The major parts of the toenail are: the nail itself (nail plate); the matrix, from where the nail grows; the lunula, the white, moon-shaped area at the base of the nail; the nail bed, the tissue on which the nail lies, and the sulcus, the groove at the side in which the nail sits. 

Toenail problems may be caused by warts, tumours under the nail, trauma, infection, fungus or poor circulation. Major toenail problems can be caused by incorrectly fitting shoes, which press too tightly on the toenails. Injury, such as bruising under the nail and infection can cause permanent nail deformity.

General nail care aims at restoring your toenails to full health and keeping your feet clean and bacteria free.