Sophia Delgado
Pinky toenails that grow upward could be caused by a variety of factors. It could be the natural growth pattern of the toenail, or it could be influenced by external factors such as footwear or foot sweat. In some cases, vertically growing toenails could be a sign of more complex medical conditions such as onychogryphosis, nail patella syndrome (NPS), or koilonychia. Additionally, there is a genetic condition called an accessory nail, where a minuscule sixth toenail is present in the outer corner of the pinky toe, causing the nail to appear split lengthwise. This condition is observed in people from all ethnicities and races and is especially prevalent in certain parts of China. Proper toenail hygiene and maintenance are important to prevent infections, especially for upward-growing toenails which tend to rip more often.
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What You'll Learn
It could be hereditary
Unusual nail growth, such as toenails growing upwards, could be hereditary. This condition is referred to as vertical nails and is not uncommon. While it could be a result of your shoes pushing at the tips of your toenails, or profuse foot sweating, it may also be influenced by genetic factors.
The shape and growth pattern of your nails are determined by the process of keratinization, where cells multiply and layer on top of each other, hardening to form nails. The speed, thickness, and strength of nail growth are often hereditary traits, and unusual nail growth patterns can also be passed down through families.
In some cases, toenails that grow upwards could be related to a genetic disorder called Nail-Patella Syndrome (NPS). NPS affects approximately 1 in 50,000 people, and those with the condition almost always exhibit nail abnormalities, although it more commonly affects fingernails than toenails.
While toenails growing upwards may be influenced by hereditary factors, it is important to consider other potential causes as well. Toenails that grow upwards could be a result of physical damage to the nail matrix, which is the area below the skin where nails are formed. This damage could be due to macrotrauma, such as a heavy object falling on the toe, or microtrauma, such as repetitive irritation from rubbing against the inside of a shoe.
Additionally, certain health conditions and injuries can also affect the nail matrix and interfere with nail growth. For example, peripheral artery disease, which involves narrowed arteries and reduced blood flow to the legs and feet, can slow down nail growth. Similarly, severe eczema can affect the nail matrix and temporarily hinder nail growth, resulting in changes to the appearance of the nails.
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Footwear could be exerting pressure on the toenails
Toenails growing upward is not uncommon, and this could be caused by the shape and structure of your toenails, or the way your toes are positioned. However, footwear can also be a contributing factor.
Wearing shoes that fit well and provide ample space for the toes to move freely is important. Ill-fitting shoes, such as those with a narrow toe box, can compress the toes and force the nails into the skin, leading to ingrown toenails. Shoes that are too tight or narrow can cause the nails to grow into the surrounding skin. This issue is notably common among athletes who wear tight sports shoes, and individuals who wear high heels or restrictive footwear.
To prevent this, opt for shoes with a wider toe box to accommodate the natural shape of your feet. A wider toe box allows your toes to spread out comfortably, reducing the risk of nail impaction. Shoes with a lower heel or flat soles can also help to minimise stress on the toes and promote better alignment.
It is also important to maintain toenail hygiene. Toenails that grow upward tend to rip more often, exposing the area to infection, so keeping your feet clean and dry can help prevent the buildup of bacteria and fungi. Trim your toenails regularly, cutting each nail straight across without cutting the edges inward, and leaving the nail a little long to prevent it from growing inward.
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Foot sweat may be a factor
Unusual nail growth, such as toenails growing upward, could be hereditary. The accessory nail of the fifth toe, also known as a double nail of the fifth toe (DNFT) or a petaloid toenail, is a physical trait where a minuscule sixth toenail is present in the outer corner of the nail bed of the smallest toe. This condition is considered common but underreported, and its occurrence is poorly understood due to a lack of research. Genome-wide scans indicate that it is a heritable trait and could be autosomal dominant.
However, the condition can sometimes cause discomfort or pain, especially when the accessory nail protrudes vertically from the nail bed. In such cases, an option for treatment is surgical or chemical matricectomy, which involves the complete removal or destruction of the nail matrix. It is important to note that this condition can also appear following trauma to the toenail.
Upward-growing toenails tend to rip more often, exposing the area to infection. Therefore, maintaining careful hygiene is crucial. To prevent the nail from growing inward, it is recommended to cut the nail straight across without cutting the edges inward and to leave it slightly longer.
While foot sweat has not been explicitly mentioned as a cause of upward-growing pinkie toenails, it is well known that bacteria and fungi thrive in sweaty environments near the feet. Therefore, it is possible that foot sweat may play a role in creating an environment conducive to the growth of bacteria and fungi, which could contribute to nail infections and potentially impact nail growth. However, more research is needed to establish a direct link between foot sweat and upward-growing pinkie toenails.
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It could be a sign of a more complex medical issue
Unusual nail growth, such as toenails growing upward, could be a sign of a more complex medical issue. While it could be hereditary, there are other potential causes.
One possible cause is onychogryphosis, a thickening of the nails due to injury or infection. This condition primarily affects the big toes, causing the nails to curve and resemble the shape of a ram's horn or claw. Toenails growing upward could also be a symptom of nail patella syndrome (NPS), a rare genetic disorder in which almost all affected individuals have nail abnormalities.
In some cases, upward-growing toenails may be related to depressed nail beds or other underlying issues. Additionally, upward-growing toenails tend to rip more often, increasing the risk of infection. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain good foot and toenail hygiene. Keeping your feet clean and dry, inspecting your toenails regularly, and trimming your nails frequently with strong, sharp nail clippers are essential steps to prevent and manage this issue.
If you notice any abnormalities with your toenails, such as depressed nail beds or other concerns, it is recommended to consult a doctor for further evaluation and guidance. They can help determine if there are any complex medical issues contributing to the upward growth of your pinky toenails and provide appropriate treatment options.
While upward-growing pinky toenails may be uncommon, they can be managed through proper hygiene and nail care. However, if you have any concerns or notice any unusual changes, seeking medical advice is always advisable.
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It could be a result of wear and tear
Unusual nail growth, such as toenails growing upward, could be hereditary. However, in some cases, it could be a result of wear and tear. For instance, if you run barefoot, your pinky toenails may crack and not grow much. This could also be the case if you are very physically active. In such cases, the nails will eventually fall off, causing a cracked appearance.
Another reason for toenails growing upward could be the shoes you wear. If your shoes are pushing at the tips of your toenails, it could cause them to grow upward. Toenails growing upward could also be the result of profuse foot sweat.
To prevent this issue from arising or getting worse, keep your feet clean and dry, and trim your nails frequently. Cut each toenail to the point where it begins to curve upward. Cut the nail straight across without cutting the edges inward. It’s also important to leave the nail a little long to prevent it from growing inward.
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Frequently asked questions
If you're referring to a child, it could be from the wear and tear of running barefoot. If you're referring to an adult, it could be due to damage, allowing for moisture, debris, and fungus to invade.
It could be hereditary, shoes pushing at the tips of your toenails, profuse foot sweat, or medical conditions such as onychogryphosis or nail patella syndrome (NPS).
Accessory nails, also known as double nails, are a physical trait where a minuscule sixth toenail is present in the outer corner of the nail on the pinky toe. This condition is commonly observed in people from all ethnicities and races and is thought to be a heritable trait.
You can cut the additional nail with a nail clipper or seek surgical or chemical matricectomy for complete removal. However, it is not recommended to rip out the extra toenail yourself as this can be painful and may lead to fungal infections.
Inspect your toenails at least once a week, use a nail cleaner to remove dirt, wash and dry your feet thoroughly, moisturize with foot cream, file your nails with an emery board, and wear thick socks to cushion against friction between your toenails and shoes.
