Concerns About My Toenail's Unusual Growth and Shedding
I am an 18-year-old female, standing at 5’5” and weighing approximately 120 pounds, and I'm not currently on any medications nor do I have a notable medical history. Over the past two years, I have been experiencing ongoing issues with my toenails, specifically related to the use of my ski boots. I live in either Colorado or California, and since I don’t reside in a ski town year-round, I haven’t replaced my ski boots despite needing to. Consequently, I’m in boots that are likely at least half a size too small. During the last two ski seasons, I have faced difficulties while skiing—particularly when it comes to landing jumps, which leads to my toes hitting the front of the boots repeatedly. After skiing for about three to four days, the toe on my right foot, which is a larger size, would start turning black. This has occurred in both ski seasons, and it takes around four months for the toenail to gradually shed. Each time it detaches, a new nail forms underneath, and I notice that it has a dark, hardened substance that resembles dried blood. Currently, the process is repeating, but this time the toenail is growing in a rather peculiar shape. I am looking for advice regarding why this might be happening. Could the solution simply be to invest in larger ski boots? What steps can I take to assist in the healing of my toe? It's important to note that I can't remove the nail as the other side appears to be healthy. I wish I could share a photo to illustrate this odd growth pattern, as it seems to curve in an unusual manner. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
3/30/2025, 4:50:31 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your situation with toenail shedding and unusual growth is likely related to repeated trauma from your ski boots being too small, which can lead to bruising and damage to the nail bed. The black discoloration and the shape change you're observing may be indicators of injury and stress on the nail.
Explanation:
When you're skiing, especially with boots that are too tight, your toes can repeatedly hit the front, causing bruising (which appears black) and trauma to the nail bed. This trauma can lead to shedding of the nail, and when a new nail grows, it can sometimes come in unevenly due to the previous damage. The hardened substance underneath could be dried blood and debris around the nail bed, a common consequence of trauma.
Next Steps:
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Invest in Proper Ski Boots:
- This is the most critical step. Find ski boots that fit properly—consider a half to full size larger, as the current size seems to be causing ongoing issues. Visit a ski shop for a fitting to ensure optimal comfort and support.
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Foot Care:
- Keep your toenails trimmed and clean to prevent further injury and infections.
- Apply a topical antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin) to prevent infection if there is any trauma or open skin.
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Pain and Monitoring:
- Monitor the nail's health. If it detaches again, watch for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge.
- If you experience significant pain, discomfort, or if the nail does not improve, consider a consultation for further evaluation.
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Practice Rest and Recovery:
- Allow your toes to rest after skiing and avoid activities that might exacerbate the issue until it heals completely.
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Consider a Protective Covering:
- If you still wish to ski while waiting for healing, consider using protective nail coverings to minimize trauma until your nail is healthy enough to withstand the pressure.
In summary, investing in properly fitting ski boots is essential to prevent further damage. Taking care of your toenails and monitoring their condition will help support healing. If you have persistent concerns or changes in the nail's appearance, seeking professional help could be beneficial.
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