other enquiries please email info@toetalpodiatry.com.au or call 0422 389 652