August 22, 2023
Beau's lines are changes in your toenail anatomy and appearance that may indicate an underlying illness. These changes can be difficult to detect unless you inspect your nail health, so it's important to take note if you see them. Systemic illnesses, which affect the entire body rather than a single organ or body part, may be the reason behind your nail changes.
Photo by jannoon028 from FreePik
The Science Behind Nail Changes: Beau's Lines
Beau's nails generally look like deep, horizontal grooves that go from side to side, almost as if you have a band wrapped around your finger that astoundingly makes an indent in the nail. They can affect both adults and children.
They are your body's way of telling you, "Hey! I have too much to focus on right now, so I'm neglecting your normal nail growth pattern."
This means that Beau's nails aren't a problem but a symptom. Similar to your hair and skin, aesthetic changes to toenails and fingernails often serve as a warning your general health is under attack in some way. Research suggests that illnesses interrupt natural nail matrix growth and that the longer you suffer from an illness, the deeper the grooves can become.
Photo by Rawpixel.com from Freepik
Do Beau's Lines Mean Something Is Wrong With My Health?
Not necessarily, but systemic illnesses are often the reason behind these deep nail grooves. If you notice them, you should see your family doctor immediately. If you know you're suffering from an illness and notice Beau's lines, there is a high chance the two are connected. Beau's lines may also linger for a while after you've recovered from your illness or begin treatment.
You may have a serious illness if you have more than one nail with Beau's lines, but if you just have one, it may be from a toenail infection, blunt-force trauma injury, or exposure to cold temperatures. However, Beau's lines in all 20 fingernails and toenails often indicate disease or aggressive treatment for a disease, like chemotherapy.
Some common causes of Beau's lines include:
Heart attacks and poor heart health
Pneumonia
Strep infections
Measles
Mumps
Diabetes
High fevers/infections
Infections in the nail fold
Malnutrition
Skin disease
Thyroid conditions
Hypocalcemia (low calcium)
Raynaud's Disease
Severe emotional stress, traumatic life events, and generalized anxiety disorders can also wreak havoc on nail growth.
Treatment
Getting rid of Beau's lines depends on how successfully you treat the underlying cause, whether it be injury, illness, stress or infection. However, chiropody treatments like Onyfix or medical pedicures can help encourage proper nail growth and keep your nails clean while you treat the root cause.
June 8, 2023
Toenail anatomy is a funny thing, and it can be alarming when our nails don't look quite right. Toenail thickening is an unsightly occurrence that affects your nail health and overall foot health. Factors like aging can cause it, but thick toenails are also directly linked to trauma and certain foot conditions and fungal infections, like fungal toenails.
If you notice bizarre toenail thickness, you should seek treatment and guidance from your foot specialist. But learning the potential causes will also give you some much-needed insight. Today's article will tackle what you need to know about toenail thickening.
Causes of Toenail Thickening
Thick toenails are not usually a sign of something sinister. However, in some cases, they can become painful if you ignore them. They could also potentially be a sign of a chronic illness. Here are some of the most common causes of toenail thickening:
Fungal Nail Infections
The University of Michigan notes that toenail thickening can occur when you contract a contagious infection caused by a group of fungi called Dermatophytes -- the same fungi that cause athlete's foot. Toenails may also appear "crumbly," misshapen, brittle and have a yellow-green tint.
Aging
The National Library of Medicine explains that thickening is a common nail alteration in the elderly. The New York Times attributes this to a drastic decrease in nail growth rates in older people. As a result, nail cells called onychocytes start to pile up. This happens much more often in toenails than in fingernails.
Trauma and Injury
When trauma disrupts and damages the toenail bed and nail matrix, it can lead to abnormal nail growth. Trauma to the toenail can result from various causes, such as stubbing or jamming your toe, dropping a heavy object on it, or repetitive pressure from ill-fitting footwear.
Psoriatic arthritis/Psoriasis
Psoriasis nails are one of the many symptoms people with this condition must deal with. People with this illness are also more vulnerable to fungal infections. Moreover, genetic and immune system factors can affect nail health.
