Toenail Conditions

Alternate Names : Ingrown Toenail, Abnormal Nails, Black Toe, Runner's Toe, Toenail Infection

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Prevention is based on good nail hygiene. Dirt and other foreign matter should not be allowed to build up underneath the nail. The feet should be kept very clean. Nails should be trimmed straight across. The corners of the nails should not be trimmed back. The reason is that as a person walks on the toes, the flesh under the nails is pushed upward. If the nails are trimmed back, the flesh can be pushed up into the nail, and cause a painful ingrowing toenail.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

The most common long-term effect is pain with walking or exercise. The pain goes way when the nail condition clears up. In some cases, bacteria may infect a nail, and sepsis, or blood poisoning, may occur.