January 23, 2023
Have you ever noticed horizontal lines or grooves lengthwise across your nails? The nail abnormality is called Beau's lines. You may develop Beau's lines after trauma to the nail, or it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
Today's blog article explores Beau's lines, potential causes, and treatment methods. Keep read to learn more about Beau's lines and how to keep your nails healthy and strong.
What are Beau's lines?
Beau's lines are a type of nail abnormality. They are indentations, grooves, or lines that run horizontally across the nails. The condition can affect any number of fingernails or toenails. Amongst your toenails, the big toe is the most common culprit. Curious as to why they're referred to as Beau's lines? French physician Joseph Honoré Simon Beau first discovered the condition, hence the name.
What causes Beau's lines on nails?
A temporary disruption in the growth of the nail matrix causes Beau's lines. They are symptoms of an underlying illness, medical, or skin condition. They appear when average nail growth is interrupted, and the blemishes appear due to irregular keratin (skin cells) development. Once you can identify and treat the underlying cause, normal nail growth may resume.
Identifying Beau's lines can be delayed because of the nail growth rate. Toenails grow at ~1.60 mm per month, so nail growth delays Beau's lines' arrival. The lines appear roughly 2-3 weeks after damage or cause sets in.
The number and distinctiveness of Beau's lines can provide insights and clues into possible causes. For instance:
One Beau's line on a single toenail may indicate a less severe injury.
Beau's lines on multiple nails may indicate higher stress levels or a more severe injury/illness.
Several rows of Beau's lines on each toenail with a gap in between may indicate multiple traumas over time, but not at once.
Fewer but thicker Beau's lines may signify a chronic injury or illness.
Beau's lines may occur for several reasons. Possible causes include:
Illness or severe stress. Being ill or stressed can divert your body's resources and nutrients away from nail growth. Blood flow interference due to an illness or infection is the culprit. Certain illnesses or infections can cause Beau's lines, including:
Viral infections
Heart attack
High fever
Measles
Mumps
Pneumonia
Strep infections
Raynaud's disease
COVID-19. A study published in the National Library of Medicine noted that COVID-19 might cause Beau's lines. The coronavirus is by no means the sole cause of Beau's lines but can be a trigger. As such, Beau's lines are sometimes known as "COVID nails."
Nail trauma. Acute or chronic trauma to your toenails can interrupt nail growth and cause Beau's lines. For example, you may stub your toe, drop an item on your foot, or wear ill-fitting shoes that add undue pressure to your toes and toenails. Damage to the nail matrix—the part of the nail where growth starts—is notably correlated with Beau's lines as growth is interrupted at the root.
Skin conditions. Skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis, can damage your nail matrix.
Vitamin or nutrient deficiencies. Particular vitamin and nutrient deficiencies can interrupt nail growth. For instance, biotin deficiency is known to cause brittle nails and affect nail growth. Zinc deficiency is also linked to the nail condition.
Chemotherapy side effects. Approximately 23% of anti-cancer therapy patients report nail changes. Changes to the nail may include Beau's lines.
Paronychia. Inflammation of the skin around the nails (known as paronychia) can cause Beau's lines.
How do I treat Beau's lines?
Moisturizing dry, itchy skin, both the byproducts of skin conditions, can help reduce the damage to the nail fold.
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for Beau's lines, nor is there a specific treatment for the condition per se. The key is to address the underlying cause - whether it be a medical condition or acute trauma - rather than the symptom (i.e.: what you see on your nails).
Below are several possible treatment methods you can try, depending on the underlying condition:
Allow the nail to grow out. Nail growth is approximately 1 mm every 6-10 days. Letting the nail grow and slowly trimming the tips reduce the appearance of lines on the toenail. The entire toenail should grow out within 6-8 months.
Apply creams or moisturizers for eczema or psoriasis. Moisturizing dry, itchy skin, both the byproducts of skin conditions, can help reduce the damage to the nail fold.
