Pinky toenails are always a matter of concern. They are small in size, prone to injuries, and look strange compared to the rest of the toes. The nail bed also seems to get damaged faster. If you’re someone who likes wearing open-toe shoes, you may feel self-conscious about your feet. Caring about your physical appearance isn’t vanity but a natural human behavior.
If you look good, you feel good. Therefore, it is not a surprise that something as tiny as a pinky toenail is a cause of concern for you. However, there is more to this toenail than meets the eye. This small appendage does serve a purpose that is beneficial for your foot.
Through this article, we will walk you through why the pinky toenail looks the way it is and how can you care for it:
Why Does My Pink Toe Nail Look Weird?
When you refer to the weirdness of your toenail, that generally means it looks more grotesque and discolored compared to the rest of your nails. There are a few reasons why this happens. Naturally, the pinky toenail is supposed to have the same pinkish tone as the rest of your nails. However, if it looks deformed, here’s why:
Also read: why are my fingernails turning yellow
1. Fungal Infections
Fungal infections impact feet more than any other body part rapidly. That is because our feet go in shoes. Shoes trap and retain the moisture feet give out. The climate inside is warm, slightly humid, and dark—the perfect breeding ground for fungus. Foot fungus is not uncommon, but it is painful to treat and even awful to look at. When you have foot fungus, you may have impacted toenails. Their pretty pink color takes on a greyish, yellowish appearance. As it progressively gets worse, your toenails may become crumbly and flaky. Fungal infection treatment requires copious patience and over-the-counter creams. If they don’t do the trick, then visit your podiatrist.
2. Stubbing Your Pink Toe Nail
Pinky nails are prone to stubbing. This refers to hitting your toes against a hard surface which often means furniture. If you happen to hit your pinky toe, you will experience sharp pinky toe pain. Continuous impacts leave lasting damage on the roots of your nail. This may cause them to grow abnormal, such as an ingrown nail, as the damaged toenail can now grow inward.
3. Ingrown Nails.
Ingrown nails are a condition where the nail in your pinky toes grows sideways into the skin. This causes pain and makes your toe tender and swollen. You can treat it with a topical cream or nip of the extra nail.
Why Is My Pink Toe Nail So Small?
Pinky toenails are small. However, if you feel your toenail is way smaller than necessary, that means you need to revisit your shoes. Hard fitting shoes cause abrasion against your feet that impacts the toenail. Also, tightly fitted shoes cause immense pain in your toes, and due to the lack of room, the toenail stop growing. It isn’t much you can do to make your toenail go long. It will only grow as much as your natural nail bed allows it to grow.
Why Is My Pink Toe Nail Split?
Double toenails or an accessory toenail is a condition in which your pinky toenail may seem split down the middle. As a result, you may have two toenails growing next to each other. This is a recessive condition that happens due to your genetics. A double toenail will not impact your health in any way. However, you can consider getting it removed through surgery. The toenail can get caught in loose clothing, causing painful tears. Loose nails are also more prone to infections. So save yourself the pain and get it looked at.
Why Do Pink Toe Nails Grow Up and Not Out?
If your pinky toenails are growing up towards the sky, this means your nail bed is small, and your toenail has no space to grow. As a result, you get curved toenails. There are also other reasons why your pinky toenail grows up. It could be due to your poor footwear that restricts your toenails from growing back. As a result, your toenail has no space on the sides and grows up. You can fix this condition by trimming your toenails and filing them down to size.
Why Do I Have Thick Pinky Toenail
These occur due to a fungal infection. The longer toenails are untreated, the thicker they become.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Thick Pink Toe Nail?
If you have one or more of these symptoms, you have an infection:
- Discoloration of the pink nails.
- A foul odor from the toenails.
- Toenails that grow up from the nail bed.
- Toenails that split, crumble, look flaky, and have debris under them.
Eventually, you will feel a sharp pain on your pinky toes and nails.
How Are Thick Pink Toe Nails Treated?
After a doctor diagnoses your condition, you may get topical or oral medications. The doctor will also inform you to keep your feet clean and groom your nails regularly. After which, you will apply your prescribed ointment and bandage them for the night. You may need to get a laser treatment in extreme cases, or the doctor may altogether remove the toenail from the nail bed.
Why Does My Pinky Toe Hurt?
Your pinky toe may hurt for several reasons. Most of them are the cause of injuries such as:
- You Dislocate A Toe. When you separate one pinky toe from another.
- You May Have A Bunion. This is a bony bump outside of your pinky.
- Corn. This results from continuous friction between your shoes and your toes.
- Overlapping Pinky Toes. Some people have a pinky toe that grows sideways and overlaps with the fourth toe. This is a genetic condition but can cause extreme pain and discomfort.
How to Tell If You Have an Ingrown Pink Toe Nail?
Ingrown pinky toenails is a condition when the toenail begins to grow into soft flesh. This results in severe pain followed by physical symptoms such as redness, swelling, and infections. In such cases, immediately seek a doctor and get yourself treated.
What Causes Ingrown Pink Toe Nails?
There are some common causes why your toenails are ingrown. Such as:
- Shoes that have no space for nail growth.
- Cutting toenails too short or not straight.
- Injuring your toenails
- Having Curved Toenails
If these are left untreated, you may get an infection and experience even more severe pain. So the minute you feel a sharp pain and see the symptoms appearing. See a doctor.
Wrap Up
Pinky toenails have a record of being unfavorable in people’s eyes. They’re small, weirdly shaped, and prone to injuries. However, your foot needs the pinky toe to help you balance and so while you care for your toe. Pay attention to your pinky toenails. If your toenail gets injured or you use the wrong footwear, you’re inviting infections and more curled and ingrown toenails. Fungal infections also cause your toenails to go thick and discolored.
Another problem you may face is ingrown toenails. These are painful and need a doctor’s attention right away. You may even be the cause behind severely injuring your pinky toes, causing fractures and corns. So, start today and look after your feet, so you no longer feel embarrassed or stay consistently in pain.
Medical Disclaimer: All the content available on the website is just for informational purposes. It’s not a substitute for any Professional advice. Don’t take it personally. As a medical student, I’m just trying to use my information through my content, and please keep in mind it’s not written by a professional doctor. Use the data just for educational purposes.
Dr. Kelly Han is a seasoned medical professional with a passion for holistic wellness and integrative health. Based in San Francisco, her expertise spans across various domains of health, from fitness and skincare to oral health and weight management.
Understanding the intricate connections between different aspects of health, Dr. Han believes in a comprehensive approach. Whether it’s the latest skincare regimen, effective weight loss strategies, or understanding hormonal imbalances, she’s dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based advice and actionable insights on a wide array of health topics.
Through her articles, Dr. Han aims to empower individuals to take charge of their well-being, offering them the knowledge and tools they need to lead healthier, more vibrant lives. Join her in exploring the multifaceted world of health, beauty, and wellness.
