Caleb Foster
Flaky toenails can be caused by a variety of factors, from ageing to vitamin deficiency. In some cases, flaky nails can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as diabetes or heart disease. If you are experiencing flaky toenails, it is important to seek medical advice to rule out any underlying health issues. There are also several steps you can take to improve the health of your nails, such as moisturising and trimming them regularly, wearing well-fitting shoes, and treating any fungal infections.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | As we age, our nails age with us |
| Active job | Constant pressure on your feet can cause flaky nails |
| Lack of moisturising | Nails can become dry and flaky if they are not moisturised frequently |
| Lack of trimming | Nails can become dry and flaky if they are not regularly trimmed |
| Iron deficiency | Dry nails may be a sign of iron deficiency |
| Diabetes | Dry nails may be a sign of diabetes |
| Heart, lung or liver disease | Dry nails may be a sign of heart, lung or liver disease |
| Vitamin deficiency | Dry, peeling nails can indicate a vitamin deficiency |
| Poorly fitting shoes | Make sure you wear shoes that fit correctly |
| Fungal infection | Make sure you use creams or medication to eliminate a fungal infection |
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Ageing
Toenails can become dry and flaky as we age, especially if you have an active job that puts pressure on your feet. Nails can become dry and flaky if they are not moisturised frequently and not regularly trimmed. In more serious cases, dry nails may be a sign of iron deficiency, diabetes, or even heart, lung, or liver disease. If your nails are prone to being dry and flaky or they have suddenly become like this, there are various steps you can take to improve them. Make sure you wear shoes that fit correctly, are good quality, and feel comfortable. If there is a fungal infection present on your toes, make sure you use creams or medication to eliminate it. If the problem persists or gets worse, visit your doctor and see if they can make any recommendations to help improve the situation for you.
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Lack of moisture
If your nails are prone to dryness and flakiness, there are several steps you can take to improve their health. Firstly, ensure that you are wearing shoes that fit correctly, are of good quality, and feel comfortable. Secondly, incorporate a moisturising routine for your nails. This can help to restore moisture and improve the appearance of your nails.
In more serious cases, persistent dry and flaky nails may be a sign of an underlying health condition. Internal causes can include vitamin deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency, or more serious conditions such as diabetes, heart, lung, or liver disease. If you suspect an internal cause, it is important to consult a medical professional for further evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Additionally, flaky nails can sometimes be a result of external factors, such as fungal infections. If you suspect a fungal infection, it is recommended to use appropriate creams or medication to address the issue. If the problem persists or worsens, seeking medical advice is advised.
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Iron deficiency
Flaky toenails can be caused by age, an active job, not moisturising or trimming nails, a fungal infection, or a vitamin deficiency such as iron deficiency.
It is also important to address any underlying causes of iron deficiency. For example, if you have heavy periods, you may be more prone to iron deficiency. In this case, your doctor may recommend treatments to help manage your periods. Other causes of iron deficiency include pregnancy, digestive conditions such as Crohn's disease, and regular blood donations.
If you are experiencing flaky toenails, it is a good idea to see your doctor to rule out any underlying health conditions. They may recommend tests to check for iron deficiency and other potential causes. In the meantime, you can take steps to improve the health of your nails, such as moisturising regularly, trimming your nails, and wearing comfortable shoes that fit well.
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Fungal infection
Flaky toenails can be caused by a number of factors, including ageing, an active job, ill-fitting shoes, and a lack of moisturising or trimming. In some cases, flaky nails can be a sign of a fungal infection.
If you are experiencing flaky toenails, it is important to identify the underlying cause. This may involve comparing your fingernails and toenails to determine if the cause is external or internal. If both your fingernails and toenails are peeling, this may indicate an internal cause, such as a vitamin or iron deficiency. In this case, it is recommended to seek medical advice to determine the appropriate treatment.
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Circulation problems
Toenails that are flaking can be caused by a number of factors, including circulation problems. Poor circulation can lead to dry, brittle nails that are prone to chipping and flaking. This is often due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients reaching the nail bed, which can cause the nail to become weak and fragile.
There are several things that can contribute to poor circulation in the feet and toes, including diabetes, peripheral artery disease, and Raynaud's disease. These conditions can affect the blood flow to the extremities, including the nails, and can lead to a range of nail problems, including flaking.
In addition to circulation problems, toenail flaking can also be caused by external trauma or damage to the nail. This can include prolonged exposure to water, such as frequent dishwashing or swimming, which can dry out the nails and make them more prone to flaking. External factors such as nail polish remover can also contribute to nail flaking.
Internal health issues can also cause toenail flaking. One common internal cause is a vitamin deficiency, particularly an iron deficiency. This can lead to dry, peeling nails that are more susceptible to flaking. In some cases, toenail flaking may also be a sign of a fungal infection, such as onychomycosis, which can cause the nails to become deformed and discoloured.
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Frequently asked questions
It could be a sign of ageing, especially if you have an active job. Nails can also become dry and flaky if they are not moisturised frequently and not regularly trimmed.
Make sure you wear shoes that fit correctly, are good quality, and feel comfortable. You should also moisturise your nails frequently and trim them regularly.
If you take steps to improve your flaky nails and the situation doesn’t start resolving itself, or your nail comes right off, it is important to see your GP. If the skin is red around the problem nail or signs of infection appear, this is also a good time to speak to your doctor.
