Pinky toenails are known for being odd and weird. They are prone to injuries because of their position on the foot and can be affected by fungal infections that cause them to change in appearance. The good news is that these deformities are treatable with either pharmaceutical or natural remedies.
One of the most common reasons why a person’s pinky toenail looks odd is that it has become ingrown. This condition causes the nail to curve inward towards the skin and can be very painful if left untreated. The toe and nail can become swollen and reddish in color and can also develop a foul odor.
The main culprit of ingrown toenails is tight-fitting shoes that do not give the feet enough space. These shoes can cramp the toes and cause them to wiggle around which leads to trauma that can cause changes in the toenails. This type of trauma may not be obvious because the pressure is so subtle but can damage the roots of the nails over time.
Another reason why a toenail can become ingrown is that it becomes too long and snags on the fabric of your socks or shoes. If you notice that your toenail is getting too long, it’s best to trim it and file it as often as possible so that it does not catch on anything. This will help prevent the toenail from becoming thick, which can be a result of repeated trauma or injury to the toe.