Why Does Toenail Fall Off Abruptly, What and How to Treat It?

You may be shocked to see your big toenail falling off or completely missing. Athletes and runners commonly lose their toenails because of extreme wear and tear of their feet. The skin under your nail is delicate and soft. When the toenail falls off, it exposes the soft skin which is exposed to dirt and pollution. This will require immediate assistance to avoid any infection.

If a toenail is already detached, it is easy to remove it. However, if it comes out due to an injury, it is extremely painful. Many people visit a podiatrist because their toenails often fall off. This could be due to a fungal infection or any kind of repetitive injury. It is wise to see a doctor when toenail falling is frequent.

If you are looking for a podiatrist in Irvine Orange County, California, you can consult Dr. Sima Soltani. She has 20 years of experience which makes her extremely knowledgeable and expertise in her field. You can also get toenail laser therapy in their clinic through FDA-approved laser devices to treat toenail fungus.

Causes of Falling of Toenail

Fungal Infection

The fungus can grow in any part of the body including the nail or the nail bed. It can be due to

● Excessive sweating

● Aging

● Cracked nails

● Diabetes

● Athlete’s foot.

Symptoms of Fungal Infection

● Discoloration of the nail

● Smell thicker toenail

● Unusual shape

● Brittle nails

Treatment of Toenail Fungal Infection

● Keep the feet dry

● Nails trimmed

● Change socks regularly

● Disinfect nail Clippers after usage

● Wear shoes in damp areas

Injury

Of course, nobody wants to hurt themselves, but the injury can happen to anyone.

● Bike or car accident

● Dropping of heavy object on the toe

● Sports practice or extreme running

● Ballet dancing

● Extreme pressure on toenails

Symptoms

● Black Or purple toenail because blood clots under the nail

● Blood puts pressure on the nail and it causes to fall off after few weeks

Treatment of Injured Toenail

● Soaking the injured area in cool water

● Applying antibiotic ointments

● Bandaging properly

● Taking anti-inflammatory drugs

● Giving proper rest to foot

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common skin disease with a scaly, red patchy appearance on the skin. A person who frequently suffers from Psoriasis on the skin will develop nail Psoriasis as well.

Symptoms of Psoriasis on toenail

● Yellow or brown color thick nails

● Uneven nails

● Pitting of the nail

● Chalky buildup

Most Psoriasis symptoms are similar to fungal infection

Treatment

● Soaking feet in warm water

● Applying medicated cream prescribed by a doctor

● Phototherapy

When to remove toenail

A person should not remove an entire toenail even if a part of it has fallen off. The person can trim and file to smooth out uneven edges. Avoid wearing closed shoes or socks that may bruise the area. In extreme cases, you can consult a foot doctor who will prescribe medication.

Severe Conditions

● Bleeding

● Pain

● Redness

● Swelling

● Pus

● Fever

If you have any such problem you can always reach out to a PodiatristInIrvine. If your toenail falls off, it grows back within few months, but it is wise to contact a doctor if you suffer from severe pain and bleeding.