Isla Bennett
Thick toenails are often a symptom of a fungal infection. They can cause discomfort when wearing shoes and may require medical intervention. Treatment options include over-the-counter and prescription medications, topical treatments, oral medications, and mechanical devices. Keeping toenails clean, dry, and trimmed is essential for preventing and managing thick nails. Consulting with a qualified podiatrist or foot health specialist is recommended for proper assessment and treatment. This paragraph introduces the topic of 'how to make thick nails thinner', highlighting the causes, impacts, and available treatments for thick nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Fungal infection |
| Prevention | Keep feet clean and dry, wear shoes that fit properly, and avoid walking barefoot in public areas |
| Treatment | Over-the-counter or prescription medications, topical treatments, oral medications, mechanical devices, trimming and thinning by a podiatrist |
| Home remedies | Clean the affected area with soap and water, apply urea cream, trim and file nails, apply over-the-counter fungal treatment, apply Vicks VapoRub or tea tree oil |
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What You'll Learn
Consult a podiatrist or foot health specialist
Thick toenails can be a sign of an underlying foot health issue. Consulting a podiatrist or foot health specialist is advisable, especially if you are experiencing thickening of the toenails alongside other symptoms.
A podiatrist will start by examining your foot to determine the cause of the thickening. They may use a dermatoscope, a handheld instrument, to look at nail changes, or take a swab or toenail clipping to diagnose the condition. This is important because each condition requires a different type of treatment. For example, if the thickening is caused by a fungal infection, a podiatrist can prescribe more potent antifungal medications than those available over the counter. They may also recommend topical treatments.
If the thickening is caused by trauma or improper nail growth, a podiatrist can use specialized tools to trim and thin the nail, providing immediate relief. They can also offer advice on proper nail trimming techniques and foot hygiene practices to prevent recurrence. In some cases, they may recommend orthotic devices or custom footwear to reduce pressure on the toenails.
If the underlying cause of the thickening is an injury, the thickness might be permanent and require ongoing maintenance. A podiatrist can advise on the best course of action to improve the appearance of the nail and boost your confidence. They have special equipment that can effectively cut through thick nails and reduce thickness.
It is important to seek professional help if you are experiencing persistent symptoms that affect your quality of life or lead to increased discomfort. Thick toenails can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition, so early diagnosis and treatment are important.
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Treat fungal infections
Thick toenails are often a symptom of a fungal infection. If left untreated, the infection can worsen and cause pain when walking or even make it difficult to walk. Therefore, it is important to treat toenail fungus as soon as possible.
Treatment Options
There are several treatment options available for toenail fungus, including:
- Creams, sprays, and gels: Products like ciclopirox (Penlac), efinaconazole (Jublia), and tavaborole (Kerydin) are effective for surface fungus. However, they may not penetrate the nail bed, and daily use for a year may be required before the fungus disappears.
- Antifungal pills: Itraconazole (Sporanox) and terbinafine (Lamisil) are antifungal pills that are more effective than creams and gels. They are usually taken for 12 weeks, but the fungus may take 10 months or longer to completely clear. These pills have high success rates but can cause side effects and negatively interact with other medications, so medical supervision is necessary.
- Nail trimming and filing: A podiatrist may trim and file away the dead layers of the nail to help the product penetrate deeper.
- Nail removal: In severe cases, especially if the infection is deep and longstanding, your doctor may recommend removing all or part of the affected nail.
Home Remedies
In addition to medical treatments, there are some home remedies that may help treat toenail fungus:
- Baking soda: One study found that treating nail samples with baking soda stopped fungal growth in 79% of cases. You can make a foot soak or a paste with baking soda, or simply sprinkle it on your feet to absorb moisture.
- Listerine mouthwash and snakeroot extract: Listerine contains thymol, which has antifungal properties. Snakeroot extract has been found to be as effective as ciclopirox in treating toenail fungus.
- Over-the-counter treatments: Vicks VapoRub and tea tree oil are two over-the-counter options that can be applied daily to help clear the infection.
Prevention
To reduce the risk of toenail fungus and prevent recurrence, it is important to practice good foot hygiene and keep your feet clean and dry. Wash your feet regularly with soap and water, dry them thoroughly, and use a foot powder to absorb moisture. Change your socks frequently, wear cotton socks that wick away moisture, and rotate your shoes to allow them to dry completely between wears.
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Keep feet clean and dry
Keeping your feet clean and dry is essential for maintaining good foot hygiene and preventing infections. Here are some detailed tips to keep your feet clean and dry:
Wash Your Feet Regularly
Wash your feet daily with soap and water. Use antibacterial soap to ensure a thorough clean. Pay special attention to areas between your toes, as dirt and bacteria can accumulate there. Give your feet a good scrub and ensure you dry them completely afterward.
