Ava Monroe
The word toenail can refer to two different things. Firstly, in anatomy, a toenail is a protective plate found at the tip of the toes, corresponding to the claws in other animals. Made of a tough protein called alpha-keratin, toenails grow much more slowly than fingernails, taking up to 18 months to grow from the root to the tip. The other use of the word toenail is in carpentry, where it refers to a technique of nailing two pieces of wood together by slanting a nail inward at a 30-degree angle.
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What You'll Learn
Toenail composition
Toenails are protective plates found at the tip of the toes of primates, corresponding to the claws in other tetrapod animals. They are made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, which is also found in the claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates. The nail consists of the nail plate, the nail matrix, and the nail bed below it, surrounded by grooves.
The nail matrix, or germinal matrix, is the active tissue that generates cells. These cells harden as they move outward from the nail root to the nail plate, determining the width and thickness of the nail plate. The nail matrix is also known as the matrix unguis, keratogenous membrane, or onychostroma. It contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels and produces the cells that become the nail plate.
Toenails, like fingernails, can become thickened (onychogryphosis), loosened (onycholysis), infected with fungus (onychomycosis), or degenerate (onychodystrophy). One of the most common nail disorders is an ingrowing toenail (onychocryptosis). Toenail infections can be caused or worsened by various factors, including dirty socks, certain types of aggressive exercise such as long-distance running, tight footwear, and walking barefoot in unclean environments.
Additionally, toenails can provide information about an individual's health. Certain conditions, like clubbing, can be associated with lung disease or other underlying issues. Toenails can also indicate digestive conditions, heart health, diabetes, or kidney function. Changes in toenails, such as colour or texture, may be signs of more serious health issues, including cancer.
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Toenail growth
Toenails are the hard, slightly curved parts that cover and protect the ends of the toes. They are made of a protein called keratin, which is also found in hair and skin. The rate of toenail growth is relatively slow compared to fingernail growth, with toenails growing at an average rate of 1.62 mm per month. The great toenail tends to grow faster than the other toenails.
The structure of toenails is designed to provide protection and additional function to the feet. Toenails consist of three main parts: the nail itself, the underlying structure that supports nail growth, and the surrounding skin tissue. The nail matrix, located beneath the skin at the inner edge of the nail plate, is responsible for most of a toenail's growth. It is where new cells grow and advance forward to form the nail. The nail root and the nail bed, which contains blood vessels, nerves, and melanocytes that produce melanin, are also crucial for nail growth.
It is important to pay attention to any changes in toenail appearance, as they can indicate underlying health issues. While some nail problems are harmless, others may require medical attention. Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended if there are any concerns about toenail health or any noticeable changes. They can determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment if needed.
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Toenail maintenance
Toenails are the hard, slightly curved parts that cover and protect the ends of our toes. Toenail maintenance is important, as neglecting them can lead to pain, infection, and serious health problems. Here are some tips for keeping your toenails healthy:
Trimming
It is recommended to trim your toenails at least once a week. If there hasn't been much growth, you can skip a week, but don't let too much time pass between trimmings. Trim your toenails straight across, not rounded, and avoid cutting them too short, as this can lead to ingrown nails. Use toenail clippers, as they are stronger and can cut through thicker nails.
Filing
After trimming, use a file to slightly round out the corners of your toenails. This will help prevent ingrown toenails and infections. An emery board can be used to file them smooth.
Cuticles
Do not cut, trim, or poke your cuticles, as they form a tight seal to keep bacteria and other pathogens out. Instead, use a cuticle stick or an orange stick to gently push them up and out of the way of the nail bed.
Footwear and Socks
Properly fitting shoes are critical to toenail care. Shoes that are too loose or too tight can cause blisters, while pointed shoes can cause bunions and hammertoes. Shoes that are too narrow or too high can force your toenails to grow inward. Additionally, make sure to wear shoes in public places to protect your feet from bacteria and fungi. When choosing socks, opt for those made from natural moisture-wicking fibres such as wool or bamboo. These socks will help draw moisture away from the skin, discouraging fungus growth.
Hygiene
Wash your feet thoroughly with warm water and soap, and dry them properly, especially between the toes. Remove any old nail polish before applying a new colour to prevent nail discolouration.
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Toenail injuries
There are various ways in which a toenail can be injured. One of the most common causes is trauma, such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on your foot. Additionally, repeated strain on the nail, often experienced by athletes and runners, can result in a condition called runner's toe, characterised by a black toenail. Ill-fitting shoes can also cause toenail trauma, leading to deformities in the nail. These deformities may resemble fungal infections, with the nail becoming thickened, discoloured, or lifting away from the nail bed.
It is important to assess the severity of a toenail injury to determine the appropriate course of treatment. Minor injuries, such as small nail bruises or bleeding that can be stopped, can often be managed at home. However, if the bleeding is excessive or the injury is more severe, it is crucial to seek medical attention. For example, if blood accumulates under the nail, covering more than half of the nail area, it is important to visit a healthcare provider to drain the blood and relieve pressure. Left untreated, toenail injuries can have serious consequences, and in rare cases, they may even lead to toe amputation.
To prevent toenail injuries, it is recommended to keep your toenails properly trimmed and to wear properly sized shoes that fit comfortably and provide adequate room for your toes. Additionally, controlling moisture is essential, especially for individuals with sweaty feet, as it can help prevent blisters and irritation. Silicone or gel toe caps can also be used to provide extra protection and reduce the risk of toenail trauma.
The healing process for toenail injuries can be lengthy, with regrowth taking up to a year or more. During this time, the new nail may exhibit cosmetic changes, such as grooves, ridges, or misshapen shapes, which may be temporary or permanent depending on the severity of the injury.
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Toenail removal
A toenail is a hard, slightly curved nail that covers and protects the end of a toe. Toenail removal is a procedure that may be necessary for various reasons, such as infection, ingrown toenails, or other foot problems.
Ingrown Toenail Removal
Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the skin, causing damage, infection, and pain. The surgical technique of lateral nail avulsion and matricectomy has been successful in treating ingrown nails. The procedure involves removing the lateral spicule of the nail and creating a new lateral nail edge to allow normal regrowth. In some cases, a second procedure may be required if the matricectomy is inadequate during the first operation.
Nail-bed Ablation
This procedure involves removing part or the entire toenail and then applying a chemical, typically phenol, to the nail bed to prevent regrowth.
Zadek's Procedure
Zadek's procedure involves removing the entire toenail and then cutting away the nail bed to prevent regrowth. It is important to note that this procedure carries a higher risk of complications for individuals who are overweight or smoke.
Post-Operative Care
After toenail removal, it is recommended to keep the leg raised for a few days to reduce swelling. Strenuous activity, sports, and exercise should be avoided for at least two weeks. Infection is common after toenail removal, so oral antibiotics may be prescribed liberally to prevent or treat infections.
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Frequently asked questions
A toenail is a nail on a toe.
Toenails are protective plates that guard your toes from injury, such as getting scraped or cut.
Toenails grow much more slowly than fingernails. Fingernails grow at an average rate of 3.5 mm per month, whereas toenails grow at an average rate of 1.6 mm per month.