Ingrown Toenails
On their own, ingrown toenails do not cause thickness. However, untreated ingrown nails are vulnerable to infection the more they grow and pierce the skin. This can cause subsequent inflammation and toenail damage that disrupts the nail environment and causes cell build-up.
Managing Toenail Thickening
Treating thick toenails involves matching the cause to the appropriate plan of action.
If you have toenail fungus, you will likely need prescription anti-fungal pills or ointment. You may also be able to use anti-fungal creams or powders. It is very important to see a chiropodist for treatment if you have toenail fungus, as toenail fungus is notoriously stubborn and persistent and rarely an be treated without seeing a foot specialist.
But practicing vigilant foot care to make sure a fungal infection doesn't become a chronic problem is equally important. Always make sure you wear shoes in contagious spaces like public pools and showers, avoid sharing socks, shoes and nail clippers, keep your feet clean and dry, and wear breathable footwear.
If toenail trauma is your issue, you should protect your toenail while your injury heals. Trim it carefully or seek help from a chiropodist if it's too difficult. Be sure to practice foot hygiene at the same time. As your injury heals, the nail should gradually return to normal thickness with time.
If your toenails are thickening due to aging, simply practicing nail care and buffing and smoothing the rough surfaces can help you manage them.
In severe cases where chronic illness and pain is present, you may need injections or a minor surgery to remove your thick toenail.
February 27, 2023
Poor foot health can significantly impact a person's everyday life. It can not only be painful and uncomfortable, but it could also be costly, lead to skin and fungal infections or foot conditions, and be generally unpleasant.
Poor foot health can mean several things, including:
A lack of foot hygiene.
Ignoring aches and pains.
Wearing unsuitable shoes (whether it's the type or sizing).
Skipping regular checkups.
Any individual or combination of habits can contribute to poor foot health. The absence of proper foot health may lead to minor conditions that could manifest into more severe foot conditions.
In this article, get the inside scoop on how poor foot health can contribute to the following issues:
Pain and Discomfort
Foot and Skin Infections
Limitations in Footwear Choices
Added Costs
Reduced Mobility
Affects on Physical appearance/aesthetics
We'll also give you our top tips for how to prevent these issues and keep your feet in tip-top shape.
1. Pain and discomfort
First and foremost, poor foot health can be painful and cause discomfort. Pain is a symptom of poor foot health that cannot be ignored. Walking, running, or physical activity can become arduous and uncomfortable. The source of the pain may be any number of skin or musculoskeletal foot conditions.
Poor foot health can lead to painful skin conditions, including blisters, calluses, ingrown toenails, and cracked heels. Skin conditions are generally quicker to develop and may be more manageable. Additionally, poor foot health can lead to short- and long-term musculoskeletal foot conditions, including bunions, hallux rigidus, osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, gout, and more. Both skin and musculoskeletal foot conditions can be painful and uncomfortable.
Pain and discomfort from poor foot health not only affects the feet. After all, the feet are our body's foundation. If you have poor foot mechanics, you may begin to compensate in other parts of your body. For instance, poor foot mechanics can misalign your pelvis, causing lower back pain.
2. Foot and skin infections
Poor hygiene and neglect to clean and care for your feet can lead to infections such as athlete's foot, which can be painful and spread to other body parts. Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that targets the skin on the feet, especially between the toes. Fungi called dermatophytes, which thrive in warm and moist environments, such as inside shoes or public showers, cause the condition.
Proper foot health to help prevent foot infections includes keeping the feet dry, avoiding being barefoot in public places, and not sharing linens or shoes with others.
3. Limitations in footwear choices
Poor foot health can cause deformities and inconsistencies in your feet. Irregular foot shapes can make it more challenging to wear standard footwear for work, at home, or for exercise.
Foot conditions like corns, calluses, and bunions can cause outgrowths. Outgrowths, whether bony or skin, may change the shape and size of your feet. This limits the types of shoes a person can wear, reducing their options for comfortable and stylish footwear.
4. Added costs
You may find that you're spending more money due to doing less. That's right. Inaction in the form of poor foot health or hygiene can be costly in the long run. You may need new footwear, require physiotherapy, or find you spend more on medication. The best treatment is prevention.
