Ava Monroe
Thick toenails are often caused by fungal infections, which can cause the nail to become brittle, crumbly, distorted, and yellow, green, or brown in colour. Other causes include injuries to the nail bed, autoimmune conditions, peripheral vascular disease, and older age. Treatment options for thick toenails include topical treatments, oral medications, and surgical removal. Home remedies such as foot soaks and antifungal medications can also help to treat the underlying cause of the thick toenail.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Fungal infection, older age, psoriasis, autoimmune conditions, peripheral vascular disease, nail injury, cancer treatment |
| Appearance | Rough, ridged, scaly, yellow, green, brown, whitish, yellow-brown, brittle, crumbly, ragged, distorted, curved |
| Symptoms | Nail thickening, nail discoloration, nail debris, unpleasant odour, pain, discomfort |
| Prevention | Wear sweat-absorbing socks, wear shoes in pool areas and locker rooms, treat shoes with antifungal powders or disinfectants, wash hands and feet regularly, trim toenails, wear sandals, keep feet dry |
| Treatment | Topical treatments, oral medications, surgical removal, antifungal medications, foot soaks, baking soda and water or vinegar and water soaks, Vicks VapoRub, tea tree oil, olive leaf extract, coconut oil, OTC antifungal nail creams and ointments |
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What You'll Learn
Preventing thick toenails
Toenails getting thicker over time is a common issue that can be a symptom of a fungal infection. Thick toenails can be unsightly and uncomfortable, and in some cases, they can indicate a more serious underlying health condition. Here are some tips to prevent thick toenails:
The first step in preventing thick toenails is understanding the underlying causes, which can vary from fungal infections to other medical conditions. Here are some tips to help keep your toenails healthy and prevent them from thickening:
- Footwear: Choose well-fitting, comfortable shoes that don't restrict your toes. Avoid tight or restrictive footwear, such as high heels, which can put pressure on your toes and damage the nail cells over time.
- Foot Hygiene: Practice good foot hygiene by keeping your feet clean and dry. Wash your feet regularly and ensure your socks and shoes are dry before putting them on.
- Fungal Infections: Fungal nail infections are a common cause of thick toenails. Treat any fungal infections promptly and follow your doctor's advice. Keep your nail clippers and other pedicure instruments sanitized to avoid spreading nail fungus.
- Exercise: Engage in regular exercise to promote circulation, which can help prevent nail thickening. Be cautious when running or performing vigorous exercise to minimize trauma to your toenails.
- Nail Care: Trim your toenails regularly, using a nail clipper and file to maintain a healthy length and thickness. Soften your nails with urea cream before trimming, especially if they have become thickened and difficult to cut.
- See a Podiatrist: If you're struggling to manage your thick toenails at home, consider seeing a podiatrist. They can professionally reduce nail thickness with specialized equipment and provide advice on nail care.
- Underlying Conditions: In some cases, thick toenails may be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or an autoimmune disease. If you notice persistent or worsening nail thickening, consult a doctor to rule out any serious health concerns.
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Home remedies
Thick toenails can be caused by fungal infections, older age, psoriasis, and other factors. Toenail fungus occurs in 10% of the U.S. population and is more common in people with diabetes, HIV, or other conditions that affect the immune system.
Keep your feet clean and dry: Wash your feet regularly with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly with a towel. Use a powder like Zeasorb to keep your feet dry. Change your socks a few times a day, wear cotton socks that absorb moisture, and rotate your shoes so they can dry out completely.
Practice good nail hygiene: Keep your toenails trimmed and filed. Use disinfected tools for trimming and smoothing the edges of your nails.
Soak your feet: Mix baking soda, Epsom salt, or vinegar in warm water and soak your feet for at least 10 minutes. You can also use a few capfuls of hydrogen peroxide mixed with water if you think the nail is infected.
Apply topical treatments: After soaking and drying your feet, apply an antifungal substance to the affected nails. You can use over-the-counter antifungal creams, or natural remedies such as Vicks VapoRub, tea tree oil, or a paste of crushed garlic.
Use oral antifungals: While topical treatments are generally recommended first, you can also try taking oral antifungal medications. However, these may require routine blood testing as they can affect the liver.
It is important to consult a doctor or healthcare professional if you are experiencing thick toenails, as they may recommend specific treatments or procedures to address the underlying cause.
