Aging is a part of life that nobody can escape. It is a natural occurrence that slowly sneaks up on us. As we age, our bodies change. One area that changes right before our eyes are our toenails. Sometimes they change slightly, while at other times they develop abnormalities. While some abnormalities can be reversed with the help of a podiatrist, others are permanent.
Why Do Abnormalities Occur?
Abnormalities of the toenail can happen due to an array of different reasons. Usually, a healthy nail is smooth and has consistent coloring. As you age, your nail can become brittle and develop ridges.
When you see discoloration, spots, and nail separation, then this should alert you to an abnormality. Injuries, warts, infections and chemotherapy can all have an effect on the nails and cause them to react differently. Underlying medical conditions can also alter the natural, healthy state of the toenail. To rule out illness, it is important to see a podiatrist immediately if you notice a nail abnormality.
Symptoms of abnormal toenails
- Discoloration
- Curling or clubbing of the nail
- Thickening or thinning of the nail
- Brittle nails
- Pitted nails
- Bleeding around the nails
- Nail separation
- Pain around the nail
What Do I Do if I See an Abnormality?
If you notice you have an abnormality growing on your toenail or affecting your toenail, then you should call your podiatrist.
If you lose a toenail because of an abnormality, it is important to clean the area, put on antibiotic ointment and cover it up. This will help to prevent debris, infection and further damage from occurring.
Your toenails are an important part of your feet. If you notice anything different popping up on the toenails, then you should call your foot doctor immediately. Call Dr. Andrew H. Cohen of Mid-Michigan Foot & Ankle Center, located in Saginaw and Bay City, Michigan. You can reach our office at 989-790-8009 or make an appointment online today. Although the health of your toenail might not seem like a top priority to you, it is a top priority for us. Allow us the time we need to care for your feet and get them healthy again.