What’s Normal, What’s Not, and When to Pay Attention
Toenails don’t get nearly enough attention until something changes—especially as we age. Many people start noticing shifts in color, shape, thickness, or overall texture and wonder if it’s just a natural part of aging or if something else is going on. The truth is, toenails tell a story about your health, your habits, and even your history of footwear.
In this long-form post, I explore the difference between “normal aging changes” and symptoms that deserve a closer look. A little yellowing? Common. Slight thickening? Very normal. But if your toenails begin to lift, crumble, or change dramatically in color, it might be worth exploring other causes like fungus, injury, or irritation from shoes.
This isn’t about generating fear—it’s about giving you the knowledge to feel confident and informed. The more we understand our bodies, the more empowered we become to care for them. Whether you’re managing older toenails yourself or supporting someone else, this breakdown will help you recognize what deserves attention and what can simply be embraced as part of natural aging.