Avoid salon manicures, artificial nails or harsh nail products. Avoiding harsh chemicals and products can help reduce the trauma of the nail matrix.
Mask the ridges with nail polish. Nail polish is a cosmetic treatment to hide the grooves from Beau's lines. However, some nail polishes can weaken the nail, so be cautious about your product.
Get a medical pedicure from a licensed chiropodist to encourage proper nail growth, perform a thorough examination, and eliminate onychophosis (the buildup of skin cells in the nail folds, nail plate and cuticles).
Take biotin supplements. Some studies suggest that taking biotin can increase nail plate thickness by 25%. Generally, adults 19+ should be consuming 30-35 mg of biotin per day.
Biotin and Zinc supplements are believed to help nail growth.
If you find Beau's lines persisting, or worsening, it's recommended to contact a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
January 16, 2023
Fact: Your toenails can give you clues about your overall health. That's right, the state of your nails, including toenails, can indicate an underlying health condition. Conversely, healthy nails can be a sign of a healthy lifestyle.
The state of our toenails can differ in a lot of ways. Toenails can splinter, thicken, thin, peel, dry out, break, and pit. Toenail pitting is the focus of this article.
Below, you'll learn about toenail anatomy, the basics of pitting, signs, treatment methods, and preventative measures to keep your nails in good shape.
Toenail anatomy
Before we delve into the details of toenails and pitting, we must understand their anatomy and the part it plays for our feet.
Toenails are the plate-like covers on our toes. Alpha-keratin, a type of protein, comprises toenails. Alpha-keratin is the same protein building block for hair and the outermost layer of our skin (the epidermis). Generally, the toenail is about 0.5 mm thick and slightly curved.
The toenail consists of several distinct components. The toenail includes the nail plate, the cuticle, and the nail folds surrounding the nail's perimeter. The part referred to as the toenail colloquially is the "nail plate."
What's toenail pitting?
Pitting, by definition, is an indentation. Toenail pitting follows the same logic. Pitting of the nail occurs when tiny dents or "pits" form in the nail plate. Toenail pitting is a type of nail abnormality.
Toenail indents can be shallow and only recognizable by touch. Deep toenail pits may be visible due to their concave nature. Within the grooves, some parts of the pitting may be deeper than others, just as there are deeper and shallow parts of a pit.
Nail pitting is generally more common for fingernails, but toenails are also affected.
What causes toenail pitting?
There are several causes for toenail pitting. Toenail pitting reasons range from external trauma to an underlying medical condition. Learn about the various causes of toenail pitting below.
Nail psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause toenail pitting. Those with nail psoriasis produce too many skin cells, causing nail irregularities. According to Healthline.com, approximately 80% of those with psoriatic arthritis experience nail irregularities or changes.
You may be able to recognize nail psoriasis because of two related symptoms: discolouration and nail bed separation. There are a few groups more likely to develop nail psoriasis. At-risk factors include:
People who are over 40 (though psoriasis may occur at any age)
Males
Genetics
Psoriatic arthritis
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, psoriasis can cause toenail pits "remarkably even in size and depth. Their distribution may be haphazard or sometimes arranged in parallel transverse or short longitudinal lines."
Though psoriasis is not curable, you can mask the effects of toenail pitting. You can buff or apply nail polish to hide the indents and improve the aesthetic.
Nail eczema
Eczema is a condition that causes itchy and red skin. The disease can cause nail thickening or pitting when eczema targets the feet.
Habit-tic deformity
Habit-tic deformity on the fingernail.
The habit-tic deformity is a nail condition similar to toenail pitting with several differences. When you constantly pick at your nails, external trauma can create pits in your nail. The habit-tic deformity is most common on the fingernails, specifically the thumbs, but it can also happen on your toenails. For instance, if you sit cross-legged or have your feet at arm's reach, you may develop a habit of picking at your toenails.
The defining features of habit-tic deformity are horizontal ridges across the nail and a slight depression in the middle of the nail plate. The habit-tic deformity is not severe and typically heals if left alone. The condition is known as "washboard nails" because of the horizontal nail ridges.
Reiter's syndrome/reactive arthritis
Those with reactive arthritis may experience toenail pitting. An infection or bacterial infection elsewhere in the body can cause reactive arthritis, also known as Reiter's syndrome. People with a specific type of gene are more likely to develop the condition, as it's believed to be genetic.
How do you fix nail pitting?
Toenail pitting fixes vary. In some cases, like psoriasis, there is no cure. Cosmetic procedures are an option to mask the effects. Removing external trauma can help reverse toenail pitting in cases like a habit-tic deformity.
Additional treatment options include medication applied to the nail itself. Options include steroids, salicylic acid, calcipotriol, cyanoacrylate adhesive (for the habit-tic deformity) and tazarotene.
Is nail pitting serious?
In most cases, nail pitting as a symptom isn't severe. Nail pitting is more often a cosmetic issue than a medical issue. However, the underlying conditions that cause toenail pitting can vary in severity.
November 17, 2022
A self-performed nail trim may seem like a simple task. However, many people make plenty of mistakes when trimming their nails.
Failing to follow the correct technique can lead to a wide array of painful toenail problems, like ingrown toenails (P.S. you should never try to cut your own ingrown toenails), cracked toenails, and even infections like toenail fungus.
In the world of podiatry and chiropody, a trim nail is serious business. There are guidelines to follow to protect your toenail health, and foot specialists also recommend specific tools of the trade. The good news is you can learn to trim your toenails properly from home.
Let's look at common toenail trimming errors (and useful tips) and then learn how to cut your toenails like a pro!
Toenail Trimming: Common Errors and Helpful Tips
Don't trim your toenails when they are wet. Everyday Health notes you should trim them while dry for a smoother cut.
Don't clip your toenails too short. This almost guarantees ingrown toenails, as the skin can overlap the toenail.
Use the right toenail clippers and avoid using unusual objects for toenail trimming, like standard scissors.
Curving the edges of your toenails may look aesthetically pleasing, but experts suggest not doing this. It will put you at risk of ingrown toenails, so trim your toenails straight across instead.
Clip your toenails every six to eight weeks. Don't wait longer, or it will be more difficult. Athletes may want to clip more frequently.
Maintain a toenail length of 1 to 2 mm, no shorter. Toenail growth can be quite slow sometimes.
If you don't have the right tools, enough time, or simply the confidence to focus on a nail trim, try a medical pedicure instead. It includes the right nail trimming procedure and concludes with a relaxing (and beneficial) moisturizing session, thorough cleaning, and more. Before the nail trim, a chiropodist also examines your feet for other foot conditions.
Try OnyFix if you're already burdened with ingrown toenails. This non-invasive, pain-free procedure ensures your toenails grow in the right direction.
How a Foot Specialist Cuts Toenails
Start with a clean, dry base. A clean base keeps your tools from slipping and eliminates debris so you can see the toenails clearly. Cut your toenails after a shower or bath and ensure they're dry, using a towel to soak up any excess water.
Use sharp nail clippers or nickel-plated pedicure scissors. Remember, toenails are thick, so flimsy tools will just cause mistakes.
Clip nails straight across. There should be no curving of the edges or cutting the nails down too far. A straight cut keeps the nail growing in the right direction.
Trim once more if needed. If the first trim doesn't look quite right, trim straight across one more time. Cut along the straight line of the initial cut to clean up the edges.
Use a nail file. This tool is necessary for properly smoothing the edges of the nails. After the trimming, there will likely be some jagged edges, sharp corners, and "spikes."
October 20, 2022
Toenails aren't always something we pay attention to. They're hidden in our shoes all day long, and when we relax, we can often forget about our feet. But when we notice curled toenails or pincer nails, it's a whole new ball game.
When our toenails curl upward or downward, it can cause a lot of insecurity and self-consciousness. It can be a perplexing condition that occurs alongside other worrisome traits, and they just aren't what healthy toenails should look like.
The slight glimmer of good news is that curled nails don't just occur for no reason. You, your foot care specialist and your family doctor will be able to determine the cause by zeroing in on the additional symptoms. From that point, you can follow a treatment plan to address your curled toenails and your condition.
Here are some common reasons for curled toenails:
Fungal infections
Autoimmune disease
Medications
Diabetic toenail
Genetics
The Connection Between Curled Toenails and Ingrown Toenails
Curled toenails are almost always ingrown, and both conditions arise from the same causes. The growth pattern of an ingrown toenail causes it to curve over time, often curling inward along the sides of the toe (usually the big toe). Eventually, the curled toenail pierces the skin and starts to grow into the skin, causing tenderness, redness, and swelling.
Fungal Infections
Curved toenails can result from fungal infections. Onychomycosis is usually associated with a curling shape in the nails. Other symptoms include dry toenails, a greenish-yellow tint in the nails, thickening and total separation from the nail bed.
Fungal infections resulting in curled toenails usually arise in older people suffering from peripheral vascular disease and diabetes. Having a chronic immunological illness can also be a risk factor.
It's difficult to treat toenail fungus at home, so you should help from a specialist. Patients may take oral prescription anti-fungal pills for 12 weeks. A total nail avulsion performed by a foot specialist may be required in severe cases.
Autoimmune Disease
As we've mentioned, autoimmune conditions can degrade once healthy toenails in addition to curling them.
One example is nail psoriasis, which can completely alter your toenails' structure, colour and texture. Your nails can turn yellow or brown, and tiny red spots may even form. The toenail may also hurt, and grooves and ridges appear. The pain stems from debris formation that alters the direction the nail grows in.
Medications like corticosteroids (injections or potent oral medicines) and tazarotene (for tackling the nail shape) can be particularly useful in treating nail psoriasis.
Medications
The culprit behind your strangely shaped toenails could be drug-induced nail disease. This phenomenon usually causes pain and discomfort in addition to a drastic change in the nail's shape and colour, and nails become more brittle.
Countless drugs can cause curled toenails. Chemotherapy drugs, lithium and antibiotics are just a handful of examples.
Diabetic Toenails
A curved toenail may result from diabetes-related onychogryphosis, or "ram horn," when nails take on a severely curled and thickened appearance. There are also several other variations of diabetic curled toenails.
People with diabetes frequently neglect to cut their toenails because of the shame associated with the complications of their disease, but diabetic nail care should be a top concern.
Diabetic toenails can ultimately lead to irreversible damage like foot ulcerations, skin breakdown and severe infections (even gangrene).
Genetics
Families can pass down certain characteristics that contribute to curled toenails. Factors such as the shape of the nail, the amount of skin surrounding the nail, and even the shape of your toes can be hereditary, making you genetically prone to toenail growth issues. So if you're struggling to understand why you have this recurring problem, it may be a good idea to compare symptoms with your close family.
Remember, you can combat toenail conditions by taking the proper precautions, even when genetics are at play. Be sure to wear properly fitted footwear, take care of your nails, and prevent damage at all costs.
How to Fix Curved Toenails
It's not about fixing the curled toenails; it's about management. Frequently, curled toenails occur alongside another condition, so you may not be able to get rid of them entirely.
Managing your curled toenails involves monitoring them around the clock and the proper nail care. You can figure out a system to help you cope and keep your nails as healthy as possible.
Nail and Foot Care
If you aren't sure how to properly cut curled toenails, don't try to do it yourself. Instead, seek help from a trusted chiropodist or partake in medical pedicures. If you do it yourself without the right knowledge, you are putting yourself at risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Generally, it's crucial to keep your nails short and clean regularly. You should also use a file to keep your toenail edges smooth and use moisturizers for the cuticles.
Since pincer nails are usually ingrown, you'll want to take extra care and prevent painful, recurring ingrown nails. Wear shoes that fit correctly and leave ample space in the toe box. While everybody should adhere to these guidelines, those struggling with curled toenails must be extra vigilant.
OnyFix
OnyFix is a new, revolutionary, and pain-free way to treat ingrown and curled toenails. Performed by a chiropodist, the non-invasive procedure corrects the natural growth pattern of your toenails, so the experience isn't just a quick fix.
Chiropodists correct the nail growth path by using a composite material in the shape of a thin band. After applying it to the top of the nail, it ensures the rest of the nail grows in a straight direction. With OnyFix, you can enjoy a future without nail issues and relatively instant pain relief (usually noticeable soon after treatment).
October 13, 2022
Under normal circumstances, our toenails are a glassy, somewhat opaque colour. The protective proteins of our toenails, called alpha-keratin, create this consistency. Together with the skin below it, healthy toenails should be pink. Sometimes, however, our toenails change colour. But why?
You may experience toenail discolouration from damage to the toenail itself or from damage to the skin below the nail bed. In both instances, a black spot may appear. It can be a black spot below the toenail, or your toenail itself may change colour.
This article teaches more about black spots under toenails, different kinds of toenail discolouration, and treatments. First, let's explore the nail condition of a black toenail.
What's a black toenail?
Black toenails are a type of nail condition characterized by damage to the skin below the nail. In most cases, a black toenail is a subungual hematoma, especially if you see a black spot. The black area you see is a bruise (a blood vessel breakage causing bleeding near the skin surface.)
However, your toenail may turn black for other reasons. We break down the causes below.
Should I be worried about a black toenail?
Black toenails have several causes, some more common than others.
Common causes
A subungual hematoma is the most common cause of a black spot under your toenail. Trauma, whether acute or chronic, causes a black spot under your toenail. Instances like running with ill-fitting footwear, stubbing a toe, or dropping an item on your toe are common culprits. Due to its length and weight-bearing role, your big toe is the most common toenail for a subungual hematoma. Your toenail may fall off entirely, or you may experience a small black spot. If the latter, you can trim off the black area as your nail grows out.
You may associate a fungal infection with discolouration of the toenail. Although usually a yellow-green, your toenail may also turn black.
In rare cases, ingrown toenails can be the culprit for a black toenail. An ingrown toenail causing a black toenail is usually related to a complication of a previous toenail treatment.
Rare and more severe causes
Malignant melanoma can cause a black toenail: Cancer forms in the cells of our skin that give our skin colour, which causes a black spot.
A B12 deficiency: B12 keeps your nails strong and healthy. A lack of B12 may result in a blackish tint.
Kidney problems
Liver disease
Linear melanonychia can cause black and brown lines that run either with your toenail or horizontally across your toenail.
If you have doubts about the black spot under your toenail, book an appointment with a chiropodist for the next steps and a diagnosis.
What kind of discolourations of a toenail are there?
In addition to black toenails, you may experience other discolouration. Click here to learn about the various shades and causes of discoloured toenails.
How can I treat a discoloured (including a black) toenail?
If you can connect the cause of a black toenail to a common cause—for instance, a stubbed toe—then at-home treatments are sufficient. However, if you haven't had any trauma or damage to your nail, consult a medical professional for treatment options. Here are some ways you can treat a discoloured toenail:
Let it grow out
If your toenail isn't damaged or at risk of falling off, the most effective action is to let the toenail grow out. Expect to wait between 6-9 months to allow your toenail to grow out thoroughly and to be able to trim the black area away.
Cover the toenail
If your toenail dies and falls off, you should cover any exposed parts of the nail bed for 7-10 days. Coat the area with a non-stick bandage and wait for the skin underneath to harden. Once the skin hardens, you can leave the nail and allow it to grow back or use an artificial nail to improve aesthetics.
Visit a chiropodist or foot doctor
If you have damage to your toenail from trauma and need guidance and treatment, visit a chiropodist. Our team of dedicated licensed chiropodists is committed to providing quality care and services for all your foot and ankle needs. They can diagnose, treat and help manage various foot conditions, from callus removal to ingrown toenails to bunions.
Over-the-counter creams and ointments
Ointments and creams are usually effective and can help treat fungal infections. You can also use a prescription antifungal treatment for severe cases of toenail infections.
Buy a new pair of shoes
If you have poorly-fitting shoes causing stress to your toenail, invest in proper footwear for your feet.
September 26, 2022
Oh no! You have a cracked toenail. You maybe just stubbed it while you were in a rush, or perhaps you're not wearing shoes with enough room in the toe box.
If you're prone to certain foot conditions, cracked toenails can also be a symptom of something more sinister.
A slight detachment or crack is not a pressing issue. But if you do crack your toenail, you probably have a lot of questions. In this article, we'll answer the following:
Does a Cracked Toenail Grow Back?
What are the Stages of Nail Regrowth?
Are There Cracked Toenail Remedies and Treatments?
Does a Cracked Toenail Grow Back?
A mild case of a cracked toenail is no cause for alarm. A torn or detached nail will eventually grow back, and you will notice progress about 6-8 weeks after your toenail cracked.
But it's important to state the obvious: once the toenail detaches itself completely from the nail bed, you can't simply reattach it. You will have to play the waiting game.
Furthermore, the cause of the cracked toenail may determine how long it will take to grow back fully. Losing a toenail due to psoriatic arthritis, a fungal infection, or surgical removal can take anywhere from 6 months to a year to grow back completely. Blunt force trauma, like a severe stubbed toe or toe injury, may take up to two years to grow back.
What are the Stages of Nail Regrowth?
According to Healthline, toenails take longer to grow than fingernails:
Nail growth stems from the toenail's matrix underneath the skin.
The matrix is responsible for producing new skin cells that replace old ones, making room for nail growth.
After a trauma-induced cracked toenail, the nail matrix may not be able to create new skin cells for some time.
However, the matrix will eventually start replenishing cells at a faster, more normal rate. As we mentioned, you may already notice progress at six weeks.
Older cells reaching the surface harden, creating the nail and restructuring your cracked toenail.
Cracked Toenail Remedies and Treatment
It's frustrating having a cracked toenail, especially a cracked big toenail. Wearing shoes can be painful, and it may take up to a year before your nail looks normal again. But luckily, there are ways to manage pain and protect your nail health.
The typical course of action is to wait patiently for the nail to grow back, but you may require care from a chiropodist in the interim. Here are some remedies that may help you out:
Biotin
Research suggests a link between nail health and this B-complex vitamin, specifically for its cell-signaling ability. Foods with healthy fats, like eggs and salmon, contain biotin. You can also take biotin supplements.
OnyFix
Sometimes, nails may grow back ingrown or misshapen. If this happens to you, your chiropodist may recommend Onyfix. This exciting and contemporary treatment acts as a brace for the nail while redirecting nail growth and aligning the shape as it grows. As a bonus, it's completely painless!
Regular nail care
Want to avoid cracked toenails and complications? Keep your toenails strong and clean.
This means regular filing, trimming, cleaning, and more. Your cracked toenail won't grow back as smoothly if you tend to neglect nail care, and brittle nails are more susceptible to damage. Furthermore, your cracked toenail is more vulnerable to bacterial growth if you don't take care of it.
A great way to ensure your nails stay healthy is by scheduling regular medical pedicures and nail care.
While you wait for a cracked toenail to grow back fully, avoid getting a cosmetic pedicure. Don't just assume that because your nail is making progress, it's finished growing. Nail polishes at salons often contain harmful chemicals that weaken your nails, like toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate.
