01/11/2026
Let's talk toenails! Especially the 5th toe.
A common trait of the 5th toe is the accessory nail, also known as a petaloid nail (because it kind of looks like a flower petal). This is an extra nail that grows on the 5th toe. It can be separate or adjoined to the main nail, but generally shares the same nail bed.
This is thought to be a genetic trait. It's possible that it is caused by the presence of a 6th toe that is reabsorbed by the fetus prior to birth, but the nail remains. It's usually not painful, and needs no treatment. It's more of a curiosity than anything else. In some ethnic groups, 50-75% of people may have this trait. It generally affects both feet.
