Unless there is an underlying health condition, the best way to tackle these problems is often with good hygiene. Toenail brace: This small metal band clamps over the toe like the toenail corrector and also gently pulls the edges of the nail out of the nail folds. However, if left untreated, infection can develop in the rest of the toe and foot, and in very rare cases get into the blood stream. Younger people are more likely to get it (as they pick their nails more, compared to older people who may not be able to reach their toes! To contact an NHS podiatrist, please contact your GP practice for information on an NHS referral (in some areas you can self-refer).

Then apply a clean sterile dressing, especially if you have a discharge, and rest your foot as much as possible. Toenail correction stickers: An alternative to the toenail corrector or toenail brace is a correction sticker.We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. A. When toenails thicken and become discolored (onychomycosis), it’s most often due to fungus getting under the toenail through a crack in the nail or a cut in the skin that touches the toenail. If you cut the corners off the front of your toenail, as the dead cells are pushed forward, they will burrow into the nail folds and cause pain and possibly infection. Individuals have varying degrees of success with this device, often requiring the use of a longer-term toenail brace to more effectively correct the toenail’s growth. It’s best to use nail nippers (available from chemists) because they have a smaller cutting blade but a longer handle.

This thin, I-beam-shaped strip wraps around the front of the toe and under the edges of the nail to keep them from digging into the nail folds. Tight footwear, hosiery and socks can also push your toe flesh onto the nail so that it pierces the skin. Before you are seen by a podiatrist, you can relieve the discomfort by bathing your foot in a salty footbath which helps to prevent infection and reduces inflammation.Your nails may also have a natural tendency to splay or curl out instead of growing straight, encouraging your nail to grow outwards or inwards into the flesh. Less common is a fungal infection or in some cases particular types of medication, for example isotretinoin. In both cases, always ensure that any practitioners you visit are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and describe themselves as a podiatrist (or chiropodist). If you sweat excessively or don’t rotate your footwear, the skin becomes moist and weak and is easily penetrated by the nail. Nail cutters aren’t a good idea because the curved cutting edge can cut the flesh, and nail scissors can slip.

Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections. Additionally, this can come about from an underlying health condition such as poor circulation or from something as simple as always wearing nail polish.You should see a podiatrist urgently if you have symptoms of infection, and also have diabetes, poor circulation or a reduced immune system. Avoid man-made materials (synthetics) and choose socks and shoes of natural fibre which fit properly. Repeated activity: Any activity where you are constantly impacting the edge of the toenail may eventually cause that toenail to grow unnaturally. The nail folds, located along the sides of the toenail can become painful and infected if the edges of the nail grow into them, resulting in what’s known as an ingrown toenail.