Here’s what to know.
If your answer is hardly never, besides decidingwhat color your next pedicure should be, youre not alone.
Neglected fungal infections or ingrown toenails can lead to serious complications that could even result in hospitalization or surgery.
Toenails can get very dirty, andmore so if youre barefoot, says podiatristJacqueline Sutera, DPM.
What is the gunk that builds up under my toenails?
According to Dr. Levine, any unusual thickness or buildup under the nail is probably a fungus.
board-certified dermatologist and nail specialist
How do you get rid of buildup under your toenails?
Cleaning your toenails at home regularly is the best way to prevent buildup over time.
This is also when you should physicallyexfoliate your feet, removing hard skin and making sure everything is soft.
Trim your toenails
Frequent, proper nail trimming reduces your risk of ingrown toenails or bacterial infections.
What is the best way to clean my toenails?
Toenail-specific trimmers are generally larger, have a sharper cutting edge, and less curvature.
This design is beneficial since trimming the toenails straighter across can reduce the risk of ingrown toenails.
How can I tell if my toenails are healthy?
To test for a healthy nail, apply pressure.
board-certified dermatologist and nail specialist
The color should disappear, then reappear when you relieve the pressure, she says.
You may also notice a small, white half-circle at the base of your nail.
This is called the lunula and is a healthy detail.
Other physical signs of healthy (or unhealthy) toenails?
Nails often have small longitudinal ridges, Dr. Kvas explains.
Can I use hydrogen peroxide to clean my toenails?
If nails are too long, more buildup will occur.
This then creates an opening where dirt and debris will collect, she says.
Instead, she suggests using an orange stick to clean the area gently.
you might also keep a nail brush in your bathroom and gently clean your toes a few times weekly.
Whatever you dodont cut them.
Wear shoes (and clean socks!)
Dont go barefoot, especially in public places where you could pick up any number of toenail-based maladies.
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