Toenail ??

[towzer]

Hi Shelley

Last summer while playing soccer I broke my big toe
6 months later its mended but I did notice some black
thin, vertical lines on them and just figured it was from break

Now is see the same on my other big toe

COuld this be vitamin or mineral deficiency related

Thanks

[shelley]

It's partly deficiency, but mostly stress. What happens is the nail beds form strictures, areas where they just aren't as solid, and this allows blood to come up to the "surface" of the bed which is under the nail. It usually happens due to poor circulation due to tight shoes or a posture/sport that puts too much pressure on the toes due to sudden stopping, turning, shifting, all that. This causes a bit of swelling, which cuts off circulation temporarily. What would be smart is to do Epsom salt or Dead Sea Salt foot baths every night after any strenuous exercise or long periods of standing to ensure that the feet don't get too swollen. Afterwards, give them a good air bath, keeping them very very dry so no fungus can form, as compromised skin under the nails is very welcoming to yeasties and anaerobic bacteria.

Hope that helps!