Noah Sinclair
Thick toenails are usually harmless and are rarely a major health problem. However, they can be unsightly and cause discomfort, especially when wearing shoes. Thick toenails can be caused by several factors, including fungal infections, aging, and underlying health conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis, and peripheral vascular disease. Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is the most common cause of thick toenails and can lead to other symptoms such as discolouration and a cheese-like odour. Other causes include injury to the nail bed, ill-fitting shoes, and genetic factors. While thick toenails are typically not a cause for concern, it is important to consult a doctor or healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment if necessary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Fungal infection, injury to the nail bed, advanced age, psoriasis, autoimmune condition |
| Appearance | Rough, ridged, scaly, yellow, green, brown, brittle, crumbly, ragged, multi-layered |
| Treatment | Topical treatments, oral medications, surgical removal, foot soaks, antifungal creams, proper footwear, good foot hygiene |
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Toenail fungus
Fungal infections occur in warm, damp environments, such as sweaty socks or tight shoes, and can be spread by walking barefoot in public places like swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers. Nail damage from pressure or injury can also make it easier for the fungus to take hold.
If left untreated, toenail fungus can cause pain and discomfort, and may even impair your ability to walk. Therefore, prompt treatment is essential. Over-the-counter liquid antifungal agents can be used to treat mild infections, but more severe cases may require oral medications or surgical removal. It is important to note that fungal infections can be challenging to cure and may require months of treatment.
To prevent and treat toenail fungus, it is recommended to keep your feet as dry as possible, wear shoes that fit well and are made of breathable materials, and disinfect nail care tools. Soaking your feet to soften the nails and regularly trimming and filing them can also help. If you notice any changes in your toenails, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Pressure or trauma
Toenails thicken over time due to excessive pressure or wear and tear. Thick toenails are also often caused by fungal infections, which can spread and cause the toenails to thicken further. Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist environments, such as toenails, because they are exposed to wet areas and sweat.
Fungal infections can be treated with antifungal creams, oral medications, or surgical removal. However, it is difficult to completely cure toenail fungal infections, and treatment can take 12 to 18 months. During this time, it is important to keep the affected area clean and groomed, and to avoid nail polish.
In addition to fungal infections, thick toenails can be caused by advanced age, psoriasis, and other medical conditions. They are rarely a major health problem but can cause discomfort. It is important to consult a doctor if you notice your toenails thickening to determine the underlying cause and receive proper treatment.
To promote healthy toenail growth, it is recommended to keep nails trimmed, wear well-fitting shoes, and minimize or prevent injury to the toenails.
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Ageing
Toenails naturally thicken as people age due to changes in blood circulation. As people get older, the small blood vessels in their feet narrow and thicken, making blood flow more difficult. This causes nail cells to build up and results in thicker nails. The growth rate of toenails is also affected by age, with toenails growing at about half the rate at 85 years old compared to 25 years old.
The texture of the nail also changes with age, with the normally smooth nail plate texture becoming progressively more friable with increasing age, resulting in nail fissuring, splitting, and ridging. As the nail becomes thicker and more friable, it becomes more susceptible to fungal infections, which can cause further thickening, yellow discolouration, crumbling, and lifting of the nail from the nail bed.
While ageing is a natural cause of thick toenails, other factors can also contribute to this issue. Toenail fungus, for example, is a common cause of thickened nails. Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist environments, making the toes particularly susceptible due to exposure to wet areas. Poor foot hygiene, diabetes, and weakened immune systems are also risk factors for toenail fungus.
To manage thick toenails due to ageing, individuals can consider the following:
- Regularly filing and trimming toenails to reduce thickness and smooth the appearance.
- Buffing the rough surfaces to create a smoother finish.
- Maintaining good foot hygiene and keeping toenails clean.
- Soaking feet in a mixture of warm water with baking soda, Epsom salt, or white vinegar.
- Applying topical treatments such as Vicks VapoRub or tea tree oil to address potential fungal infections.
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Autoimmune conditions
Thick toenails are often caused by fungal infections, also known as onychomycosis, which occur when a fungus or yeast enters the toenail and thrives in the moist environment. However, there are other causes, including injury to the nail bed, congenital disorders, and chronic illnesses. One such chronic illness that can cause toenails to thicken is psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that speeds up the growth of skin cells, resulting in inflamed patches. Scalp psoriasis can spread to the hair, causing silvery scales, and it can also affect the nails.
Other autoimmune conditions that can cause nail deformities include alopecia, which can cause nails to become weak and crumbly, and Hashimoto's disease, which can lead to nails taking on a concave shape and splitting easily. Psoriatic arthritis and lupus can also cause toenails to thicken and separate from the nail bed, and people with lupus may also experience spots on their nails and excessive thickening or roughening of the nail folds and cuticles.
While autoimmune conditions can cause nail problems, it is important to note that nail issues can also be caused by other factors, such as fungal infections, older age, injuries, ill-fitting shoes, and certain sports or exercises. Therefore, if you notice any changes in your toenails, such as thickening, discolouration, misshapen appearance, or brittleness, it is recommended to consult a doctor or dermatologist to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
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Treatment options
Thick toenails are often caused by fungal infections, which thrive in warm, moist environments. They can also be caused by injury to the nail bed, advanced age, autoimmune conditions, or psoriasis. While thick toenails are rarely a major health problem, they can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Treatment options include:
Topical treatments
Topical antifungal treatments, such as creams, gels, or liquids, can be applied directly to the nail to stop fungal growth and promote healthy nail growth. These treatments can take a long time to work, and it may be several months before any improvement is seen.
Oral medications
If topical treatments are ineffective, your doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medications.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy is another option for treating fungal toenail infections. This treatment uses lasers to kill the fungus and promote healthy nail growth.
Surgical removal
In more severe cases, surgical removal of the thickened nail may be necessary. However, even with surgical removal, it can take 12 to 18 months for the nail to return to its pre-fungal appearance.
Home remedies
There are also some home remedies that may help to treat thick toenails, such as:
- Soaking the feet in a mixture of warm water, baking soda, Epsom salt, or white vinegar
- Applying Vicks VapoRub, tea tree oil, or coconut oil to the affected area
- Using over-the-counter antifungal nail creams or ointments
- Keeping the feet clean and dry, and wearing well-fitting shoes and sweat-absorbing socks to prevent the spread of fungus
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Frequently asked questions
Toenails can thicken due to several factors, including fungal infections, advanced age, nail trauma or injury, psoriasis, and other medical conditions.
Thick toenails caused by fungal infections often appear yellow, green, or brown and may be harder to cut. They can also become brittle, crumbly, or separate from the nail bed.
If you suspect a fungal infection, it is important to consult a doctor or healthcare professional. They may recommend antifungal treatments, such as topical creams or oral medications.
Yes, some home remedies include soaking your toenails in a mixture of vinegar and warm water, applying tea tree oil or Vicks VapoRub, and maintaining good foot hygiene.
Yes, thick toenails can sometimes indicate an underlying condition or an autoimmune issue. It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you are concerned or if your toenails are causing you discomfort.