Keep Your Feet Dry
After washing your feet, dry them thoroughly with a clean towel. Make sure to dry between your toes as well, as moisture trapped between toes can lead to fungal infections. If your feet tend to sweat a lot, use a foot powder or cornstarch to keep them dry throughout the day. You can also use an antifungal powder to prevent and treat fungal infections.
Wear the Right Socks
Choose socks that are made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabric. These socks will help absorb any sweat and keep your feet dry. Change your socks at least once a day, or more frequently if your feet tend to sweat excessively. Wash your socks regularly with hot water and detergent to remove any sweat, dirt, or bacteria.
Choose the Right Shoes
Wear shoes that are made from breathable materials, such as leather. Avoid tight-fitting shoes, as they can constrict your feet and trap moisture, providing an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive. Rotate your shoes, allowing them to dry out completely before wearing them again. This helps prevent the buildup of sweat and bacteria in your shoes.
Additional Tips
- When trimming your toenails, cut them straight across to prevent ingrown toenails.
- Disinfect your nail clippers or scissors before use to avoid introducing bacteria to your nails.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places, especially damp areas like locker rooms and pool areas, to reduce the risk of contracting fungal infections.
- If you have sweaty feet, consider using shoe inserts to absorb moisture and cut down on rubbing and pressure on your feet.
- Check your feet regularly for any signs of infection, such as cuts, sores, swelling, or discoloured toenails.
By following these tips, you can effectively keep your feet clean and dry, reducing the risk of infections and maintaining overall foot health.
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Trim nails and remove excess material
Thick nails are often a symptom of a fungal infection. It is important to consult a doctor or healthcare professional if you suspect this to be the case.
To trim nails and remove excess material, you can start by softening your nails. You can do this by applying urea cream and wrapping your feet in bandages overnight. The next day, wash off the cream and use nail clippers to trim your nails. Be sure to use disinfected tools when trimming your nails.
After trimming, gently file your nails and apply an over-the-counter fungal treatment. You can also apply Vicks VapoRub or tea tree oil to your toenail daily to help clear the infection.
It is important to keep your feet clean by washing them regularly with soap and water, and drying them thoroughly afterward. You can also use a foot powder, such as Zeasorb powder, to keep your feet dry and help prevent toenail fungus.
If you have thick nails, it is recommended to wear shoes that fit properly and do not constrict your feet. Wearing cotton socks can also help keep your feet dry and comfortable.
For more severe cases of thick nails, it is best to consult a podiatrist or foot health specialist. They can use specialized tools to carefully trim and thin down thick nails, ensuring safe and effective treatment.
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Use topical treatments
Thickened toenails are often caused by a fungal infection. While completely curing these fungal infections is difficult, the right treatments can discourage the problem from spreading and make your nails look better. Prescription treatments like topical medications are highly effective. These include amorolfine (Loceryl, among others), efinaconazole (Jublia), tavaborole (Kerydin), and ciclopirox (Penlac). They are clear lacquers that you brush onto your toenails once daily, usually for months. It may take as long as a year to see results.
Topical treatments are best for milder infections. More severe infections may respond better to oral drugs, which include fluconazole (Diflucan), griseofulvin (Grifulvin), itraconazole (Sporanox), and terbinafine (Lamisil). If you take prescription oral medication, you may need routine blood testing, as some of these medications can affect the liver.
Over-the-counter toenail treatments are also available at drugstores. These include a treated patch you put on your nails overnight that contains urea, an acidic substance that improves the look of your nails by making them less brittle and discolored. Another product that promises similar results uses a tiny LED light that you clip onto your toenail after applying a liquid containing polyethylene glycol, which softens nails.
If you have a preexisting medical condition, it's important to talk with a healthcare professional as soon as possible to receive an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Thick nails are often caused by fungal infections. To treat this, you can clean the affected area with soap and water daily, apply over-the-counter fungal treatments, and use tea tree oil twice a day. Keeping your feet clean and dry can also help prevent and treat thick nails.
Podiatrists can use specialized tools to trim and thin thick nails. They can also perform debridement, which involves removing excess nail material, especially from the edges and corners. Oral medications may be prescribed to address underlying conditions contributing to nail thickening, such as fungal infections or psoriasis.
To prevent thick nails, keep your feet clean and dry, especially between the toes. Change your socks a few times a day, wear cotton socks, and rotate your shoes so they can dry out. When in public areas like locker rooms or pools, wear flip-flops or shower shoes to reduce the risk of getting a fungal infection.
