Ava Monroe
Pinky toes are often overlooked, but they can be prone to issues such as ingrown toenails, cracks, and unusual growth patterns, including vertical growth. Ingrown toenails can be treated by soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soap, or in more severe cases, surgery. Cracked toenails can be caused by wear and tear, especially in children who run barefoot. To prevent cracks, it is recommended to trim toenails regularly, cut them straight across, and leave them a little long. In some cases, an accessory nail may develop on the fifth toe, which is a common but underreported phenomenon. This additional nail can be cut with a nail clipper, but it may recur due to genetic factors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pinky toenail growth | Can be hereditary |
| Pinky toenail issues | Cracks, splits, ingrown toenails, infections, vertical growth |
| Treatment for ingrown toenails | Soak in salt or antibacterial soap, surgery |
| Treatment for vertical growth | Cut nails straight across, trim toenails regularly, wear thick socks, use an emery board to smooth nails |
| Accessory nail | Genetic condition, can be treated with surgery or chemical matricectomy |
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What You'll Learn
Toenail growth is hereditary
Toenail growth and strength are hereditary. The speed, thickness, and strength of nail growth are determined by genetics. Unusual nail growth, such as toenails growing upward, could also be hereditary. For example, nail clubbing, which refers to changes under and around the toenails that cause toes to take on a widened, club-like appearance, can be an inherited trait. Nail patella syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting the nails, kneecaps, hip bones, and elbows, can also cause nail abnormalities.
Genetics can also determine the predisposition to certain nail infections. Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a persistent fungal infection that causes discolouration, inflammation, and irritation to the skin underneath the nail. While the condition itself is not hereditary, those with a genetic predisposition to weakness to these types of infections can take steps to avoid exposure by staying away from humid, damp environments that promote fungal growth.
It is important to maintain good toenail hygiene, especially if your toenails grow upward, as they tend to rip more often, exposing the area to infection. Toenails should be inspected at a minimum of once per week, and any dirt under the nails should be removed with a nail cleaner. Thick socks can also be worn to cushion against the friction between the toenails and shoes.
If you are experiencing issues with toenail growth, it is recommended to consult a doctor or a professional podiatric surgeon, especially if the issue is impacting your quality of life.
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Ingrown toenails and treatment
Ingrown toenails are a common foot problem that usually affects the big toe but can happen to any toenail. It occurs when the side or corner of the nail grows and digs into the skin of the toe. This can be caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, incorrect trimming of the toenail, or an injury to the toe. If left untreated, the area is exposed to infection.
Ingrown toenails can be treated at home by soaking the foot in warm, soapy water mixed with Epsom salt for 10 to 20 minutes, 2 to 4 times a day. After each soak, place fresh bits of cotton, waxed dental floss, or collodion under the ingrown edge to separate the nail from the skin and help the nail grow above the skin edge. Apply petroleum jelly to the tender area and bandage the toe.
If home remedies are ineffective, a healthcare provider may carefully lift the ingrown nail edge and place cotton, dental floss, or a splint under it. They may also prescribe a corticosteroid cream to apply after soaking. In severe cases, a healthcare provider may recommend a minor surgical procedure called nail avulsion to remove part or all of the toenail. This procedure may prevent that part of the nail from growing back.
To prevent ingrown toenails, it is important to practice good foot care and toenail hygiene. Toenails should be cut straight across without cutting the edges inward, and left a little long to prevent them from growing inward. It is also recommended to wear properly fitting shoes to avoid toenail injuries.
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Accessory nails and removal
Accessory nails, also known as double nails of the fifth toe (DNFT) or petaloid toenails, are tiny "sixth toenails" that appear as a lengthwise separation of the toenail on the corner of the smallest toe. This results in two toenails growing side by side. While accessory nails are typically not painful or problematic, they can sometimes cause discomfort, particularly when they protrude vertically from the nail bed, catching on clothing and socks.
If you have accessory nails that are not causing any issues, there is generally no medical reason to remove them. However, if they are constantly catching and tearing, leading to pain and an increased risk of bacterial and fungal infections, you may consider podiatric surgery for removal. This procedure, known as a matricectomy, involves the complete removal or destruction of the nail matrix to prevent the nail from regrowing.
It is strongly advised against attempting to remove accessory nails at home, as this can be extremely painful and may result in fungal infections. The condition is genetic, and the nail will likely grow back as it was. Instead, it is recommended to consult a professional podiatric surgeon if you wish to have your accessory nails removed. They can evaluate your condition and perform the appropriate surgical or chemical matricectomy procedure to ensure safe and effective removal.
