Sometimes the first symptoms of toenail problems are a feeling of swelling and burning near the nail and redness on the skin around the nail. Different toenail conditions present different risks. Fungal infections, bacterial infections, damage to the nail from injury and other illnesses within the body may cause nail problems. Skin conditions like psoriasis, which causes a flaking of the skin around the elbows and hairline, can first show up as thickened nails. Other possible causes include several rare dermatological problems.
Prevention is based on good nail hygiene.
Dirt and other foreign matter should not be allowed to build up underneath the nail. The feet should be kept very clean. Nails should be trimmed straight across. The corners of the nails should not be trimmed back. The reason is that as a person walks on the toes, the flesh under the nails is pushed upward.