Isla Bennett
Thick toenails are typically harmless and can be caused by a number of factors, including age, nail fungus, peripheral vascular disease, and nail psoriasis. In some cases, thick toenails can be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as limited blood circulation or yellow nail syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder. Toenails get thicker when the keratin cells that make up the nail plate excessively grow on top of each other, leading to a distinct, curled appearance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Distinct, curled, discoloured, brittle, uneven, flaky, crumbly |
| Texture | Rough |
| Cause | Buildup of keratin cells, increased age, nail fungus, peripheral vascular disease, nail psoriasis, limited blood circulation, foot injuries, tight shoes, inherited |
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What You'll Learn
Thick toenails are typically harmless
Thick toenails can change how your toenails feel. They often develop a rougher texture that can make them more difficult to care for. It may be harder to trim your toenails if they become brittle and grow back unevenly. Your toenails may also flake or crumble when you attempt to trim or file them. Fungal infections of the toes can affect the way your toes smell. You may notice a cheese-like odour coming from your toenail. If a thickened toenail becomes ingrown, bacterial or fungal infections can also cause foul discharge (pus that oozes out of your skin).
Having thick toenails usually won't lead to any major health complications as long as they don't get infected. However, you should let your healthcare provider know if you are seeing changes to your toenails, as it could be a sign of a health problem (including cancer). You may need testing done to reach a diagnosis. If you have a hard time keeping your toenails clean and trimmed, you may want to see a podiatrist for ongoing foot care.
Although not all cases of toenail fungus need treatment, thick toenails may be a symptom of worsening fungus. Toenail fungus may require medical interventions that involve prescriptions and recommendations from your doctor. It's important to talk with a doctor or healthcare professional if your toenails have become thicker or if you think you have toenail fungus.
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Thick toenails can be caused by fungal infections
Fungal infections of the toenails can be treated with prescription oral or topical medications. However, some of these medications can affect the liver, so routine blood testing may be required. There are also several at-home treatments that can be considered. It is important to talk to a doctor or healthcare professional if you think you have a fungal infection, as they can advise on the best course of treatment.
In addition to fungal infections, thick toenails can also be caused by injury or mechanical damage, certain diseases, and the ageing process. While thick toenails are typically harmless, they can become a cosmetic and health issue, especially if they become ingrown or infected. If you are experiencing changes to your toenails, it is important to see a healthcare provider, as it could be a sign of a more serious health problem.
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Thick toenails can be caused by peripheral vascular disease
Thick toenails are usually harmless, but they can sometimes indicate a health problem. Toenails can become thicker as you get older, but they can also be caused by fungal infections, injury or mechanical damage, and certain diseases. Toenail fungus (also known as onychomycosis) is a common cause of thick toenails, affecting 8% to 10% of the population. It can cause the nail to become yellow, green, or brown, and may also result in a cheese-like odour. If left untreated, thick toenails can become chronic and may require medical intervention, such as prescription oral medication or topical treatments.
Thick toenails can also be a symptom of peripheral vascular disease. Peripheral vascular disease is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the legs and feet, causing them to become narrowed or blocked. This can reduce blood flow to the toes, leading to a decrease in oxygen and nutrients reaching the toenails. As a result, the toenails may become thicker and more brittle, and may also change in colour or texture.
Peripheral vascular disease is often caused by atherosclerosis, which is a build-up of plaque in the arteries. Risk factors for peripheral vascular disease include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a family history of the disease. It is important to see a doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms of peripheral vascular disease, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further complications.
If you are concerned about thick toenails, it is recommended to see a healthcare provider, especially if you are experiencing any other symptoms. A healthcare provider can evaluate your toenails and determine if any further testing or treatment is needed. In some cases, you may be referred to a podiatrist, who specialises in conditions of the feet and lower legs.
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Thick toenails can be caused by nail psoriasis
Thick toenails are usually harmless, but they can sometimes indicate a health problem. Toenail fungus is a common cause of thick toenails, but they can also be caused by injury or mechanical damage, and certain diseases.
Thick toenails can also be caused by nail psoriasis. Nail psoriasis causes your nail plate to lose cells, resulting in small pits forming on your toenails. The number of pits varies from person to person, and the pits can be shallow or deep. In addition to pitting, weakness of the structures that support nails can cause your nails to crumble. Nails can also become thicker due to a fungal infection called onychomycosis, which is common in people with psoriasis. This can cause your nails to develop a chalky substance underneath, which is called subungual hyperkeratosis and may be painful or uncomfortable.
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Thick toenails can be caused by limited blood circulation
Thick toenails are usually harmless and are often caused by toenail fungus (also known as onychomycosis), which affects 8-10% of the population. However, thick toenails can also be a symptom of limited blood circulation. Poor circulation can cause the toenails to thicken and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as a change in colour, texture, or pain and discomfort.
Toenails that are thicker than usual can become a cosmetic and health issue. They may develop a rougher texture, making them more difficult to care for and trim. The toenails may also become brittle and grow back unevenly, flake, or crumble when you attempt to trim or file them.
If left untreated, thick toenails can become chronic and lead to further complications. Therefore, it is important to seek medical advice if you notice any changes in your toenails. A healthcare provider can evaluate the condition and determine the underlying cause. In some cases, thick toenails may be a sign of a more serious health problem, including cancer.
While thick toenails are often harmless, it is always better to be cautious and seek professional advice. A podiatrist, who specialises in conditions of the feet and lower legs, can provide ongoing foot care and treatment options to improve the appearance and health of your toenails.
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Frequently asked questions
Thick toenails are typically harmless and are caused by a buildup of the cells that make up your toenails. This can be caused by increased age, nail fungus, peripheral vascular disease, and nail psoriasis (an autoimmune disease).
Onychauxis is a form of nail overgrowth. If you have onychauxis, your toenails will have a distinct, curled appearance and will appear discoloured. They may curl and grow long, similar to ram horns.
Onychomycosis is a type of nail infection and the most common toenail fungus. The infection directly affects the nail bed on a toenail.
