Ava Monroe
Nail fungus is a common condition that affects toenails and sometimes fingernails. It occurs when fungus grows under the nail bed in warm, moist environments, causing the nail to thicken, discolour, and become brittle and fragile. While nail fungus is not a serious condition, it can lead to pain and discomfort if left untreated. Treatment for nail fungus typically involves early diagnosis and prolonged use of antifungal medications, but it can be challenging to cure. Preventative measures include keeping hands and feet clean, dry, and well-groomed, wearing appropriate footwear, and maintaining good foot hygiene.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Fungus or yeast growing under the nail bed |
| Appearance | Nails may appear rough, ridged, scaly, yellow, green, or brown |
| Symptoms | Nails become thicker, brittle, discoloured, and easy to break |
| Treatment | Antifungal nail medicine, antifungal tablets, Vicks VapoRub, tea tree oil |
| Prevention | Keep hands and feet clean and dry, wear well-fitting shoes, avoid walking barefoot in public places |
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What You'll Learn
Thick nails are often caused by a fungal infection
Fungal nail infections are not usually serious but they can be persistent and difficult to cure. They may require months of treatment with antifungal medications, which can be applied directly to the nail or taken as tablets. It is important to diagnose and treat fungal infections early to improve the chances of curing the condition. Over-the-counter treatments such as Vicks VapoRub may also help to kill the nail fungus.
Thick nails can also be caused by other medical conditions, such as diabetes or congenital disorders. They may also be a result of age, in which case treatment is not necessary, although some people may choose to buff the nails to smooth them. If you notice your nails thickening, it is important to consult a doctor or healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
To prevent fungal nail infections, it is recommended to keep your hands and feet clean, dry, and moisturised, and to wear well-fitting shoes and sandals in public places. It is also important to practice good foot hygiene, keep nails clipped short, and ensure that any cuts or cracks in the skin are treated to avoid infection.
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Treatment for nail fungus
Fungal nail infections, or mycotic nails, cause the nail to become discoloured, thickened, distorted, and fragile. It may also cause the nail to separate from the nail bed. As toenails grow slowly, treatment for nail fungus can take a long time, and may require months of treatment. Treatment plans are tailored to the needs of each patient, depending on their health, other medical conditions, medications, the extent of the infection, and the type of fungus.
If you suspect that you have a fungal nail infection, you should speak to a pharmacist or make an appointment with a healthcare provider. A pharmacist may suggest an antifungal nail medicine that you brush onto the nail. You should use this regularly for a few months, and keep using it until you are told to stop. If treatments from a pharmacy do not work, your doctor may prescribe antifungal tablets. However, these are unsuitable for those with liver or kidney disease, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. In some cases, badly infected nails may need to be removed under local anaesthetic.
There are also over-the-counter treatments for nail fungus. These include Vicks VapoRub, tea tree oil, and ciclopirox nail lacquer. Vicks VapoRub should be applied to the toenail daily, while tea tree oil should be applied twice a day. Ciclopirox nail lacquer is suitable for patients aged 12 and above, and should be applied to clean, dry nails after removing any loose nail.
Two prescription medications approved by the FDA to treat toenail fungus are efinaconazole and tavaborole. These are applied once a day at home for 48 weeks, and are suitable for patients aged 6 and above.
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Preventing nail fungus
Fungal nail infections, or mycotic nails, are unsightly and notoriously difficult to get rid of. They occur when a microscopic organism invades the nail, burrowing into the skin underneath. Over time, the nail thickens and may lift off the nail bed. While it is more common for toenails to get infected, fingernails can also be affected.
To prevent nail fungus from occurring or reoccurring, board-certified dermatologists recommend the following:
- Keep your feet clean and dry. Fungi thrive in warm, damp environments, so it is important to avoid having damp or sweaty feet for too long.
- Wear moisture-wicking socks and change them daily. If your socks get sweaty, swap them out for a fresh pair.
- Allow your shoes to dry for 24 hours before wearing them again. Fungi can grow in your shoes, so it is important to give them time to air out.
