As podiatrists we consult with patients about their various foot and ankle problems. Clinically we also treat issues relating to toenails and skin which can affect the overall cosmetic outcome of feet. As high heel and designer footwear lovers we can safely say that an accessory fungal infection is not what you want to accompany your strappy sandals this Summer. And on that note we thought it was time to have a recount of one toenail issue that we regularly see in the clinic. In particular, women who have pedicures often encounter this problem. Is it a fungal infection?
I recently removed my toenail polish and was greeted with white flecking on my toenails. The picture above is my toenail. Note the distinct line where the nail closest to the base of the toe appears to be healthy but there is definite white flecking in about a third of the nail towards the end. This is a common appearance of toenails that are constantly painted or treated with shellac, SNS or gel nails. Differential diagnosis? Sure, it could be early signs of a fungal infection. The most likely cause however, is damage and lifting of the nail due to filing prior to shellac application and the nail not drying out properly as it is covered for lengthy periods. The result is a white-speckled nail. The distinct line on my toenail aligns with when my shellac was removed and I started to use simple nail varnish. The new nail that is growing out is healthy but the nail that was filed prior to shellac application is damaged. The trade off with the use of shellac is a nail that doesn’t dry out and has been thinned prior to application. White flecking is common and sometimes fungal infections occur. What do I do about it?
How To Fix Nails Damaged By Pedicures:
- You can try to gently file the flecked areas with a wide nail file. Most times the white flecks will be removed.
- Apply a nail nutrient oil or paint to the nail daily for the next 7 days. Use it longer if the flecking is severe.
- Avoid using nail varnish, shellac or gel nails for at least 2 weeks preferably a month. Winter is a great time to give your nails a rest as feet are usually in boots or covered shoes!
- Watch the new nail growth on your toenails. Ensure that the colour is healthy and the discolouration isn’t tracking further back. Yellow flecking is not a good sign!
- If all these measures don’t solve the issue consult your podiatrist. They can assess the nail and make a firmer diagnosis.
- Good luck!
Hopefully this eases some of your toenail worries and you can enjoy the spoils of beautifully pedicured feet. The perfect accessory to your favourite sandals. For more information on how to care for your own nails like a professional, check out our recent YouTube video –
Until next time,
E&E
