Curling Toenail - Everything You Need to Know

What is a curling toenail?

This is simply a nail that does not grow straight out. It can curve inwards or outwards depending on several factors such as the way a person walks, the kind of shoes they wear and how much their feet perspire.

If the toenail grows longer, it can embed itself into the soft skin surrounding the nail and grow inside the skin. This can be very painful and can cause a lot of swelling because of the pus that will develop in the toe. In very severe cases, the person with this kind of toenail will need to undergo a minor surgery to remedy the situation.

What causes a curling toenail?

Curling toenails are very common and different people acquire them in very different ways. For instance, an athlete who has a curling toenail would have gotten it by sweating a lot and consistently wearing tight shoes and dampened socks.

On the other hand, a woman might get curling toenails by having one too many pedicures and trimming the sides of the toenail too much. Children are also prone to getting curling toenails because they tend to run a lot and may even be cutting their own nails improperly. They are also more prone to cuts and scratches which can allow infection to start more easily around the nail bed.

Sometimes curling toenails can also be hereditary in which case this kind of toenail runs in the family. If this is the case with you, you just have to make sure you take care of your feet well to keep your toes from getting infected.

How can you avoid getting a curling toenail?

There are several easy things you can do to prevent getting a curling toenail but the most important is to learn how to trim your nails the right way. Most people use nail cutters to do the job, but in fact, nippers are more advisable. When trimming your nails, do not cut too close to the nail bed.

Other ways of avoiding getting a curling Nail fungus include wearing fresh cotton socks that can easily absorb moisture and sporting sandals or open shoes as much as you can especially in particularly hot weather.

Avoid wearing shoes made from synthetic materials as these can trap moisture inside and make the skin of your toes softer and much more easily penetrable by the curved nails.

Keeping your feet and toenails dry and clean at all times is also helpful in avoiding infection caused by curling toenails. If the foot is constantly dirty, it becomes very attractive to germs and bacteria that can further speed up the spreading of infection.