In more severe cases, you may require surgery, forcing you to take time off work and being unable to drive during your recovery period. For bunion surgery, for instance, it's recommended not to drive for 6-8 weeks if you have surgery on your right foot.
5. Reduced mobility
Poor foot health can impact a person's mobility in a restrictive way. The onset of various foot conditions can make standing, walking, running, or engaging in physical activity more difficult. Reduced mobility can also lead to a cycle of inactivity. A lack of physical activity can further exacerbate foot conditions like gout as joints and muscles seize up over time.
6. Affects on Physical Appearance/Aesthetics
Poor foot health can be a sight for sore eyes. Many foot conditions and injuries are visible, which can make you may feel less comfortable barefoot, especially in public. For instance, fungal infections and thick and discoloured toenails may be visually unappealing. You may notice decreased confidence or greater self-consciousness if you experience poor foot health.
How to prevent poor foot health: 10 tips
Now that you know that poor foot care can impact your quality of life, what can you do? Fortunately, preventing poor foot health, or building healthy feet, is simple if you put some work into it. Investing in your feet is the most effective way to prevent poor foot health. Prevention means following positive foot care habits like regular toenail trimming and moisturizing. It can also mean scheduling regular foot assessments or buying the proper footwear.
Here are our top 10 tips to prevent poor foot health:
Wear comfortable and suitable shoes. First and foremost, wear shoes that fit well and are comfortable. Avoid high heels or shoes with pointed toes for extended periods.
Practice good hygiene habits. Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash them regularly with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly after bathing or showering.
Moisturize your feet. Use a good quality foot cream to moisturize your feet and prevent cracking.
Care for your toenails. Keep your toenails trimmed and filed to prevent ingrown toenails.
Stretch your feet. Stretch your feet and toes regularly to improve flexibility and prevent foot problems.
Exercise regularly. Regular exercise can help improve circulation and keep your feet healthy.
Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight can add strain to your feet, so it helps to maintain a healthy weight.
Avoid smoking. Smoking can reduce circulation to your feet, making it harder for them to heal if injured.
Wear appropriate socks. Wear socks that fit well and wick away moisture to prevent fungal infections and blisters.
Schedule regular checkups. See a chiropodist regularly to check your feet for any problems and get professional advice on foot care.
January 9, 2023
There can be a range of discolouration in your toes. The most common is a pinkish/red hue - a sign of red toes.
Red toes may result from cold temperatures, toe injury, infection, or potential medical conditions. Red toe onset may be immediate, or red toe onset may be progressive. The redness often resolves itself, but it may sometimes present symptoms of underlying medical conditions.
Learn more about red toes and potential risks in our article below!
Why are my toes red and itchy?
Several causes result in redness in your toes. Red toes result from inflammation, injury, temperature, skin irritation, and infection. Varying degrees of redness may indicate the severity of damage to the toes. In some cases, redness may subside independently, while others may require medical attention.
What medical conditions cause red toes?
There are a variety of medical conditions that induce red toes. Red toe causes range from skin conditions to musculoskeletal damage to infection. Below, we've categorized medical conditions that cause red toes by severity. Note that all medical conditions can have varying degrees of severity, so use this list as a reference, not a diagnosis.
Lower severity
Low-severity medical conditions that cause red toes are short-term causes and often subside independently. Proper attention and care are required to prevent additional damage. However, low-severity medical conditions that cause red toes are more surface-level and less cause for concern.
Blisters
A blister is a small fluid-filled bubble that forms just under the outer layer of the skin. The fluid (usually a serum, rarely blood) is a natural cushion to protect the tissue underneath from friction and irritation. Fortunately, blisters often heal on their own once the source of friction is eliminated. As tempting as it may be, avoid popping the blister and allow it to heal naturally.
Frostnip
Frostnip is a mild, non-severe cold injury to the skin and tissue. As such, frostnip doesn't cause permanent damage. You can treat frostnip with basic first aid. Above all else, you should try to escape the cold as quickly as possible. Possible complications include infection and temporary nerve damage, which are rare if caught at the frostnip stage.
