Summer Nail Care: How to Get Your Toenails Healthy, Comfortable and Sandal-Ready
- Millie Brown
- May 25
- 4 min read
As the weather gets warmer and sandals start coming out, many of us suddenly become more aware of our toenails. Whether you are preparing for a holiday, a special occasion, or simply want to feel more confident wearing open-toe shoes, summer is the perfect time to give your nail health some attention.
Healthy toenails are not just about appearance. Changes in nail colour, thickness, shape or discomfort can sometimes be signs of fungal nail infection, trauma, pressure from footwear or an ingrown toenail. The earlier these issues are treated, the easier they are often to manage.
At Yorkshire Foot Clinic in Horsforth, Leeds, we help patients with a wide range of nail concerns, from routine nail care to fungal nails, thickened nails, damaged nails and painful ingrown toenails.
Why nail care matters more in summer
During summer, our feet are often exposed to more heat, sweat, open footwear, swimming pools, changing rooms and walking barefoot. Warm, damp environments can increase the risk of fungal nail infections, especially if feet are often sweaty or enclosed in shoes for long periods. The NHS notes that fungal nail infections are more likely when feet are frequently warm and damp.
Open-toe shoes can also make us more aware of nails that are discoloured, thickened, ridged, damaged or difficult to cut. For some people, summer is the first time they notice a nail problem that has been building for months.
Common toenail problems we see before summer
1. Fungal nail infections
Fungal nails can appear yellow, white, brown, thickened, crumbly or lifted from the nail bed. They are not always painful, but they can become uncomfortable if the nail thickens or presses against footwear.
Treatment can take time because toenails grow slowly. NHS Inform explains that antifungal nail treatments often need to be used regularly for several months before improvement is seen. (NHS inform) This is why it is best not to leave treatment until the week before your holiday.
A podiatrist can assess the nail, reduce thickness where appropriate, advise on treatment options and help you understand whether the problem is likely to be fungal, traumatic or caused by something else.
2. Thickened or damaged toenails
Toenails can become thickened due to repeated pressure, trauma, footwear, sport, fungal infection or age-related changes. Thick nails can be difficult to cut safely at home and may cause discomfort in shoes.
Professional nail care can help reduce pressure, improve comfort and make the nail easier to manage. This is especially important if you have diabetes, poor circulation, reduced sensation or difficulty reaching your feet.
3. Ingrown toenails
An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. This can cause pain, redness, swelling and sometimes infection. Poor nail cutting, tight footwear, trauma and naturally curved nails can all contribute.
The NHS advises that badly ingrown toenails may need treatment from a foot specialist, including removing part of the nail if needed. (nhs.uk) Cutting nails correctly can help reduce the risk. The Royal College of Podiatry recommends trimming toenails straight across, not too short and not down the corners, as this can lead to ingrowing toenails. (College of Podiatry)
4. Dry skin and hard skin around the nails
Summer sandals can expose the toes to more friction and dryness. Hard skin can build up around the nail edges, making nails feel uncomfortable or harder to cut. Regular moisturising can help, but avoid putting cream between the toes, as this area can become too moist and encourage fungal problems.
How to care for your toenails before summer
A few simple habits can make a big difference:
Cut nails straight across - Avoid cutting too short or digging down the sides. This can increase the risk of ingrown toenails.
Keep feet clean and dry - Wash feet daily and dry carefully, especially between the toes. The Royal College of Podiatry advises this to help reduce the risk of fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.
Avoid hiding problems with nail polish for too long - Nail polish can be lovely for summer, but if a nail is discoloured, crumbly, lifting or painful, it is better to have it checked rather than covering it for weeks.
Wear breathable, well-fitting shoes - Tight shoes can put pressure on the nails and increase the risk of trauma or ingrown toenails. Alternate footwear where possible and allow shoes to dry out between wears.
Do not share nail clippers or files - This can increase the risk of spreading fungal infections.
Treat problems early - Fungal nails, ingrown toenails and thickened nails are usually easier to manage when treated early.
Should I get a pedicure if I have a nail problem?
A cosmetic pedicure can make nails look tidy, but it is not a medical treatment. If you have thickened nails, fungal nails, pain, bleeding, infection, diabetes, poor circulation or reduced sensation, it is safer to see a podiatrist first.
A podiatry appointment focuses on the health of the nail and surrounding skin, not just appearance. We can safely reduce thickened nails, check for signs of infection and advise on the most suitable treatment.
When should you see a podiatrist?
You should book a podiatry appointment if you notice:
Yellow, brown, white or crumbly nails
Thickened nails that are difficult to cut
Painful nails or pressure in shoes
Redness, swelling or discharge around the nail
A nail lifting from the nail bed
Recurrent ingrown toenails
Nail changes if you have diabetes, poor circulation or reduced sensation
Get your feet summer-ready at Yorkshire Foot Clinic
Summer is the perfect time to prioritise your foot and nail health. Whether you are concerned about fungal nails, thickened nails, ingrown toenails or simply need professional nail care before sandal season, we can help.
At Yorkshire Foot Clinic in Horsforth, Leeds, we provide professional podiatry care to help keep your feet comfortable, healthy and ready for summer.
Book your appointment today and step into summer with confidence.
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