While accessory nails themselves may not require treatment, proper toenail care is important to maintain good foot health. This includes regular trimming, cleaning, and moisturising of the nails and surrounding areas. Additionally, it is crucial to monitor your nails for any signs of infection or other abnormalities and seek medical advice if needed. Overall, while accessory nails may not always require removal, prioritising foot hygiene and nail care is essential for maintaining overall foot health.
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Toenail hygiene and maintenance
Keep your toenails trimmed: Use a strong, sharp nail clipper to cut your toenails regularly. Cut each toenail straight across, following the natural curve of the toe, and avoid cutting the edges inward. Leave the nail a little long to prevent it from growing inward. Trim your nails when they are dry as dry nails are less prone to cracking.
Inspect your toenails regularly: Check your toenails at least once a week for any signs of damage, tearing, or infection. Look out for ingrown toenails, which occur when the nail grows sideways into the nail bed, causing pain, swelling, and potential infection. If you notice any issues, consult a podiatrist or healthcare professional for advice.
Clean and care for your toenails: Use a nail cleaner to remove any dirt or debris accumulated under your nails. Wash your feet regularly with warm water and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Moisturize your feet and nails with a foot cream to maintain nail and cuticle health.
File your nails: Use an emery board to smooth the edges of your nails and prevent them from catching on socks or other fabric. Filing can also help to reduce the risk of ingrown toenails.
Wear appropriate footwear: Choose shoes that provide sufficient room for your toes and have ample toe boxes to prevent crowding. Avoid shoes that are too tight or put pressure on the toes, as this can affect nail growth and cause ingrown toenails. Going barefoot when possible can also help reduce the likelihood of developing ingrown toenails.
Address any underlying issues: In some cases, issues with toenail growth on the pinky toe may be related to underlying conditions such as onychogryphosis or accessory nail syndrome. If you suspect any of these conditions, consult a healthcare professional for advice and treatment options.
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Toenail growth and footwear
Toenails are made of keratin, the same protein that forms the hair and the epidermis or outer layer of skin. Toenails protect the delicate bones, nerves, and soft tissues of the toes from injuries. However, toenails themselves can become irritated due to various reasons, including wearing ill-fitting shoes.
Wearing shoes that are too tight can cause toenail irritation and lead to other issues such as ingrown toenails, fungal infections, and trauma. Ingrown toenails occur when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh of the toe, causing pain, inflammation, swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition usually affects the big toe, but it can also occur on other toes if they are subject to repeated pressure or irritation.
To prevent ingrown toenails, it is important to wear properly fitting shoes that provide adequate room for the toes to move and breathe. Additionally, proper toenail care is essential. Toenails should be trimmed regularly, but not too short, to avoid ingrowth. It is recommended to cut the nails straight across and leave them slightly longer to prevent them from growing into the skin.
Fungal infections are another common issue associated with toenails. Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a slow-growing infection of the nail and the skin beneath it. It is often caused by the same type of fungi that cause athlete's foot, and people with athlete's foot are more susceptible to toenail fungal infections. Wearing shoes that are too tight or do not allow the feet to breathe adequately can create a warm and moist environment conducive to fungal growth.
To prevent fungal infections, it is important to wear well-fitting and breathable shoes. Socks made of absorbent materials can also help keep the feet dry and reduce the risk of fungal growth. Maintaining good foot hygiene is crucial, including washing and drying the feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, and trimming toenails regularly to prevent the buildup of fungi.
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Frequently asked questions
If your pinky toenail is cracked, it may be due to wear and tear from running barefoot. To prevent cracking, it is recommended to cut toenails when they are dry. If the toenail is cracked and separated, wash the area thoroughly to prevent infection.
Vertically growing toenails are more common than you may think. To prevent discomfort, you can try using makeshift splints and tape to straighten your toes. You can also glue fake nails to the nail stub and cut them to a comfortable length.
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the nail bed. Soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soap can help treat and prevent infection. For more severe cases, surgery is an option. Reach out to your local podiatrist to learn more about treatment options.
This condition is called an accessory nail and is caused by a genetic trait. It is not recommended to remove the extra toenail yourself as this will be painful and may lead to infection. Instead, contact a foot surgeon near you to discuss treatment options.