Stubbed toe
A stubbed toe occurs any time you jam your toe against another object. A stubbed toe is a trauma injury. The injury results from a one-time accident. Depending on the severity, damage to the toe may cause swelling and inflammation, muscle injury, and even bone fractures.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash triggered by an allergic reaction. The skin's response to an irritant causes inflammation, followed by a rash. Contact dermatitis isn't contagious nor life-threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable. Soaps, plants, detergents, or jewelry have the potential to cause an allergic reaction.
One can treat and prevent contact dermatitis by identifying and removing environmental allergens. A doctor can also prescribe topical medications to help treat flare-ups.
Athlete's foot
Fungal skin infections are a common culprit of red toes. Athlete's foot is one such common fungal skin. Athlete's foot is a prevalent cause of the redness. The toe fungus is not life-threatening, but it is contagious and may spread elsewhere on your body or even to other people. It can also cause foot pain and difficulty walking if left untreated.
Nail infection
Paronychia is an infection of your nail folds typically caused by bacteria or a fungus and can cause toe pain and swelling, which causes redness and the appearance of red toes.
Ingrown toenail
An ingrown toenail is a nail condition that targets the toes, mainly the big toe. As the name applies, it occurs when the sides or edges of the toenail grow into the skin. As the nail pierces the skin, it can cause bleeding, redness and pain. If left untreated, the ingrown toenail can get infected.
Moderate severity
Moderate-severity causes of red toes are more severe and may be longer-lasting. Symptoms and recovery time may vary, and pain and discomfort may be more intense and significant. You may require medical assistance to determine the diagnosis and treatment method(s).
Gout
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by heightened uric acid in the blood. Elevated uric acid levels lead to the formation of crystal deposits in the joint. The joint then becomes red, hot, swollen, and painful. The initial attack of this condition is usually sudden, with symptoms lasting for about a week. The most common joint it affects is the joint that connects your big toe to the rest of the foot. If left untreated, gout attacks may reoccur, increase in severity and lead to enduring joint damage.
Frostbite (superficial)
Superficial frostbite is a stage more severe than frostnip. Cold temperatures damage the skin and the underlying tissues in your toes. Blisters form 24-36 hours after rewarming, and you may experience pain and discomfort for several days.
Higher severity
More serious medical conditions that cause red toes may be chronic or permanent. These conditions can be irreversible and limit the motor function of your toes. Surgery may be a last-resort treatment option in severe cases.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis ("RA") is an auto-immune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation. RA causes periodic flare-ups of joint pain, stiffness and swelling, eventually making movement difficult. Although there is no cure, you can manage the condition with proactive and diligent treatment focusing on your overall health and well-being.
Diabetes
Diabetes can cause a chain reaction in your body that hinders circulation to the feet and toes. People with diabetes may experience two conditions that cause red toes: peripheral vascular disease and nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy). Nerve damage and reduced circulation can cause an itchy or numbing pain in the toes. Diabetes can also hinder the body's ability to fight less severe conditions due to reduced immune response and blood circulation.
Frostbite (deep)
Deep frostbite is the most severe form of cold damage to the skin. Your skin or tissue may turn red and black and die altogether. You may sometimes lose muscle function and require surgery to remove part of the toe.
Bunions
A bunion is a foot condition of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Bunions occur when the big toe misaligns. The shift in bone structure causes what appears to be a bony outgrowth. The outgrowth is simply the angling of your toes. The damage to the joint causes pain and redness, and the increased volume of your toes can make wearing shoes uncomfortable. Without proper footwear or orthotics, you can further aggravate your bunions.
Bunions are irreversible and have no "cure" other than surgery. However, physical therapy and accommodations, like orthotics and proper footwear, improve quality of life.
How can I prevent my toes from turning red?
Treatment and prevention for red toes depend on the severity of the underlying medical condition. Generally, low-severity medical or skin conditions are treated simply through rest and recovery. For low-severity conditions, the goal should be to focus on "How do I prevent this from getting worse?"; whereas for high-severity needs, much of the damage has been done and is irreversible. For more severe red toe conditions, the focus is more geared towards improving quality of life and implementing tools to improve mobility, like custom foot orthotics or orthopedic footwear.
We've created a treatment guideline below:
Low severity. Low-grade medical or skin red toe conditions are treatable, often at home. Treatment methods include topical creams or prescription medication, rest, recovery, taping, or changing footwear. Further prevention should focus on recognizing signs and symptoms of red toes early and following proper foot hygiene.
