Fingernail and Toenail Problems in Grand Rapids, MI

Nails support and protect the sensitive tips of our fingers and toes. Healthy nails also play an important role in daily life for people in Grand Rapids – from buttoning winter coats to lacing up boots for snowy sidewalks or tying fishing lines on the Grand River.

What Fingernails and Toenails Do

  • Fingernails help us pick up small objects, scratch an itch, and untie knots.
  • Toenails protect the toes from pressure and trauma, which is especially important for Grand Rapids residents who spend time walking on icy sidewalks or wearing heavy winter footwear.

Fingernails grow about three times faster than toenails. Nail problems can affect people of all ages in West Michigan, but certain conditions are more common in older adults and people with chronic health issues such as diabetes or poor circulation.

Some nail conditions need professional treatment from a doctor, dermatologist, or podiatrist, while others improve with simple self-care and lifestyle changes.

When to Seek Medical Care in Grand Rapids

If you notice pain, swelling, discoloration, or changes in the shape or thickness of your nails, it’s important to seek medical advice. In Grand Rapids, you can talk with:

  • Your primary care provider at Corewell Health (Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, or Mercy Health
  • A dermatologist for skin- and nail-related conditions
  • A podiatrist (foot specialist), especially for toenail problems

If you’re unsure where to start, the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health can help you find local resources and clinics.

Nail Structure: What Your Nails Are Made Of

Keratin and Nail Growth

Nails are made from a tough protein called keratin, the same protein found in skin and hair. Nails grow from cells at the base of the nail that multiply, layer on top of each other, and harden.

This hardening process is called keratinisation.

Your nail strength, thickness, and growth rate are largely inherited from your parents, but they can also be affected by health conditions, age, and lifestyle.

Parts of the Nail

  • Nail matrix – where nail growth occurs, tucked under the skin behind the nail
  • Nail plate – the visible hard part of the nail
  • Nail bed – the skin under the nail plate; rich in blood vessels, which make healthy nails look pink
  • Lunula – the pale crescent-moon shape sometimes visible at the base of the nail plate
  • Cuticle – the thin flap of skin that covers the base of the nail plate and protects the nail matrix
  • Nail folds – the grooves of skin that hold the nail plate in place

A healthy nail plate is usually smooth, pink, and looks white at the tip as it grows off the nail bed.

Common Causes of Fingernail and Toenail Problems

Fingernail Problems

In Grand Rapids residents, common causes of fingernail problems include:

  • Injury or trauma (slamming a finger in a door, sports injuries, repetitive use at work)
  • Infections (bacterial, fungal, or yeast)
  • Skin diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, or lichen planus
  • Overuse of chemicals (frequent handwashing, cleaning products, salon chemicals, hair dyes)
  • Nail biting or picking

People who work in healthcare, food service, cleaning, manufacturing, or salon services—all common in the Grand Rapids area—may be at higher risk due to frequent wet work or chemical exposure.

Toenail Problems

Toenail issues are common in Grand Rapids, especially in:

  • Older adults
  • People with diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve damage
  • People who wear tight or ill-fitting shoes, heavy work boots, or winter boots for long periods
  • Athletes and runners using tight footwear

Common causes of toenail problems include:

  • Trauma (stubbing toes, dropping heavy objects, sports injuries)
  • Ill-fitting shoes that press on the nails
  • Poor circulation or nerve damage (common in diabetes and vascular disease)
  • Fungal infections (especially in warm, damp shoes or boots)
  • Arthritis or altered walking patterns, which can change pressure on the toes

Toenail problems can often be successfully treated by a podiatrist at a local Grand Rapids clinic or hospital.

Nail Discoloration and What It Can Mean

Changes in nail color can be a sign of minor or serious conditions.

Causes of Discolored Nails

Discoloration may be caused by:

  • Injury or bruising of the nail bed
  • Fungal infection (common in toenails)
  • Psoriasis or other skin diseases
  • Smoking (nicotine staining)
  • Hair-coloring agents and nail polish
  • Certain medications, including some antibiotics, anti-malarials, and chemotherapy drugs
  • Melanoma (a serious form of skin cancer that can appear in or under the nail)

If the nail plate lifts off the nail bed, it often appears white. This can be caused by:

  • Overzealous cleaning under the nails
  • Nail polishes with harsh hardening agents (such as formalin)
  • Rough removal of artificial nails
  • Psoriasis
  • Fungal infection
  • Trauma to the nail

Any new dark streak, spreading brown or black discoloration, or pigment that involves the cuticle or nail folds should be evaluated promptly by a dermatologist in Grand Rapids, as this can be a sign of melanoma.

