Cracked, broken, discolored, or otherwise damaged toenails can be painful and, let’s face it, embarrassing. More than that, though, damaged toenails can lead to more serious problems if you don’t take care of them.
It’s important to address damaged toenails right away to prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
In this article, we’ll explore what causes damage to toenails, and we’ll look at some of the things you can do at home to help them heal. We’ll also talk about when it’s important to see a healthcare provider and what you can do to prevent toenail damage in the first place. So, let’s dive into how to repair damaged toenails.
What causes a cracked toenail?
Many things can lead to cracks or breaks in a toenail.
Injury
Toenails can crack or break if they experience some kind of trauma, such as stubbing your toe, dropping something heavy on your foot, or the pounding and stress that comes from running or other sports.
Poorly fitting shoes
Shoes that are too tight or that don’t support your foot well can cause toenail damage. Pressure and friction can weaken the nail and make it more likely to crack.
Other factors
Other things can also affect the health of your toenails, such as:
- Dryness. Nails that don’t have enough moisture can become brittle and crack easily.
- Fungal infections. A fungal infection can weaken the structure of your nail, making it more likely to crack. Watch for signs like discoloration, thickening, or crumbling.
- Underlying health conditions. Certain diseases, such as thyroid or kidney disease, and even vitamin deficiencies can affect your nail health and may lead to dystrophic nails.
- Age. As we get older, our nails often become more brittle and prone to cracking.
Can a cracked toenail heal itself?
Unfortunately, toenails usually can’t heal on their own. Unlike skin, nails don’t have the same regenerative properties. That means you’ll likely need to intervene to prevent the crack from getting worse or developing an infection.
At-home treatments for cracked toenails
If your toenail is cracked but not broken, you may be able to care for it at home.
Immediate care
The first thing you need to do is clean and disinfect the toenail. You can use soap and water, an antiseptic wipe, or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. You should also trim any rough or jagged edges to keep them from catching on your socks and causing further injury.
Repairing the crack
If you want to repair the crack, you have a few options:
- Nail repair kits: These kits come with glue and powder that you can use to fill in the crack and seal it.
- Tea bag or silk wrap: You can cut a small piece of a tea bag or silk wrap and glue it over the crack. This makes a temporary barrier that keeps the crack from getting worse.
- Nail hardener: You can use a nail hardener to help strengthen the nail and prevent further cracking.
Ongoing care
Be sure to keep the area clean and dry to avoid infection. You should also moisturize your nails regularly with a little oil or cream.
When does your cracked toenail require medical attention?
Most of the time, you can take care of cracked toenails at home. However, you’ll want to see a doctor if:
- The crack is deep.
- The crack is painful.
- The crack is bleeding.
- You have signs of an infection (redness, swelling, pain, pus, or a foul odor).
- You have diabetes or another underlying health condition.
- Your nail is discolored or has white spots.
What are the medical treatments to fix a cracked toenail?
If you’ve got a seriously damaged toenail, a podiatrist is your best bet. They can take a look and figure out the right treatment plan for you.
That plan might include:
- Cleaning and removing any dead tissue from the nail
- Applying pressure and bandaging your toe to stabilize it
- Prescribing antibiotics if there’s an infection
- Taking X-rays to see how bad the damage really is
- And in really bad cases, removing the toenail altogether; recovery can take time, so understanding what to expect 6 weeks after toenail removal is important.
There are also some newer treatments they might try, like toenail repair techniques or even laser therapy, but your podiatrist will know what’s best for your situation.
How do you prevent nail cracking?
Once you’ve repaired your damaged toenails, you’ll want to keep them strong and healthy.
Proper nail care
Follow these steps to give your toenails the care they need:
- Keep toenails trimmed straight across, and don’t trim them too short.
- Avoid cutting into the corners of the nail, which can lead to painful ingrown toenails.
- File your nails to smooth away any rough edges.
- Avoid soaking your nails in water for too long.
Proper footwear
Your shoes can protect your feet and help your nails stay healthy. Be sure to:
- Wear shoes that fit well and provide the support you need.
- Choose shoes made of breathable materials to keep moisture from building up.
- Wear protective footwear when you’re doing activities that could cause trauma to your toes.
Good nutrition and hydration
What you eat and drink can affect your nails.
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals. Calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and antioxidants are all important for nail health.
- Stay hydrated by drinking enough water every day.
Pedicures
If you like to get pedicures, be sure you go to a reputable, licensed nail salon. This will help you avoid infections and other problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Vicks VapoRub do for toenails?
While not a proven cure, some people find Vicks VapoRub helpful for toenail fungus due to ingredients like camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, which may have antifungal properties. However, it’s essential to remember that Vicks is a topical remedy and may not penetrate the nail bed effectively to eliminate the infection entirely. Results can vary, and it’s always best to consult with a doctor or podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
How do I get my toenails back healthy?
Getting your toenails back to a healthy state depends on the underlying cause of the damage. If it’s a fungal infection, topical or oral antifungal medications prescribed by a doctor are usually necessary. Keeping your feet clean and dry, wearing breathable socks and shoes, and trimming your toenails straight across can help prevent further damage. For injuries, allowing the nail to grow out naturally is often the best course of action, while protecting the nail bed from further trauma. If you have concerns about the appearance or health of your toenails, seeking professional medical advice is always recommended.
In Summary
It’s important to take care of damaged toenails right away. Getting treatment early can keep small problems from turning into bigger ones and help your nails grow in healthy.
You can keep your toenails healthy by keeping them clean, wearing the right shoes, and living a healthy lifestyle. Good hygiene, appropriate footwear, and a balanced diet are essential for strong, healthy toenails.
If your toenails hurt a lot, show signs of infection, or have other issues, don’t wait. See a foot doctor as soon as you can.