Let’s face it: nobody wants “ugly” toenails. What exactly makes a toenail “ugly” is subjective, of course. But most people are referring to discoloration, thickening, or some kind of deformity of the nail. When your toenails don’t look their best, it can make you feel self-conscious, and you might even avoid situations where your feet are exposed.
The good news is that there are many ways to treat common toenail issues, and even prevent them from happening in the first place. From fungal infections to stubbing your toe, there are many causes of toenail problems that can be addressed with medical treatments and at-home remedies, including being mindful of safe toenail fungus pedicures.
The information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Here are some pictures of ugly toenails and how to treat them.
What causes ugly toenails?
When your toenails look gnarly, it’s often a sign of a health issue that needs attention.
Onychomycosis (Fungal Nail Infection)
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that affects the nail bed or the nail plate (the hard part of your nail). It’s the most common reason toenails change color or get thicker.
If you have a fungal nail infection, you might notice:
- Yellowing, whitening, or darkening of the nail
- Thickening and distortion of the nail shape
- Brittleness and crumbling
- The nail separating from the nail bed (called onycholysis)
Fungal nail infections happen more often when people have poor foot hygiene, wear shoes that don’t breathe well, experience nail trauma, have diabetes, have a weakened immune system, or are older.
Trauma and Injury
Toenails can get beat up from injuries such as:
- Dropping a heavy object on your foot
- Stubbing your toe
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes that cause repetitive microtrauma (common in sports)
The resulting nail changes can include:
- Bruising under the nail (subungual hematoma)
- Thickening and distortion
- Nail separation (onycholysis)
- Ingrown toenails
Other Medical Conditions
Sometimes, changes in your nails can be a sign of a medical condition.
- Psoriasis: Nail changes associated with psoriasis include pitting, ridging, discoloration, thickening, and nail separation.
- Yellow Nail Syndrome: This rare condition causes yellow, thickened nails, as well as lymphedema (swelling) and respiratory problems.
- Lichen Planus: This condition can cause thinning, ridging, and nail loss.
Medical treatments for unsightly toenails
If you have toenails you consider ugly, you’re probably hoping you can do something about them! Here are some treatments your doctor may recommend:
Topical antifungal medications
These are medicines you apply directly to the surface of the nail to kill the fungus. Common ingredients include ciclopirox and amorolfine.
These treatments are often used for long periods of time (from several months to a year). They may not work for severe infections or infections that affect the nail matrix (the area where the nail grows from).
To get the best results, file the nail surface to help the medicine soak in. Apply the medication exactly as directed.
Oral antifungal medications
These are medicines you take by mouth to kill the fungus throughout your body. Common medications include terbinafine and itraconazole.
Oral antifungals tend to work better than topical treatments for severe infections, but they can have side effects; it’s helpful to see fungi nail before & after treatment results to understand the possibilities. Your doctor will need to monitor you for liver toxicity and drug interactions. You’ll also need regular blood tests.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy uses focused laser energy to kill the fungus. It has minimal side effects, and the treatment time is shorter than with oral medications.
Laser therapy involves multiple sessions. You may feel a little uncomfortable during the treatment.
The effectiveness of laser therapy varies, but it can work well for some people.
Surgical nail removal
If other treatments haven’t worked or you have a severe infection, your doctor may recommend removing part or all of the affected nail. Consider the risks of DIY toenail removal before considering this option.
There is a risk of infection, pain, and nail regrowth abnormalities. However, removing the nail gets rid of the source of the infection.
After surgery, you’ll need to take good care of the wound. It can take several months for the nail to regrow.
Home remedies and prevention
Before we get into prevention, let’s talk about home remedies. Keep in mind that home remedies aren’t a replacement for medical care from a doctor or podiatrist. If your toenails look “ugly,” it’s important to see a professional for the best, most effective treatment.
Home remedies
- Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has some antifungal properties, and some people use it topically to try to treat toenail fungus.
- Vinegar soaks: Some people say that soaking your feet in vinegar is helpful because of the acetic acid in vinegar.
- Vicks VapoRub: Some people swear by applying Vicks VapoRub topically to their toenails.
Prevention
Here are some of the things you can do to prevent toenail problems:
- Foot hygiene: Wash your feet every day with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly, especially between your toes.
- Nail trimming: Trim your toenails straight across and don’t cut them too short.
- Breathable footwear: Wear shoes made of breathable materials and avoid tight-fitting shoes.
- Clean socks: Wear clean, dry socks, and change them if they get damp or sweaty.
- Shoes in public places: Wear shoes or sandals in public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools.
- Disinfect nail tools: Clean your nail clippers and files regularly to prevent the spread of infection.
The psychological impact of unsightly toenails (and how to cope)
Okay, let’s be real. If you’re Googling “ugly toenails pictures,” you’re probably feeling pretty self-conscious about your own feet. You might even feel ashamed, embarrassed, or anxious about them. Maybe you’re avoiding social situations where you’d have to show your toes, like swimming or wearing sandals.
It’s okay to feel that way! But it’s important to address the issue proactively. Here are some coping strategies:
- Seek professional help and treatment: A podiatrist can diagnose the cause of your unsightly toenails and recommend treatment options.
- Focus on self-care and positive body image: Take care of your feet and focus on the things you like about your body.
- Find support: Talk to friends, family, or a support group about how you’re feeling.
Remember, you’re not alone, and there are things you can do to feel better about your feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fix my ugly toenails?
Fixing “ugly” toenails depends on the underlying cause. Often, it involves treating fungal infections with topical or oral medications prescribed by a doctor. Other solutions include addressing ingrown toenails through proper trimming or medical intervention, and managing conditions like psoriasis that can affect nail appearance. Identifying the cause with a healthcare professional is key.
What do deformed toenails indicate?
Deformed toenails can signal various underlying health issues. They may be caused by fungal infections, trauma to the nail, psoriasis, eczema, or even systemic diseases. In some cases, deformities can indicate nutritional deficiencies or circulatory problems. It’s essential to consult a doctor to determine the specific cause and appropriate treatment.
How to hide an ugly toenail?
If you’re self-conscious about your toenails, there are several ways to temporarily hide them. You can use nail polish, especially darker shades, to camouflage discoloration. Wearing closed-toe shoes is another option. For more significant issues, consider using nail reconstruction products or consulting a podiatrist for professional solutions.
How do I get my toenails back to normal?
Restoring your toenails to their normal appearance requires addressing the underlying cause of any issues. This might involve treating infections, managing skin conditions, or correcting nail trauma. Consistent nail care, including proper trimming and hygiene, is also crucial. Patience is key, as toenails grow slowly.
What does vitamin D deficiency look like in nails?
While vitamin D deficiency doesn’t have specific, easily identifiable signs in nails, severe or prolonged deficiency can contribute to overall nail weakness and brittleness. Other symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, like fatigue and bone pain, are more prominent. A blood test is the best way to determine if you’re deficient.
In Conclusion
Ugly toenails can be a sign of something going on with your health. We’ve talked about some of the common causes, treatments, and what you can do to prevent them. If you’re concerned about the look of your toenails, it’s important to see a doctor to find out what’s going on and get the right treatment. Taking care of your feet is an important part of taking care of your health!