Moderate severity. Moderate severity medical or skin red toe conditions are a mix of prevention and treatment. A proper diagnosis is often required, followed by a treatment plan. Rest and recovery may be part of the treatment plan, but the recovery may be longer (weeks, not days). Like low-severity causes, prevention should focus on recognizing signs and symptoms of red toes early and following proper foot hygiene.
Higher severity. Severe medical or skin red toe conditions are often irreversible and have no cure. Treatment methods focus on improving motor function, mobility, and well-being through orthopedic tools and physical therapy.
October 24, 2022
Everybody knows about skin care for your face. It's what you present to the world, so you want glowing, soft, healthy skin. But what about skin care for your feet? Shouldn't you treat your feet (what holds you up) with the same respect? After all, skin care isn't just about aesthetics.
So what's in it for you? The thought of fighting everyday foot annoyances and painful foot conditions will hopefully get you eager to include your feet in your self-care routine.
Not sure where to start? We've compiled a list of the top foot skin care tips ---- all you have to do is make sure you follow them.
Foot Skin Care Tips 2022
Exfoliate and Soak Your Feet
Avoid Sun Damage
Clean and Inspect Your Feet
Moisturize and Use Foot Cream
Get a Medical Pedicure
Exfoliate and Soak Your Feet
Get rid of dead skin cells and leave your feet feeling silky smooth by exfoliating daily. Exfoliation leaves a pleasant supple feeling as you scrape off hardened skin.
You can use a homemade foot scrub or one of Gehwol's amazing foot soak products during an exfoliation session. Some options include their Fusskraft Herbal Foot bath, Refreshing Foot Bath, or the Bath Salt.
Foot soaks can get into the skin's deepest crevices, loosening and eliminating dead skin cells. As a bonus, foot soaks also help boost blood flow in your lower legs and feet, which helps soothe foot pain.
Avoid Sun Damage
Going somewhere tropical this winter? Or perhaps the hot sun is still lingering well into the fall, as it often does in Toronto.
Don't make the mistake of thinking your feet are less exposed to the sun than your arms and back. You should use sunscreen on your feet, generously applying it to both sides.
Sun damage to the feet can seriously affect your skin health, putting you at risk of developing cancer. It can also lead to premature aging of otherwise healthy skin, causing wrinkles and dark spots.
Clean and Inspect Your Feet
Sometimes, self-care is just about being attentive. Suppose you aren't checking for cuts, scrapes, blisters, calluses, warts, corns, and other skin health concerns. In that case, you're ignoring potential openings into the bloodstream and making your feet more vulnerable to infection.
Some of these deceptively minor nuisances can also become more painful, making it difficult to get around and making wearing shoes downright unbearable.
This is especially important for people with diabetes, who need to take extra care of their feet for a myriad of reasons.
Moisturize and Use Foot Cream
Moisturizing is one of the best skin care tips, and you'll never run out of reasons to moisturize your feet daily.
First, dry skin can be much more painful than you may realize. It's also extra persistent when the weather cools down and the heat blasts in public areas. Those hot baths you're so fond of can also quickly dry your feet out. Before you know it, you're at risk of painful cracked heels that can even bleed if you ignore them.
If that's not enough for you to start lathering up the moisturizer, it's also proven to help combat embarrassing foot odour. Moisturizing also restores the skin's natural elasticity. And, of course, the feeling of soft, gentle skin is too pleasant to ignore.
For intensive care, locking in moisture, and protecting the skin's natural barriers, try Gehwol's Fusskraft Hydrolipid Lotion. For an added cooling effect and extra callus softening properties, Gehwol Fusskraft Herbal Lotion is a great choice. Lastly, Gehwol's Lipidro Cream is a prime choice for those with dry, sensitive skin looking to prevent common foot conditions.
Not sure when to moisturize? It's generally best to do it after your exfoliating routine, as the latter will rid your feet of dead skin cells and leave a clean base.
Get a Medical Pedicure
A medical pedicure, you say? What do nails have to do with foot skin care?
We're glad you asked because the pros of a medical pedicure certainly include skin health.