Thickened, Ridged, or Brittle Nails

Thickened Nails

Nails often thicken naturally with age. Other causes include:

  • Fungal infection
  • Neglect or poor nail care
  • Injury
  • Poor circulation
  • Arthritis in the toes
  • Ill-fitting shoes
  • Psoriasis

Thickened or deformed toenails can benefit from:

  • Regular trimming and shaping by a podiatrist
  • Evaluation for underlying conditions, such as diabetes or vascular disease (especially important in Michigan’s older population)

Ridged Nails

Ridges running along or across the nail plate can be caused by:

  • Age-related changes
  • Trauma to the nail matrix
  • Eczema or other skin conditions
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Peripheral vascular disease
  • Fever or serious illness in the past

Splitting and Brittle Nails

Nails that split, peel, or are brittle may be related to:

  • Having constantly wet hands, especially with soap and detergents
  • Frequent use and removal of nail polish
  • Overuse of harsh chemicals or cleaning products
  • Age-related changes in nail protein
  • Fungal or bacterial infection
  • Nutritional issues such as iron deficiency (which can also cause concave or “spoon-shaped” nails)

In Grand Rapids, frequent handwashing in healthcare, food service, and childcare settings can contribute to brittle nails.

Bacterial Nail Infections (Paronychia)

What Is Paronychia?

A common bacterial nail infection is called paronychia. It usually starts in the skin fold at the base or sides of the nail (the proximal or lateral nail fold).

The most common bacteria involved is Staphylococcus aureus, but chronic cases often involve a mix of bacteria and yeast (such as Candida).

Who Is at Risk?

You may be more likely to develop paronychia if you:

  • Have constantly wet hands (dishwashing, cleaning, food prep)
  • Work with soaps, detergents, or chemicals
  • Have eczema or other skin conditions on your hands
  • Bite your nails or pick at the cuticles
  • Have overzealous manicures or push back the cuticles too aggressively

Symptoms of Paronychia

  • Pain, redness, and swelling around the nail or cuticle
  • Yellow-green discharge (pus)
  • Warmth and tenderness
  • In chronic cases, nail distortion, discoloration, and lifting of the nail

Without treatment, the infection can worsen and sometimes spread from one nail to another.

Treatment

Treatment in a Grand Rapids clinic or urgent care may include:

  • Antibiotic therapy for acute bacterial infection
  • Antifungal and anti-yeast treatments for chronic infections
  • Protecting hands from moisture and chemicals (gloves, barrier creams)
  • Treating underlying skin conditions like eczema

Fungal Nail Infections (Onychomycosis)

Fungal nail infections are common in West Michigan, especially among people who:

  • Use communal showers at gyms, pools, or college dorms
  • Wear sweaty or tight shoes for long periods (e.g., winter boots, work boots)
  • Have diabetes, poor circulation, or weakened immune systems

Signs of Fungal Nail Infection

Depending on the fungus, you may notice:

  • Thickening of the nail plate
  • Crumbling or rough nail edges
  • Flaking or pitting of the nail surface
  • Lifting of the nail plate from the nail bed
  • White, yellow, brown, or green discoloration
  • Foul odor or smelly discharge

Without treatment, the nail bed itself can become infected.

Treatment Options in Grand Rapids

Treatment often includes:

  • Professional trimming and debridement by a podiatrist
  • Topical antifungal preparations (applied directly to the nail)
  • Oral antifungal medications, prescribed by a doctor or podiatrist
  • Managing underlying conditions such as diabetes or vascular disease

Fingernail infections usually respond faster to treatment than toenail infections, which may require several months of therapy.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are one of the most common problems treated by podiatrists in Grand Rapids. The big toe is most often affected.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails

  • Incorrect nail trimming (rounding the corners instead of cutting straight across)
  • Wearing tight shoes or boots that press on the toes
  • Trauma (stubbing your toe, sports injuries)
  • Nails that naturally curve sharply on the sides
  • Swelling or deformity of the toe from arthritis or previous injury

Symptoms

  • Pain and tenderness along the side of the nail
  • Redness and swelling
  • Possible infection with pus or drainage

Treatment

Treatment by a Grand Rapids podiatrist may include:

  • Removing the ingrown section of the nail under local anaesthetic
  • Treating any infection with antibiotics if needed
  • Long-term nail care to prevent recurrence

Prevention Tips

  • Trim your toenails straight across, not curved
  • Avoid cutting nails too short
  • Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes with room for your toes
  • Change out of wet socks and boots promptly, especially in winter

Skin Diseases and Nail Changes

Several skin conditions common in Michigan can affect the nails:

  • Psoriasis – pits, thickening, discoloration, separation of the nail from the bed
  • Eczema (dermatitis) – ridging, splitting, chronic paronychia
  • Lichen planus – splitting or layering of the nail plate
  • Lupus – nail fold changes, color changes, fragility

Unusual Nail Shapes

  • Concave (“spoon”) nails may be caused by iron deficiency
  • Other nail shape changes can be related to:
    • Lung disease
    • Heart disease
    • Kidney or liver disease
    • Thyroid disease

If you notice new or unusual nail shapes, talk with your Grand Rapids primary care provider or dermatologist.

