This Is Going Sound Really Silly...

[Tee2072]

but I am worried about my son's toe nails.

He's 3.3, before you ask.

And his toe nails look like they are peeling off in layers. His fingernails are fine.

They don't seem to bother him, it's not fungus, they just grow very ragged and look like the layers are constantly peeling off.

Do I show a GP?

I can take a picture if anyone wants to see them...

yes, do a pic, put it up and we can all take a look

Amazing resource, MN, innit; I'll bet someone will come on and say ''oh that's blah blah, ever so common and will resolve spontaneously''

[fingers crossed]

Are his socks big enough? I ask because nails take a while to harden and maybe tight socks are pulling on them?

Darn it, he's in bed and I forgot all about this! Sorry, you'll have to wait until tomorrow.

If anything, Fanny, his socks are too big. And I know his shoes fit.

no worries Tee, come back to this whenever x

Hi there, my nails and dd's are like this. may not be the same but, after years of people saying its the fungal infection.. its actually just a natural difference. My toe nails grow in width but not in lemgth if that makes sense

Photo photo!

dd's fingernails peel off in layers and often look ragged at the tips but doesn't happen to her toes, never come across anyone else with this so interested to hear if anyone has any info.

There is now a picture on my profile. It's not very clear, but it was the best I could do!

As it says, his other big toe nail is even worse and all of his toe nails have it to some extent.

Ideas?

It looks like a fungal infection. I'd take him to the docs.

Do you think so Wips? Because it's all flaky, I've never seen an infection like it!

It looks like there is discoloration/white under the nail too? Is there any smell (apart from 3 year old feet smell!!). It could be a nutrient deficiency. Worth getting checked.

My dd's toenails were the same when she was a toddler! At one point I thought they were going to peel off altogether. As you said, there appeared to be no discomfort or anything.

They are fine now (she's 6.5). Occasionally a bit will start to 'peel' off and she will peel it herself, but it does not appear to be a problem at all.

I'd forgotten all about this! Her fingernails were the same to a lesser extent.

No, not under the nail at all and no unusual smell. Just peeling nail.

I think I'll take him to the GP for my peace of mind in any case.

Thanks for your help, all!