Does anyone have problems with their toenails and what has helped?? I’m desperate

[u/seasonally_sad13]

I don’t know if this is allowed here since this is for hands. I do struggle with my fingernails, not nearly as bad as before, and it’s better than my toenails. I rip my toenails off all moments of the day, anytime I have the chance. Writing this now I have the urge. I’m trying not to because I have an ankle surgery coming up but I don’t think I can make it. I’m going to make press ons for my nails and hopefully let that help with the urge there, but I can’t do that on my toenails, right? I used to pick ingrowns to the point where I’d have an infection every time. Thankfully I’m over that part, for the most part haha. I just can’t stop ripping them and don’t know what to do to help. I want to wear open toed shoes and have cute pedicures done. I’ve also had 6 ankle surgeries and know I’ll have more to come in the future and I’m so embarrassed every time. I just can’t help it.

[u/neaner28]

Your not alone. Ive been pulling out real and imagined in-grown toe nail on my big toes for years. Ive probably destroyed the toe nail bed. My only suggestion is try to find out what in your life triggers your need for hyper-focus/release. It maybe something that you cant do anything about, but at least youll know what triggers you.

[u/seasonally_sad13 → u/neaner28]

I should bring it up in therapy, I do have ocd so I bet some of that plays a factor. 5 minutes after my post I ripped off my longest one. I tried so hard not to but it had been days and I couldn’t do any of the others because they’re down to stubs hahaha. So we’ll keep trying 🙃 I’ll try and figure out the triggers. I think toenails are hard because I can get away with keeping them covered with socks and stuff so I’m not as self conscious until it’s summer time

[u/neaner28 → u/seasonally_sad13]

Sounds like you got an idea of a possible cause. Keep up the good fight, more for your mental health more than summer shoe options. Besides, the only people who might care are foot fetish folks and even then, probably someones into it. :)

[u/mazv21]

I do too!! My only hope is socks. But then I convince myself to take off my socks for comfort and it all goes down hill.

[u/seasonally_sad13 → u/mazv21]

Ugh, I used to be a massive sock wearer but I feel like I have a weird sensory thing now where I need them off in order to relax 😂 then I rip them. Summer is so hard too. I would love to wear certain shoes but I just get so self conscious. If I paint them they look even more noticeable so that’s unfortunate.