5 Things Your Toenails Say About Your Health

Quick question: When’s the last time you took a proper look at your toenails?

Not just a glance when painting them or trimming them down — we’re talking a good look. Because believe it or not, your toenails can tell you quite a bit about your overall health.

Yep. Those little nail beds can be windows into what’s going on inside your body. At Birtley Foot Clinic, we’ve seen it all — from harmless quirks to signs of something more serious.

Here are five things your toenails might be trying to tell you.

1. Yellow Nails? It Could Be a Fungal Infection

If your toenails have turned yellow, thickened, or started to crumble at the edges, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with a fungal infection.

This is super common — especially if you’re active, wear tight shoes, or use public showers at the gym. While over-the-counter treatments might help early on, deeper infections often need a professional touch.

Left untreated, they can spread or cause discomfort. That’s when it’s time to visit a podiatrist in Birtley or book a session at your local foot clinic for effective treatment options.

2. Ingrown Edges? Your Nails Might Be Growing the Wrong Way

Ingrown toenails aren’t just painful — they can also lead to infections if ignored.

If your nails curl downward or dig into the surrounding skin, you might notice redness, swelling, or even pus. This can happen from cutting your nails too short, wearing tight shoes, or simply genetics.

Professional ingrown toenail treatment in Birtley can relieve the pressure (and the pain) quickly — sometimes with a simple fix, other times with a minor procedure like nail surgery.

3. Ridged or Pitted Nails? Watch Your Nutrition (and Stress)

If your nails have little dents, deep grooves, or horizontal ridges, it might be your body’s way of flagging an issue.

Some ridges are a normal part of ageing, but deep or sudden ones might point to:

• Vitamin or mineral deficiencies

• Stress or illness (including infections)

• Skin conditions like psoriasis

A podiatrist can help you understand what’s causing the change — and refer you for further checks if needed.

4. Black or Dark Spots? Don’t Brush Them Off

A small bruise under the toenail could be from a bump or tight shoes. But if there’s a dark spot that doesn’t grow out or looks unusual, it’s important to get it checked.

In rare cases, it could be a sign of something more serious like melanoma — a type of skin cancer.

The rule? If you didn’t bang your toe and the mark doesn’t fade or move up as the nail grows, book an appointment. Better safe than sorry.

5. White Spots or Flaky Nails? It Might Be More Than Just Damage

Little white marks are often harmless — usually caused by minor trauma like stubbed toes or rough nail trimming. But if your toenails are constantly flaking, brittle, or turning chalky white, it could point to:

• Fungal infections

• Poor foot hygiene

• Nail psoriasis

Don’t ignore persistent changes. A quick visit to a foot pain specialist in Birtley can help you get answers and feel better — fast.

Healthy Nails = Healthy Feet

Your toenails aren’t just there to polish and hide in shoes. They’re important clues to your overall wellbeing — and a big part of foot health.

Whether it’s discolouration, shape changes, or ongoing discomfort, don’t wait for things to get worse. The team at Birtley Foot Clinic is here to help you sort it quickly, comfortably, and with the right care plan.