Nail Tumors and Serious Conditions

Nails can be affected by both benign and malignant tumors, including:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma, sometimes linked to human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Melanoma, which can present as a dark streak or spot under or within the nail

Splinter Hemorrhages

These are thin lines of blood running lengthwise along the nail bed. They can be caused by:

  • Injury or trauma
  • Severe anemia
  • Infective endocarditis (infection of the heart’s inner lining)
  • Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis

Any persistent, unexplained nail streaks or growths should be evaluated promptly by a healthcare provider in Grand Rapids.

Some nail conditions are congenital (present at birth). For example:

  • Nail–patella syndrome – nails are improperly formed or missing, often with other skeletal issues

As we age, nail growth tends to slow, and:

  • Nails may become brittle, prone to splitting
  • Discoloration and thickening are common
  • Toenails may become harder to trim and more likely to develop fungal infections

Older adults in Grand Rapids may benefit from regular visits to a podiatrist for safe nail care, especially if they have diabetes, poor vision, or difficulty reaching their feet.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Nail Problems in Grand Rapids

How Nail Problems Are Diagnosed

Your Grand Rapids doctor or dermatologist may:

  • Examine your nails and surrounding skin
  • Ask about your health, medications, and work or home exposures
  • Take nail clippings or scrapings from under the nail for laboratory analysis (to check for fungus, bacteria, or other causes)

Possible Treatments

Depending on the cause, treatment may include:

  • Antibiotics for bacterial infections
  • Oral or topical antifungal medications for fungal nail disease
  • Treatment of underlying skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus, lupus)
  • Iron or other supplements if a deficiency is found
  • Surgical procedures for ingrown nails or nail tumors
  • Advice on proper nail care and footwear

Your care team may include:

  • Your GP / primary care doctor
  • A dermatologist (skin and nail specialist)
  • A podiatrist (foot and toenail specialist)

Self-Help Strategies for Healthy Nails in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids’ climate—with cold, dry winters and frequent handwashing during cold and flu season—can be hard on nails. These tips can help protect your fingernails and toenails year-round.

General Nail Care

  • Practice good personal hygiene
  • Keep nails clean and dry, but avoid prolonged soaking
  • Moisturize your hands and feet frequently, especially after washing; rub moisturizer into your nails and cuticles as well
  • Treat any eczema or rash on your hands promptly with guidance from your doctor

Protecting Your Hands

  • Wear protective gloves for wet jobs (dishwashing, cleaning, food prep)
  • Avoid harsh chemicals and strong detergents when possible
  • Limit direct contact with hair dyes, solvents, and cleaning agents

Nail Grooming

  • Trim nails straight across; avoid cutting too close to the skin
  • Don’t clean under nails too aggressively
  • When doing home manicures, do not push back or cut the cuticles
  • Avoid nail biting and picking at hangnails; use nail clippers instead
  • Remove artificial nails carefully and follow the manufacturer’s or salon’s instructions
  • Be cautious with nail polishes that contain strong hardening chemicals

Foot and Toenail Care

  • Keep your feet as dry as possible; change damp socks promptly, especially after snow or rain
  • Wear well-fitting shoes with room for your toes and good air circulation
  • Use shower shoes or flip-flops in communal showers at local gyms, pools, and college dorms
  • Always dry thoroughly between your toes after bathing
  • For people with diabetes in Grand Rapids, schedule regular foot and nail exams with your doctor or podiatrist

Avoiding Fungal Infections

  • Don’t share towels, nail clippers, or footwear
  • Use antifungal powders or sprays if you are prone to athlete’s foot
  • Treat athlete’s foot promptly to prevent it from spreading to the nails

Lifestyle Measures

  • Don’t smoke – nicotine can stain nails and worsen circulation
  • Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and vitamins to support nail health
  • Stay active to support good blood circulation, especially in the legs and feet

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

See a healthcare provider if you notice:

  • Sudden changes in nail color, shape, or thickness
  • Pain, swelling, or discharge around the nails
  • Nails separating from the nail bed
  • Dark streaks or spots that do not grow out
  • Persistent brittle, splitting, or ridged nails
  • Nail changes along with other symptoms (fatigue, shortness of breath, skin rashes)

You can seek help from:

  • Your primary care provider at Spectrum Health/Corewell, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • A dermatologist for complex nail or skin conditions
  • A podiatrist for toenail problems, ingrown nails, and diabetic foot care
  • Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for referrals and community clinic information

Early evaluation and treatment can prevent complications and help keep your nails healthy in every season in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Key Points for Grand Rapids Residents

  • Toenail problems occur at all ages but are more common in older adults and people with diabetes or poor circulation.
  • Common causes of fingernail problems include injury, infection, and skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis.
  • Causes of toenail problems include trauma, ill-fitting shoes, poor circulation, nerve damage, and infection.
  • There are many different nail conditions, each with its own causes and treatments.
  • Discolored or dark nails can sometimes signal serious conditions like melanoma and should be checked by a doctor.