Toenail issues are a common concernaffecting people of all ages and lifestyles. Whether it’s from trauma, underlying health conditions, too many acrylic/gel nails or general wear and tear, understanding the causes and treatments for damaged nails is essential for maintaining healthy feet. At footfeet, we provide solutions for managing common nail issues such as dryness, brittleness, thickeningand discolouration. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding the causes and our favourite treatmentsfornail damage.
The Anatomy of a Toenail
Understanding nail structure is key to identifying and addressing nail problems. Nails are composed of keratin, a protein also found in skin and hair. They grow through a process called keratinisation, where cells multiply at the nail matrix, layer on top of each other and harden. Key parts of the toenail include:
- Nail Matrix: The growth center tucked beneath the skin at the base of the nail.
- Nail Plate: The visible, hard part of the nail that protects the toe.
- Nail Bed: The layer of skin beneath the nail plate, rich in capillaries, giving the nail its pinkish appearance.
- Lunula: The pale, crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail plate.
- Cuticle: A thin layer of skin protecting the base of the nail from bacteria.
- Nail Folds: The grooves of skin that anchor and protect the sides of the nail.
What Are Damaged Toenails?
Damaged toenails refer to nails that have been compromised in structure, appearance or health. These issues can range from dryness and brittleness to discolouration and thickening, often caused by ageing, environmental stress, trauma or medical conditions. Identifying the cause of your nail damage is the first step to effective treatment.
Common Causes of Damaged Toenails
Trauma
Toenail traumacan be caused by stubbing your toe, dropping heavy objects or repetitive pressure from tight shoes.Trauma disrupts the nail bed and matrix, leading to discolouration, thickening or even nail detachment. This type of damage is particularly common in athletes or individuals who engage in high-impact activities.
TIP: Prevent toenail trauma by wearing protective footwear and ensuring your shoes provide adequate room for toe movement.
Archies Footwear
Fungal Infections(onychomycosis)
Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes, and can lead to thickened, brittle and/or discoloured nails. If untreated, fungal infections can spread to other nails and cause significant discomfort.
TIP: Protect your nails by keeping them clean, dry and trimmed. Consider using antifungal foot sprays and powders, particularly after workouts.
Antifungal treatments
Nutritional Deficiencies
A lack of essential nutrients such as: biotin, zinc, iron and vitamins A and E, can weaken nails, making them brittle, dry or slow-growing. Poor nutrition impacts the production of keratin, the protein responsible for nail strength and growth.
TIP: Strengthen nails by incorporating biotin-rich foods like nuts and seeds into your diet. Supplements can also help support nail health.
Akileine Pro Nail Repair Cream
Ageing
Ageing typically causes toenails to thicken. This thickening occurs due to changes in the nail matrix, where new nail cells are produced. As we age, cell turnover slows down and keratin builds up unevenly, resulting in nails that are thicker, more brittle and sometimes ridged.
TIP: Combat age-related nail damage with hydrating treatments and regular moisturising using urea-based creams to lock in moisture and restore flexibility.
Enovia Toenail Therapy Gel
Medical Conditions
Chronic health conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis, eczema and circulatory disorders can lead to nail abnormalities. Psoriasis often causes pitted or ridged nails, while diabetes increases the risk of fungal infections due to poor circulation.
TIP: Manage nail health by addressing underlying medical conditions with the guidance of a healthcare professional. Regular visits to a podiatrist can prevent complications.
Overexposure to Water
Frequent exposure to water softens the nail plate, making it weak and prone to splitting. Dishwashing, swimming, or long baths can strip away natural oils that protect nails, leading to excessive dryness and brittleness.
TIP: Protect toenails by applying hydrating nail oils regularly.
Dr.'s Remedy / NOURISH Nail Serum
Harsh Nail Products
The use of acetone-based nail polish removers, poor-quality polishes or frequent manicures can strip the nails of natural oils and weaken their structure. Aggressive buffing or filing can also lead to splitting and thinning.
TIP: Usenon-toxic nail polishes and gentle, acetone-free removers. Give your nails a break between applications to allow them to recover.
Dr.'s Remedy / RADIANT Nail Polish Remover
Common Concerns with Damaged Toenails
1. Dry Nails
What they look like:
- Dull and lackluster appearance
- Rough texture with visible cracking, flaking or peeling edges
- Edges may flake when trimmed
Causes:
- Dehydration
- Frequent washing or soaking
- Overexposure to harsh chemicals and soaps
- Low humidity environments
Dry toenail treatment:
Hydration is key. Use hydrating nail treatments with nourishing ingredients like biotin, VitaminC or natural oils to hydrate the nail bed. Avoid prolonged exposure to water and chemicals.Pro Tip: Use a nightlyNail Serumfor an extra boost of hydration and nourishment.
Dr.'s Remedy / HYDRATION Clear Moisturising Nail Treatment with Pentavitin
Dr.'s Remedy / MODEST Matte Enriched Nail Treatment
Ecrinal Nail Repair Serum with Precious OilsDr.'s Remedy / NOURISH Nail Serum
2. Weak or Brittle Nails
What they look like:
- Nails that tear, split or break easily
- Thin and overly flexible nail plates
- Edges that appear frayed or uneven
Causes:
- Ageing and reduced keratin production
- Overuse ofgel/acrylic nails or harsh nail polish removers
- Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in biotin or zinc
How to strengthen brittle nails:
Strengthen and protect the nail structure using nail hardeners fortified with keratin and vitamins. Eat more biotin rich foods like seeds, nuts and leafy greens. Regularly moisturise and avoid excessive buffing.