- Opt for breathable shoes made of materials like leather, canvas, or mesh. These materials allow for airflow and help prevent your feet from sweating.
- Place an antifungal powder or spray on your socks and in your shoes, especially in hot weather or before a workout.
- Wear shoes or sandals in public places like locker rooms, gyms, spas, shared showers, and pool decks. If fungi are on the floor and touch your skin, you can develop nail fungus.
- Keep your nails short and trim them straight across. This helps prevent fungi from collecting under your nails.
- Disinfect your nail clippers and other grooming tools after each use. Wash the clippers with warm water and soap, then soak them in a bleach and water solution for 5 minutes, or wipe them with 70% rubbing alcohol.
- Do not share nail-grooming tools, unwashed towels, shoes, or other personal items. Nail fungus is contagious and can easily spread from person to person.
- If you live with someone who has nail fungus or athlete's foot, make sure they get treatment. It is common for people in the same household to pass the fungus to one another.
In addition to the above measures, maintaining good overall hygiene and washing your hands and feet regularly can help reduce your risk of developing nail fungus. If you notice any changes in your nails, such as thickening or discolouration, it is important to see a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. While some over-the-counter treatments are available, prescription medications may be necessary for more effective results.
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Diagnosis of nail fungus
It is important to consult a doctor or healthcare professional if you suspect that you have toenail fungus. A healthcare provider will likely diagnose a mycotic nail by visually examining the nail and asking about your symptoms. They may also take a nail clipping to examine under a microscope or send it to a laboratory for a fungal culture to check for and identify any fungus.
Mycotic nails, or onychomycosis, are caused by a fungal infection that affects your toenails or fingernails. It separates the nail from the nail bed, making it thick and fragile, and it may change colour. Toenail fungus is usually caused by a type of mold called a dermatophyte, which feeds on keratin, the protein that makes up your nails. Dermatophytes cause 90% of toenail fungal infections, and the condition is called tinea unguium.
Anyone can get toenail fungus, but certain factors increase your risk. These include having athlete's foot, blood circulation problems, a nail injury, a weakened immune system, or wearing shoes without ventilation. Toenail fungus is also more common in older adults, with about 20% of people over 60 and 50% of people over 70 experiencing it at some point.
If you have thickened toenails, it is important to seek prompt treatment to prevent further issues. Fungal infections can be difficult to cure and may require several months of treatment. In addition to medical treatments, you can lower your risk of toenail fungal infections by keeping your feet dry, wearing sandals in locker rooms, and practicing good foot hygiene.
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Underlying conditions causing thick nails
Thick nails are often caused by a fungal infection, known as onychomycosis, which affects toenails more often than fingernails. This is because toenails are more frequently exposed to warm, moist environments, where fungus thrives. However, thick nails can also be indicative of other underlying conditions.
Psoriasis, a skin condition, can cause thickening of the nails. Dystrophic nails, which are deformed, thickened, or discoloured, can be a sign of psoriasis, but they can also be caused by fungal infections or trauma to the nail. In the case of nail trauma, a bacterial infection can develop, requiring antibiotic treatment.
People with cancer may be more susceptible to developing nail fungus, and therefore thicker nails, due to their treatment. Additionally, those with a weakened immune system are more likely to develop a fungal nail infection.
Other potential underlying conditions that can cause thick nails include congenital disorders and chronic illnesses. Thick nails can also be caused by aging, and may not always require treatment. However, it is important to consult a doctor if you notice your nails thickening, changing colour, or changing texture, as it could be indicative of a more serious condition.
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Frequently asked questions
A fungal nail infection can cause the nail to become thicker, discoloured, brittle, and easy to break. The nail may also turn white, yellow, green, or brown.
Nail fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, such as sweaty feet inside trainers or shoes. It can also be caused by walking barefoot in public places like communal showers and gyms.
Treatment for nail fungus can take a long time, sometimes several months, and may require antifungal tablets prescribed by a doctor. Topical medications are rarely effective. It is important to start treatment as early as possible to prevent further complications.
