With spring approaching, it is time to start thinking about heading to the beach and wearing open-toed shoes. As those toes see sunshine again, toenail problems often come to light. Check out some of the most common toenail problems to see what may be going on underneath the surface.

1. Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common ailment that can result in discoloration and thickening of the toenails. This issue is caused by a fungal infection and initially creates a change in the color of the nail, but may progress to pain and altered sensation at the site. It can be diagnosed with a nail clipping that is prepared with a solution of potassium hydroxide and viewed under a microscope.

Medications to clear up a toenail fungus can be applied topically or taken by mouth. Topical solutions include a prescription nail polish and medicated lotions. There are several anti-fungal tablets that can be effective at clearing it up, and these usually require several months of treatment and concurrent monitoring of your liver function through blood work. Adjunct therapy options include laser therapy and specialized light treatments.

2. Ingrown Toenails

Known by the medical diagnosis of unguis incarnatus, ingrown toenails are a painful podiatry problem. The exact cause of this ailment is unknown, but it can be attributed to tight shoes, injury, heredity, and improperly cut toenails. The surrounding area can become swollen, red, and painful if the problem persists.

There are several treatment options. For mild cases, the toe can be taped to a neighboring unaffected toe and placed in a brace. For more extensive issues, your health care provider may need to do a minor surgical procedure, which would involve numbing the toe, retracting the malformed area of the nail, and removing the problem area. Antibiotics may also be recommended.

3. Black-and-Blue Toenails

A black-and-blue toenail is also called a subungual hematoma and can occur after a direct blow to a toe. The nail bed underneath the visible part of the nail has many blood vessels, and after an injury, those vessels are broken and can bleed under the nail. This can cause tremendous discomfort from the increased pressure. It is essentially a bruise trapped underneath the nail.

Typical treatment for this problem is to drain the toenail, which is referred to as trephination. This is a minor medical procedure that relieves the pressure and leads to resolution of the pain. Typically, this procedure is only recommended when the hematoma involves at least 30 percent of the nail.

These common toenail problems can dampen your enjoyment of spring and summer fun. Please consider seeing your podiatrist today to get your toes in their best shape.