Ava Monroe
Thick toenails are often caused by fungal infections, which can cause nails to become brittle, crumbly, ragged, and distorted. Nails can also thicken as a result of trauma or injury to the nail bed, such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it. In some cases, thick nails can be a symptom of underlying conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis, or paronychia. Aging can also cause nails to thicken and form ridges. It is important to consult a doctor or healthcare professional if you notice any changes in your nails, as it may indicate a more serious issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fungal infection | Tinea, Onychomycosis, Nail fungus, Toenail fungus |
| Trauma | Acute, Chronic |
| Diseases | Diabetes, Psoriasis, Paronychia, Yellow nail syndrome, Onychauxis, Onychogryphosis, Koilonychia |
| Ageing | Slowed cell renewal, reduced keratin production |
| Preexisting medical conditions | Cancer treatments |
| Lack of nutrients | Iron deficiency |
| Genetic factors | Darier disease |
| Other factors | Smoking, Nail polish, Chemicals, Poor footwear, Inadequate foot hygiene |
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What You'll Learn
Fungal infections
Thickened toenails are often caused by fungal infections. Toenails are particularly susceptible to fungal infections because they are frequently exposed to wet areas, which provide an ideal environment for fungi to grow and spread. The moisture helps the fungus spread and distort the growth of the nail, affecting the nail bed.
There are several ways to prevent and treat fungal infections. To prevent infections, it is important to keep your feet clean and dry, especially in public places like showers and pool areas. Wearing shoes in these areas can also help protect your feet from coming into contact with nail fungus. Additionally, wearing properly fitting shoes and absorbent socks can help prevent moisture buildup and reduce the risk of infection.
If you notice signs of a fungal infection, there are home remedies and medical treatments available. Home remedies include cleaning the affected area with soap and water, applying topical antifungal treatments, and using Vicks VapoRub or tea tree oil. Medical treatments may involve the use of medicated nail lacquers or oral antifungal medications prescribed by a doctor. It is important to seek medical advice if you suspect a fungal infection, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition, to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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Trauma to the nail bed
Acute Trauma
Injuries to the nail bed can be caused by stubbing your toe or finger, dropping a heavy object on it, or getting your finger stuck or jammed in something, like a door or drawer. These types of injuries can lead to nail thickening, either temporarily until the nail heals or, in some cases, permanently.
Chronic Trauma
Individuals who place prolonged pressure on their feet, such as athletes, dancers, or runners, may be prone to nail thickening due to the long-term stress inflicted on the nail beds. Additionally, wearing shoes that are too tight or too small can also contribute to this condition.
Subungual Hematoma
A subungual hematoma occurs when small blood vessels under the nail bed leak, causing blood to pool between the nail and the nail bed. This type of injury often results from crushing or high-impact injuries, such as getting your finger caught between two objects or slammed in a door. The trapped blood under the nail can be painful and may require drainage by a medical professional to relieve the pressure.
Lacerations and Avulsions
Cuts or lacerations to the nail and nail bed can also lead to nail thickening. In some cases, these injuries may result in avulsions, where the nail and part of the nail bed become separated or pulled away from the rest of the finger or toe. Avulsions are often very painful and may require medical attention, including antibiotics to prevent infection and, in severe cases, surgery.
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Underlying health conditions
Thick nails can be a symptom of several underlying health conditions. One of the most common causes is a fungal infection, which can cause nails to thicken, discolour, and become brittle. Toenails are particularly susceptible to fungal infections because they are often exposed to wet areas, providing an ideal environment for fungi to grow and spread.
Another possible underlying condition is psoriasis, an autoimmune disorder that causes red, scaly patches on the skin and can lead to nail thickening, ridges, and separation from the nail bed. Paronychia, a bacterial skin infection, can also cause thickening of both fingernails and toenails, along with symptoms such as redness and swelling around the nail.
In some cases, thick nails may be a result of trauma or injury to the nail bed. This could be due to acute trauma, such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it, or chronic trauma from repeated pressure or wearing ill-fitting shoes. Thick nails can also be a sign of reduced circulation, which is commonly associated with diabetes.
Additionally, thick nails can be hereditary and run in families. Certain diseases, such as Darier disease, a genetic skin disorder, can also cause nail abnormalities, including unusual thickness. Ageing can also play a role, as reduced cell renewal and decreased keratin production can lead to thicker, more brittle nails.
If you notice persistent thickening of your nails, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to identify and address any underlying health conditions.
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Ageing
As the body ages, the nails undergo various changes. The growth rate of nails slows down over time, with an average growth rate of around 3mm per month, and this can be as low as 1.8 mm per month. This slowdown in growth can begin as early as age 20, decreasing by about 0.5% per year. Nails may also become dull, brittle, and prone to breaking. They may also become thicker or thinner, hard, and more opaque with a yellow tinge. The tips of the fingernails may break more easily, and lengthwise ridges may develop. Toenails may become particularly vulnerable to thickening due to the warm and moist environment created by shoes, which encourages fungal growth.
Fungal infections, known as onychomycosis, are common in older people and account for about half of all nail disorders. They can cause nail thickening and discolouration. Factors that increase the risk of onychomycosis include male sex, old age, smoking, peripheral arterial disease, diabetes, and immunodeficiency.
The thickening of nails can also be attributed to the slowing of the growth and repair rate of nail cells due to poor blood circulation, especially in the hands and feet. Poor blood circulation causes the small blood vessels in the feet to narrow and thicken, making blood flow more difficult. This results in a build-up of nail cells, leading to thickened nails.
While many nail changes that occur with age are minor, some can indicate more serious health issues such as heart and lung disease, anaemia, liver and kidney problems, or diabetes. Repeated wetting and drying of the nails or exposure to harsh chemicals and cosmetics can also contribute to nail problems. Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare provider if you notice significant or sudden changes in your nail's texture, thickness, colour, or shape.
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Lack of nutrients
Thick nails can be a sign of a lack of nutrients in the body. Nails require a sufficient supply of essential nutrients to remain robust and resilient. Nutritional deficiencies can influence the growth and appearance of nails, which are made up of layers of keratin and other proteins.
A deficiency in dietary protein can lead to a lack of keratin, which is critical for maintaining strong and healthy nails. Nails may also become thickened due to a lack of vitamins and minerals. Iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamins A, B, C, and E are some of the major nutrient deficiencies that can affect nail health.
Vitamin deficiencies can cause nails to become brittle, weak, rough, and lose their smoothness. They may also develop grooves and ridges, and change colour. For example, a lack of vitamin B12 can cause nails to become discoloured, weak, and brittle. Iron deficiency can also lead to ridges or changes in nail shape, such as spoon-shaped nails.
A lack of nutrients can also cause leukonychia, which results in white spots and patches on the nails. Melanonychia, or longitudinal strips on the nails, can be caused by malnutrition and a lack of essential proteins and energy.
Ensuring a healthy and balanced diet that includes whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to provide the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that nails need. Taking a multivitamin or nail health supplement may also be beneficial.
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Frequently asked questions
Thick nails are most commonly caused by fungal infections. Nails are made from a protein called keratin, and fungi can cause debris to build up, leading to nail discolouration and thickening.
Nails may turn yellow, white, opaque, or brown. They can also become brittle, crumbly, ragged, or distorted.
Thick nails can be caused by injury to the nail bed, or by dropping a heavy object on the nail matrix (where the nail grows from). Thick nails can also be caused by conditions such as psoriasis, paronychia, onychauxis, and diabetes.
