Discoloured, Damaged or Crumbly Toenails

What causes discoloured nails?

Why are my nails discoloured? The answer may be one of many, with discoloured or yellow toenails often caused by the following reasons:

• Overuse of fake tanning products
• Nail polish staining
• Poor foot hygiene
• Fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot
• Trauma or injury leading to bruising under the nail
• Underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or circulation issues

What causes damaged toenails?

Crumbly or damaged toenails? You may find the cause is due to the following issues:

• Repeated trauma, from tight footwear or sports
• Fungal infections, leading to crumbly toenails or thickened nail texture
• Poor foot hygiene, including hot and sweaty feet
• Underlying conditions, like psoriasis, affecting overall nail health.

Brittle toenail causes

When it comes to brittle nails, causes range from the simple to the more complex. If you struggle with brittle toenails, the issues below may be affecting your nail strength:

• Lack of moisture, causing toenails to split or peel
• Nutritional deficiencies, particularly biotin, iron or protein
• Overuse of nail treatments
• Frequent exposure to water
• Underlying medical conditions

Treating discoloured toenails

Treating and preventing further nail discolouration begins with proper foot hygiene – including:

• Regular washing of the feet
• Wearing breathable socks
• Wearing non-restrictive footwear.

It’s best to refrain from applying fake tan, nail polish or similar to your feet or toenails while using repairing treatments.

Treating damaged and brittle toenails

1. Clean the nails: Trim the broken or damaged nails with our Stainless Steel Nail Scissors, then apply Margaret Dabbs London’s Foot Hygiene Cream all over the nails. This should be repeated every morning and evening. Our hygiene cream will clean the nail and prevent the spread of infection to other toes and the surrounding skin.
2. Control sweating and infection: Use the PURE Soothing Foot Powder throughout the day, sprinkling the powder inside your shoes or over your feet. This will control sweating, neutralise odour and prevent fungal infections – perfect for use as an all-day problem solver.
3. Target problem nails: Repair individual nails with the Nourishing Nail & Cuticle Serum Pen. Our award-winning formula rejuvenates dry, damaged nails and protects against infection.
4. Allow your toes to breathe: If you must wear socks to bed, wear our Luxury Hemp Socks – a breathable alternative to standard socks

How to strengthen brittle toenails

If you aren’t suffering from severe damage or infection, you can strengthen weak and brittle toenails by applying our Nail Strengthening Treatment. This nail hardener will help get your nails back on track.

Nails, just like skin, should be moisturised daily. Moisturising your nails with Margaret Dabbs London’s Miracle Foot Cream will ensure your nails stay strong and healthy, while also protecting against bacterial infection.