Things You Should Know About Toenail Diseases

Toenails mark the beauty of your feet. A healthy foot is evaluated by the growth of healthy clear toenails.

Understanding the growth of toenails .            

The toenails grow from the matrix, which lies hidden beneath the cuticle. The matrix is a growth of specialized cells. As the new cells grow in it, the old cells are pushed out morphing into hardened and visible part of the toenail, known as the nail plate. The nails are mainly composed of keratin, which is a kind of hardened protein found also in skin and hair. To be more elaborative, a toenail consists of many parts like the nail bed, the cuticle, the nail folds, the lunula and the matrix.

The growth rate of toenail is measured by 0.1 mm with every day count. Compared to the fingernails, the toenails tend to grow more sluggishly. Men typically have faster toenail growth than women.

             

Medical problems associated with toenails.

Sometimes, you feel defeated when you find weird problems with your toenails, despite your sincere efforts to keep them healthy. But remember that taking good care of your toenails is not always enough. Some of the toenail disorders are noticeable, while the others are obscure and painful in the long run. Most of the disorders are associated with a systemic diseases that you may have.

Brittle toenails are commonly observed in iron deficiencies, thyroid problems, circulation problems, impaired kidney function and biotin deficiency are some of the factors responsible for fragile nails. If you are suffering from frayed or split toenails, then the problem can be linked to a deficiency in protein, folic acid, vitamin C and most prominently psoriasis (psoriatic nails).

Many often complain about their nails getting thinner. Lichen Planus is a common skin disease that causes itching problems surrounding the toenail area and causes the nails to become thinner. Some hate their curved nails, which have a tendency to bulge downwards (ingrowing toenails). This is can be caused by lung, liver, heart disease or oxygen deprivation. On the other hand, there are certain kinds of nails that grow upwards and the reason can be a B12 or iron deficiency.



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Some nails have white lines running across them, this can sometimes indicate liver disease or heart disease or even high fever. Yellow toenails often plague many beautiful toes this may indicate lymphatic problems, liver disorders, chronic bronchitis and diabetes.

The market is infested with many products like nail polish and nail polish removers, which can cause damage to your nails. So be careful and check the label for harmful ingredients (acetone for example can over dry your cuticles) .

But at the end of it all, you could just have toe nail fungus (onychomycosis). A dermatophyte infects the nail and grows in the moisture rich environment (shoes).  This can lead to a thickening of the toenail as well a color changes.  Treated orally, Lamisil, Sporanox Pulse Pack, topically with Penlac, keralac nail gel or Naturally .

 remember you can always ASK DR. SMITH

 "Foot Care From The Doctor Who Cares."

Dr. Maasi J Smith / MyBadFeet Staff