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Dr. Jacoby explains what a woman should do if she notices nail discoloration or a change in nail texture. He also describes the health consequences related to biting nails.
Dr. Jacoby:
Well I think if you see a change in character or texture or a change in the color it means there’s probably something going on systemically. What we mean by that, is your general health. So I think if you see that and first person I think to talk to is a nail technician. They are very familiar with nails and they see a lot of these things and if it’s just a cosmetic issue they can solve it.
If it’s not a cosmetic issue and it’s a health issue then seek out a professional who treats that sort of problem and if it’s a toenail, podiatrist are certainly well equipped for that type of diagnosis. Dermatologist also understands that diagnosis as well. I think even a general practitioner is a go-to person in the beginning stages.
Biting nails, a fidgety type of response, most commonly in the fingernails but certainly it does occur in the toenails. So I kiddingly say to patients, “If you could, would you?” And some people just stop and think, I think they would. I don’t know why they would but they do. It is probably not dangerous, but it does create a situation on the nail plate the chronic irritation to allow bacteria or fungus to get in to the nail plate and I don’t think it’s a good idea long term.
It’s probably also not a good idea because of the enamel on your teeth; it’s going to break it down so it probably has more implications for your moth than it does for your feet.
About Dr. Richard Jacoby, D.P.M.:
Dr. Richard Jacoby, D.P.M., graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine. He completed his residency at Parkview Hospital, Philadelphia, specializing in foot and ankle surgery. Board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgeons, he is currently president of Valley Foot Surgeons in Scottsdale, Arizona. In addition, Dr. Jacoby is chairman of the board of Healthcare Networks of America.
Dr. Jacoby has been named the 2010 President of The Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons.