Bad cracks in my toenails - any ideas please.?

[MikefromsouthNZ]

I've had Raynaud's in my hands and feet for last 5 years and I now have bad cracks in my toenails,, I also have cracks in my fingernails but as I always wear gloves, they don't really bother me the same... Dose anyone else have this problem..? Dose anyone have a way to help treat these cracks, or other ideas that might help please.?

[Hidden]

Sounds as if your nails are not getting enough oxygen/nutrients to keep them healthy. Keep them well moisturised and wear thermal socks. Also try getting some Vitamin C with zinc as a supplement. Think its also worth seeing your GP, as you dont want your nails to lift off the nailbed, as it will make your digits vulnerable. I think its worth getting blood tests for iron, B12 and Vitamin D done, as shortage of these may lead to problems, as well as a thyroid test.

[MikefromsouthNZ in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your helpful advice .. I've had blood tests done and all show very good results and I see my GP every 3 months or sooner if I'm unwell.. I do already wear thermal socks and another pair of knee-length heavy woolly socks plus possum-skin fur booties inside a pair of Merino Sheepskin boots.. I will try the vitamin C and zinc supplements as I know when are farm animals have foot problems my father gives them zinc.. I've also tried a B12 supplement before but I'll ask my GP if he can give me B12 injections instead.. I'm unsure how I can get more oxygen to my nails without them getting too cold so could you please enlighten me more on how to do this, thanks.. I do get the odd ulcer on my toes but my district nurse has managed to heal them with ulcer gauze and bandaged them..

Thanks again for your helpful advice and it's all very much appreciated..

[graygirl1]

Sound advice from Inkedup. See your GP for blood test, you may be have a vitamin deficiency.

However, problems with nails, hair and skin is always affected in some way, part of the package.

I have a permanent split in both my thumbnails plus flaking and breakage. I've tried all sorts of nail strengtheners and nail repair bits and peices to no avail. I just keep them short and clean and try not to use harsh products for cleaning and washing-up etc. Use gloves as much as possible. Try some natural oils like, olive, almond, coconut,sunflower and vit e oils mixed with shea butter to moisturise your hands, feet and skin in general. Use as many times as possible, especially at bedtime when you've finished your chores. If you want to, you can wear cotton gloves and cotton socks at bedtime after applying your oils. Mix together all the oils or choose your favourite/s. Even the humble vaseline is good to use as a moisturiser. Vit e oil can be obtained from fish oil capsules. Pierce the capsule with a pin and squeeze to add to the blend. You can buy cheap codliver oil or any fish oil capsules for this blend.(does't have to be a fancy brand)

Some or all of the oils I've mentioned can be bought cheaply in the discount stores like £ shop and/or any supermarket's food and skincare section. The cotton gloves and socks are around one pound(£1) again from any discount shop.

The blood test is very important though as you may need to take some oral medication as well. These oils can be used all the time if you wish to try them. I forgot to say, you can add some lovely smells to your oils by adding a few drops of tea tree oil, lavender oil, rose oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, the list goes on. All are full of goodness, smell delicious and will lift your spirit if nothing else. Make up a small amount at first to see if you like them.

All the best.

[MikefromsouthNZ]

Thank's for all your advice as it's all so very much appreciated indeed...

I do have to take a lot of medications for my disabilities plus I take Magnesium and Fish oil as well.. I also have a friend that massages me most weeks with some of the oils you mentioned but we add a mixture of antiflamm rubbing cream plus beeswax as I find the antiflamm helps my achy muscles.. She also massages my hands and fingernails with this same blend that dose help.. But my nails and especially my toenails split and often get spurs/snags from breaking and cracks.. My care team often file my nails for me as I find it warms my fingertips especially really well.. But sadly my poor feet are always as cold as ice, even though I wear 2 pair of thick woolly knee-length socks and a pair of possum-skin fur booties, plus I also wear a pair of knee-length Merino Sheepskin boots, just to try and keep them warm from the cold.. I also wear a pair of thermal liners inside my gloves every day so my fingernails are protected as well as keeping my hands warm..

I really think though a lot of these issues are from having Raynauds and especially the split and cracking nails...

I truly appreciate all your feedback and helpful advice so thank you for all your help and kind support......

[Yorky]

Have you thought about investing in some electrically (from rechargeable battery packs) insoles from EXO. I have found them invaluable over the last 2 winters.

[MikefromsouthNZ]

Thanks yorky,

I phone our local motorcycle shop today and asked about the EXO2 Heated Soles.. They will look in to this and get back to me.. They sound perfect for my cold achy feet..

Many thanks for your help and support..

[AHM42]

This is a common problem caused by poor circulation to the toes. Some people have found benefit from rubbing Vitamin E into the nails. You can get capsules and cut them to get the liquid out.