Akileine Nail Repair CreamDr.'s Remedy / TOTAL Two-In-One Base/Top CoatEcrinal Vitamin Nail Strengthener with Silk LipestersDr.'s Remedy / NOURISH Nail Serum
3. Thickened Nails
What they look like:
- Nails appear raised, uneven and difficult to trim
- Discoloration often accompanies the thickened texture
- Pain or discomfort may occur due to pressure against shoes
Causes:
- Ageing
- Fungal infectionsthat cause keratin buildup
- Trauma to the nail matrix from injury or repetitive pressure
- Underlying conditions such a psoriasis or poor circulation
Thickened toenail solutions:
Applysoftening creams with urea to reduce thicknessand make trimming easier. If fungal infections are the cause, treat with antifungal treatments and maintain proper foot hygiene.
Enovia Toenail Therapy Gel
Gehwol med. Nail Softener
4. Ridges
What they look like:
- Vertical or horizontal grooves on the nail surface
- Nails may feel uneven or textured
Causes:
- Vertical ridges are often a natural part of ageing
- Horizontal ridges (Beau's lines) may indicate underlying health issues or past trauma to the nail matrix
- Conditions like eczema, rheumatoid arthritis or vitamin deficiencies can also cause ridging
Ridges on nails treatment:
Use ridge fillers to smooth the nail surface. Strengthening treatments and a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins A, E and biotin can help nail health. Avoid aggressive buffing which can thin the nail plate over time.
Dr.'s Remedy / RESTORE RidgeRepair
Dr.'s Remedy MODEST Matte Treatment
5. Discolouration
What they look like:
- Yellow, brown or green streaks or patches under the nail
- Whitish patches or smudges on the nail plate
- Nails may appear dull and lack their natural pink tone
Causes:
- Fungal infections leading to yellow or brown discolouration
- Trauma or bruising causing black or blue streaks
- Prolonged use of dark nail polish without a protective base coat
- Smoking or systemic conditions like liver disease or diabetes
Toenail discolouration remedies:
The best treatment depends on the cause. Aside from injuries, most conditions that cause toenails to change colour may require treatment from a doctor. For fungal infections use antifungal products.
Dr.'s Remedy / TOTAL Two-In-One Base/Top CoatNailRepar - Nail Plate Protector- helps repair injuries to the nail plate
Enovia Nail Therapy Gel
Funghi Clear _ Nail Spray with Manuka Oil
At footfeet, we offer a comprehensive range of podiatrist-approved products designed totarget dry, brittle, thickened, ridged and discoloured nails. Explore our entire Damaged Nail Collection to restore your nails to their healthiest state. By addressing the specific needs of your nails, you can maintain their strength, appearance and functionality.
FAQS
Q: What’s the difference between dry and brittle nails?
A: Dry nails lack moisture and often crack or peel, while brittle nails are weaker and more prone to breaking due to structural damage.
Q: How do ageing and nail health relate?
A: Ageing can slow nail growth and make nails thicker, brittle or discoloured. Regular moisturising and trimming can help manage these changes.
Q: Why are my toenails so dry?
A: Dry toenails are often caused by overexposure to water, harsh chemicals (like acetone-based nail polish removers) or environmental factors such as low humidity. Ageing and nutritional deficiencies can also contribute to dryness.
Q: How can I treat dry toenails?
A: To treat dry toenails, hydrate them regularly with a nail-specific oil or cream enriched with ingredients like urea, vitamin E or jojoba oil.
Q: How can I prevent brittle nails?
A: Use nourishing nail/cuticle creams and strengthen nails with biotin-enriched products.
Q: Are ridged nails a sign of health issues?
A: Sometimes. Vertical ridges are often harmless and age-related, but horizontal ridges (Beau’s lines) may indicate underlying health conditions. Consult a doctor if you’re concerned.
Q: How are brittle nails different from fungal infections?
A: Brittle nails are more prone to breaking and splitting, while fungal infections often cause thickening, discolouration and crumbling of the nail.
Q: Can damaged toenails grow back to normal?
A: Yes, toenails can grow back, but the time required depends on the severity of the damage. Toenails typically take 12-18 months to regrow fully if the nail matrix is not permanently damaged.
Q: How do I treat thickened toenails?
A: Soften the nails with urea cream, trim them regularly and use antifungal treatments if an infection is present. For severe cases, consult a podiatrist.
Q. Are thick toenails always caused by fungus?
A: No, thick toenails can also result from trauma, ageing or conditions like psoriasis. It’s important to determine the underlying cause to choose the right treatment.
Q. What does it mean if my toenails are yellow or thickened?
A: Yellowing and thickening are common signs of a fungal infection. If left untreated, the infection can worsen and spread. Consider using antifungal treatments from our Tinea & Fungal Nail Infections collection.
Q: What causes nail discolouration?
A: Nail discolouration can result from fungal infections, trauma, prolonged nail polish use or systemic health conditions like diabetes or psoriasis.
Q: How do I know if discolouration is caused by fungus?
A: Fungal infections often cause yellowing, thickening and crumbling of the nails. A podiatrist can perform tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Q: Can I prevent fungal infections in toenails?
A: Yes, keep your feet dry, wear breathable shoes and avoid walking barefoot in communal spaces. Use antifungal sprays or powders as a preventive measure.
Q: Can damaged toenails indicate underlying health issues?
A: Yes, changes in nail texture, colour or growth can signal conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease or circulatory problems. Consult a healthcare professional if you notice significant changes.
Q. Can I paint my damaged nails?
A: It’s best to avoid traditional nail polish while treating damaged nails, as it can trap moisture and worsen fungal infections. Instead, use breathable nail products designed for damaged nails, like Dr.'s REMEDY.
