Onychauxis is the medical term for an overgrowth or thickening of the nail which can become discoloured turning white, yellow, red or black.  Red or blackened nails are often a result of dried blood underneath the nail plate, however, it is important to check it out as it can be melanoma.

Causes

• Any alteration to the nail plate/root/bed
• Age ie metabolic change and poor circulation
• Systemic diseases ie psoriasis, eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, poor circulation, diabetes, cancer
• Fungal/bacterial infections
• Trauma/injury eg by dropping something onto the toe or repetitive pressure from shoes. Footballers or ballet dancers  can often suffer from onychauxis

Treatment

• Trim nails carefully. Soak feet in warm water for 10mins then use nail nippers to cut across the nail. Avoid cracking or splitting as this can result in ingrowing toenails.
• Feet can be soaked in a bowl of water with 3/4 tablespoons of cider vinegar 3 times a week to soften the nail before buffing to remove the top layer.
• The thickened nails may need to be reduced by a chiropodist if you are unable to do it yourself.  Once this has been done, tea tree oil can be used regularly to keep the nail soft and to avoid infection.
• Palliative care is essential

Prevention

• Keep nails trimmed but not too short
• File nails regularly
• Wear suitable footwear ie not too tight/loose/high

Finally, contact Julie-nne Monahan, our Foot Health Care Practitioner, or one of her colleagues if you need further advice.  Also check out: www.nhs.uk/conditions/nail-abnormalities & www.footvitals.com