Liam Carter
Thick toenails are often caused by fungal infections, which can be difficult to cure and may require months of treatment. In some cases, thick toenails can also be caused by injury to the nail bed, or underlying conditions such as diabetes, HIV, or other immune system issues. While there is no quick cure for thick toenails, there are several treatment options available to discourage the problem from spreading and improve the appearance of your nails. It is important to consult a doctor or healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Fungal infection, trauma, complications from an ingrown toenail, increased age, peripheral vascular disease, nail psoriasis, cancer treatments, weakened immune system |
| Symptoms | Thickened, discoloured (yellowish), brittle, crumbly, ragged, separated from the nail bed, painful |
| Prevention | Keep toenails clean and moisturised, keep feet clean and dry, wear cotton socks, rotate shoes |
| Home remedies | Soak feet in mixture of vinegar and water, apply Vicks VapoRub, tea tree oil, or urea cream, use over-the-counter antifungal treatments |
| Medical treatments | Oral and topical prescription medications, laser treatments, nail removal, debridement, partial nail removal |
| Risks of self-removal | Bacteria introduction, toe infection, thickened/misshapen nail regrowth, damage to nail bed |
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What You'll Learn
See a doctor or podiatrist
If you are experiencing issues with a hardened toenail, it is important to consider seeing a doctor or podiatrist. Firstly, if you have a pre-existing condition, such as cancer, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment. Additionally, if you are experiencing chronic fungal infections, it is advisable to seek medical advice.
In the case of an ingrown toenail, a doctor can offer various treatment options. They may place a splint under the nail to prevent it from growing into the surrounding skin. Alternatively, they might remove the ingrown portion of the nail to facilitate healing. If the condition is severe, leads to infection, or becomes chronic, a doctor may perform a procedure to remove the toenail and any affected tissue. This can ensure that the issue is addressed effectively and reduce the risk of further complications.
Visiting a doctor or podiatrist is especially important if you are considering removing your toenail. While there is advice available on self-removal, it is a risky procedure. Attempting to remove your toenail at home may result in additional damage, and you may require more intervention than if a doctor had performed the procedure initially. Doctors use sanitized instruments in a sterile environment, reducing the risk of infection. They can also assess the full scope of the problem and help you understand all your treatment options.
If you do not have a podiatrist, start by visiting a general practitioner or family doctor. They can examine your toes and determine if a referral to a podiatrist or dermatologist is necessary. During your appointment, be sure to inform the doctor if you have diabetes or any other condition that may impact your feet. They may order an X-ray to assess the internal structure of your toe and determine the best course of treatment.
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Treat the underlying cause
Thick toenails are often the result of toenail fungus, which can lead to pain and discomfort. If left untreated, the infection can worsen and cause further complications. Therefore, it is important to address the underlying cause, which may include:
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections are a common cause of thickened toenails. This can occur due to exposure to wet areas, such as shower floors or shoes, or it may be spread from another foot fungus, such as athlete's foot. Toenail fungus can also be a result of an underlying condition, such as diabetes, HIV, or other immune system disorders. Cancer treatments can also increase the likelihood of developing nail fungus. It is important to treat fungal infections promptly and continue treatment for several months to prevent recurrence. Topical treatments, oral medications, and surgical removal are common options.
Autoimmune Conditions
Psoriasis, an autoimmune disease, can cause toenails to become thick, brittle, and weak. In some cases, nails may even fall off. Treatment for nail psoriasis should be determined by a healthcare professional.
Peripheral Vascular Disease
This condition can lead to changes in toenail thickness and may require medical intervention.
Mechanical Stress
Poorly fitting shoes can cause mechanical stress on the toenails, leading to thickening.
Age
As you age, it is natural for toenail thickness to change.
Foot Hygiene
Challenges with foot hygiene, such as not keeping your feet clean and dry, can affect toenail health and contribute to fungal infections.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of thickened toenails and receive appropriate treatment.
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Avoid home removal
Toenails can become damaged for a variety of reasons, from trauma to fungal infection to complications from an ingrown toenail. While there is no shortage of advice on how to remove your own toenail, it is a risky undertaking. There are several reasons why you should avoid removing a toenail at home.
Firstly, there could be more damage to your toe than is visible. Any mistake could exacerbate the problem, and you may end up needing more intervention than if a doctor performed the procedure in the first place. A doctor will be able to use properly sanitized instruments in a completely sanitized environment, reducing the risk of infection. It is unlikely that you will be able to replicate these conditions at home.
Secondly, there is a good chance of injuring the skin around the nail. Introducing even the slightest bacteria can increase the risk of developing a toe infection. A toe infection may make it difficult to wear normal shoes and go about your daily activities. Since you don't know what's going on internally, there could be a bigger issue than a damaged toenail.
Additionally, your toenail may not grow back as expected. You could end up with a thickened, misshapen, or ingrown nail, which could put you back where you started or even worsen the situation.
Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor or podiatrist, who can determine the cause and full scope of the problem and help you understand all your treatment options. They can perform office-based procedures much more safely and quickly than you can at home.
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Prevent infection
Ingrown toenails are a common foot problem that can lead to infection. To prevent infection, it is important to keep the affected area clean. This includes regularly cleaning your feet and toenails, as well as keeping the skin surrounding your toenails dry. You should also wear comfortable and sensible footwear that does not pinch your toes or rub against your toenails.
If you have an ingrown toenail, it is important to treat it promptly to prevent infection. One way to do this is by lifting the nail and placing a small piece of cotton, waxed dental floss, or a splint underneath it. This will help the nail grow away from your skin. You can also soak your foot in warm water with Epsom salt for 15 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day, and then use a cotton bud to gently push away the skin from the corner of the nail. Repeat this process daily for a few weeks and let the toenail grow out.
After soaking your foot, apply an antibacterial or medicated ointment to the affected area and bandage the toe. You can also take non-prescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease any discomfort. Additionally, it is important to trim your nails properly. This includes cutting them straight across and avoiding cutting them too short or rounding the corners, as this increases the risk of the nail growing into the exposed skin.
If you have diabetes, nerve damage, or circulation problems, you may be more prone to ingrown toenails and infections. It is important to see a doctor or podiatrist if you have an ingrown toenail that is not improving with home treatments, or if you have signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, or pus. In some cases, oral antibiotics or a minor surgical procedure may be necessary to treat the infection and remove the affected nail.
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Soak and soften
Soaking your feet in a mixture of warm water and substances such as baking soda, Epsom salt, or white or apple cider vinegar can help to soften your nails before applying a fungus-fighting agent. This will help the treatment penetrate the nail.
If you think the nail is infected, you can also try a foot soak with a few capfuls of hydrogen peroxide mixed with water.
It is important to prepare the mixture at the right concentration. For example, Dr. Waldman recommends mixing one part vinegar with three parts warm water.
Toenail fungus is a common issue, affecting up to 14% of the population. It can be caused by walking barefoot in certain areas, such as locker rooms or near swimming pools, or by getting a pedicure. It can also spread from another foot fungus, such as athlete's foot, or from a surface like a shower floor or shoe.
Fungal infections can be difficult to cure, and they may require months of treatment. It can take up to a year, or even 12 to 18 months, for toenails to grow out and return to their pre-fungus appearance.
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