'They are 50 percent of who I am': The woman addicted to growing her toenails

A woman who was once addicted to growing the nails on her hands has now grown her toenails to a staggering four inches, limiting her motion and jeopardising her health.

Known as Ayanna, the 54-year-old is the latest quirky character to appear on TLC's show My Strange Addiction on which she refuses to cut her curly claws calling them her 'babies'.

'They're just sexy and sassy. I am considered a long-nailed goddess,' Ayanna told the lifestyle network's cameras.

As if Ayanna's addiction does not already impinge on everyday life, she was recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, a disease which requires activity and exercise to beat.

But the extreme nail-enthusiast is adamant, despite what her family say, that she 'will fiercely protect them at all costs'.

Forced to walk slowly like a penguin on her heels and climb stairs sideways, Ayanna rarely sleeps on her back because the blanket feels like a 'brick is sitting on top of my toe nails', she explained.

Furthermore, she can't wear socks or any other shoes except flip-flops which she must endure year round, changing only into tennis shoes when she can cut the end out of the foot.

At the age of 24, Ayanna began growing the nails on her hands freakishly long but five years ago, her addiction spread to her feet.

Her longest toenail she estimates is four inches, while her shortest is two inches.

Source: Daily Mail

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