Chiropodists don't just trim and shape your nails during this process. They also inspect your feet, which you should be doing, but they offer bonus expertise and insight. They may even be able to detect and help treat a mysterious skin concern you weren't aware of before.
Medical pedicures also include a thorough moisturizing session with high-quality medical strength products.
September 12, 2022
We've all heard the term cold feet to describe last-minute nerves. But cold and sweaty feet are a whole other ballgame.
Cold and sweaty feet can signal a common problem you can work on. Alternatively, they may indicate a more troubling medical condition that needs your attention. The most important thing to do is visit your family doctor or foot specialist when the problem becomes recurring.
Let's take a look at some causes of cold and sweaty feet, and what you can do about them.
Causes of Cold and Sweaty Feet
Hyperhidrosis
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Menopause
Overactive thyroid
Raynaud's disease
Hyperhidrosis
This is essentially a term for excessive sweating, which can simultaneously cause cold feet. Many people clue into this condition if they experience sweaty feet without exercising or being in the heat.
Primary focal (essential) hyperhidrosis is the most common form and isn't a sign of an underlying medical condition. It occurs when the nerves in your body send too many signals to sweat glands. While embarrassing at times, it is certainly manageable. Secondary hyperhidrosis, on the other hand, is always associated with another medical condition.
Treatment
Foot deodorants, creams and sprays.
Antidepressants can lower triggers like stress and anxiety, which cause you to sweat more.
Nerve-blocking medications.
Daily foot hygiene practices: keeping feet clean and dry, regularly changing socks, etc.
Airing out your feet.
Breathable footwear.
Moisture-wicking socks.
Regular foot assessments to check for conditions that thrive in moist environments, like athlete's foot.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
PAD is a serious condition that affects the body's lower extremities. Due to fatty plaque buildup, the blood vessels that transport between the heart and the legs become totally blocked or severely narrowed. Risk factors may include diabetes, being over 60 years of age and having high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Treatment
Medications called statins, which lower cholesterol.
Blood pressure medications.
Medications that increase blood flow in the legs.
Living a heart-healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Menopause
One of the most common culprits of cold and sweaty feet in older women is menopause. Due to hormonal imbalances, blood vessels expand and increase the level of blood flow in the body during this point in a woman's life, triggering night sweats. But hormonal changes can also slow blood circulation, quickly affecting the feet. Cold, sweaty feet can also contribute to insomnia in menopausal women.
Treatment
Estrogen therapy
Antidepressants
Eating a healthy diet low in sugar and salt.
Low-intensity exercise.
Monitoring stress levels.
Getting enough vitamin D.
Regular foot assessments to check for other symptoms, like foot swelling.
Overactive Thyroid
A thyroid disorder can cause plantar hyperhidrosis (excessive foot sweat) while also deregulating body temperature. An overactive thyroid also messes with our blood circulation, giving the feet and skin only a quarter of the blood supply they usually need. You should inquire with your family doctor about a thyroid condition if your feet are always cold and you've ruled out other causes.
Treatment
Medications called thionamides.
Surgical intervention.
The thyroid gland, courtesy of the National Cancer Institute
Raynaud's Disease
Raynaud's disease causes both cold hands and feet, as well as numb toes. Furthermore, Raynaud's can occur in its primary form or as an accompaniment to another disease, like lupus or Rheumatoid arthritis. Like many other cold feet causes, it decreases blood flow in certain body parts. This is due to blood vessels spasming in the affected areas.
Treatment
Calcium channel blockers can open the small blood vessels in the feet.
Wearing socks indoors.
Vasodilators, which relax blood vessels.
Severe cases may require surgery.
Additional Causes of Cold and Sweaty Feet
Anxiety disorders: Known to cause hyperhidrosis, severe stress and panic disorders can make you feel clammy and uncomfortable.
Exercise: An obvious cause of sweaty feet is regular physical activity. It's essential to keep on top of routine foot care if fitness is causing your sweaty feet.
Wearing small shoes: Sometimes sweat can't evaporate if our shoes don't fit properly.
Neuropathy: Nerve damage, common in diabetes patients, is known to cause excessive sweating and can disrupt regular body temperature