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Medical treatments
Thick toenails are usually caused by fungal infections, which can be persistent and challenging to cure. While there is no immediate cure for toenail fungus, several medical treatments can help manage the condition and prevent it from worsening. Here are some recommended medical treatments for thick toenails:
Topical Treatments
Topical antifungal medications can be applied directly to the affected toenails to treat fungal infections. These medications help inhibit the growth of fungi and improve nail appearance. Examples include creams containing urea or tea tree oil, and Vicks VapoRub, which may help kill the nail fungus.
Oral Medications
Oral antifungal drugs can also be prescribed to treat toenail fungus. While these medications enter the bloodstream, only small amounts reach the toenails due to their slow growth and low metabolic activity. Nevertheless, they can help manage the infection and prevent its spread.
Surgical Removal
In more severe cases, surgical removal of the affected toenail may be necessary. This procedure involves removing the thickened toenail to eliminate the fungal infection. However, it may take 12 to 18 months for the toenail to regrow and regain its pre-fungal appearance.
Treatment for Psoriasis
If thick toenails are caused by psoriasis, an autoimmune disorder, medications such as topical steroids or injections may be prescribed. These treatments help manage the skin condition and improve the associated thickened nails.
Treatment for Aging-Related Thickening
Toenail thickening due to aging can be addressed by buffing or filing the rough surfaces to smooth their appearance. This treatment option helps improve the texture and appearance of thickened toenails in older individuals.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist or podiatrist, to receive an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan for thick toenails. They may recommend a combination of these treatments to effectively manage the condition and prevent further complications.
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Filing thick nails
Thick toenails can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, and are often caused by a fungal infection. If you have a thick toenail, it's important to treat the underlying cause, but filing can help to reduce thickness and discomfort.
Firstly, ensure you have the right tools. You can use a professional-grade toenail clipper, such as the ClipPro, to shorten the nail, and then thin it with an electric nail file. Electric files have a rotating abrasive head that grinds down the nail surface. Soak your nails in warm water for 5-10 minutes first to soften them and make them easier to file. You can also add a teaspoon of salt to the water to help with softening.
When using an electric file, apply light pressure and gently rub the spinning head over your toenail. Only file in one direction to prevent cracking and fraying. Stop if the nail starts to feel hot or if you experience any pain. You can also use a urea cream to soften the nail before filing. Rub a fingertip-sized amount onto your nails, cover with a bandage, and leave for up to 24 hours before gently filing.
Remember to sanitise your tools before and after use, especially if you are treating a fungal infection. Wash your clippers with soapy water and wipe them down with rubbing alcohol. Throw away any disposable files, as the fungus can spread through the dust that comes off your nails.
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When to see a doctor
Thick toenails are usually not a cause for concern and can be the result of aging, ill-fitting shoes, or a fungal infection. However, there are certain instances where you should seek medical advice.
Firstly, if you have a pre-existing medical condition, such as cancer, or are undergoing treatments that affect your immune system, it is important to talk to your doctor about any changes in your toenails. This is because your risk of developing nail fungus is higher, and if left untreated, it can lead to secondary infections or complications.
Secondly, if you are experiencing chronic or recurring fungal infections, you should consult a doctor. While fungal infections are not usually serious, they can be persistent and difficult to cure. A doctor can help diagnose the type of fungus and provide appropriate treatment options to prevent the condition from worsening.
Additionally, if you are having difficulty trimming your nails at home due to thickness or discomfort, it is advisable to seek medical advice. A doctor can recommend procedures or medications to reduce nail thickness and improve nail health. They may refer you to a dermatologist or podiatrist, who specializes in nail and foot care, respectively.
Finally, if you notice any discoloration or changes in texture accompanying the thickening of your toenails, it is important to consult a doctor. These changes could indicate an underlying condition, such as psoriasis or an autoimmune disease, and prompt treatment can help address these issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Thick toenails can be caused by fungal infections, older age, psoriasis, autoimmune conditions, peripheral vascular disease, or repeated trauma or injury.
To prevent thick toenails, practice good foot hygiene and wear well-fitting shoes. Keep your feet as dry as possible and wear sweat-absorbing socks. Avoid walking barefoot in public places, especially near swimming pools and in locker rooms.
Treatment for thick toenails includes addressing the underlying cause. Topical treatments, oral medications, and surgical removal are common options. Your healthcare provider may recommend debridement, a procedure where a podiatrist removes extra layers of your toenail to reduce thickness.
Home remedies for thick toenails include foot soaks with baking soda and water or vinegar and water. Vicks VapoRub, tea tree oil, olive leaf extract, and coconut oil are also suggested home remedies.
