Noah Sinclair
Thick nails are usually a result of a buildup of the cells that make up your toenails. While the condition is often benign and caused by aging, it can also be indicative of other health concerns. For instance, a type of fungal infection called onychomycosis is a common cause of thick nails, and can be difficult to cure. Other causes include peripheral vascular disease, nail psoriasis, and paronychia. Prompt treatment is key to resolving thick nails, and it is important to seek medical advice to determine the appropriate treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Ageing, fungal infection, nail psoriasis, peripheral vascular disease, onychogryphosis, onychauxis, paronychia, acromegaly, poor foot hygiene, etc. |
| Appearance | Rough, ridged, scaly, yellow, green, brown, white, long, curved, brittle |
| Treatment | Prompt treatment is key to curing nail fungus. Treatment options include: cleaning the affected area with soap and water, applying urea cream, using a nail clipper and nail file to trim nails, applying over-the-counter fungal treatment, applying Vicks VapoRub, applying tea tree oil, etc. |
| Prevention | Keep feet clean and dry, change socks regularly, wear cotton socks, rotate shoes, use disinfected tools for trimming nails, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Thick nails and ageing
Thick nails can be unsightly and uncomfortable. While thick nails can occur at any age, it is a common symptom of ageing. Nails may become thicker or thinner with age. This is due to the growth and repair rate of nail cells slowing down as a result of poor blood circulation. As the blood vessels in the feet narrow, it becomes harder for blood to flow, causing a build-up of nail cells and leading to thickened nails.
Age-related changes in the morphology of the nail plate include alterations in its thickness, contour, surface, and colour. Thickened nails may appear rough, ridged, or scaly on the surface and may take on a yellow, green, or brown hue. In addition to age, other factors that may cause nails to thicken include fungal infections, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Fungal infections are a common cause of nail thickening, particularly in older people. Toenails are especially vulnerable because shoes provide a warm, moist environment for fungus to grow. The scientific term for a nail fungal infection is "onychomycosis". It is important to note that fungal infections are difficult to cure and may require months of treatment.
While thick nails due to ageing do not always require treatment, a person may want to buff or file the rough surfaces to smooth them and improve their appearance. In some cases, a doctor may need to prescribe treatment to improve the condition of the nail or prevent it from worsening. It is important to seek medical advice if you are experiencing difficulty trimming your nails at home or if you notice significant changes in the texture, thickness, colour, or shape of your nails.
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Fungal infections
Thick toenails are often unsightly and uncomfortable. They can be caused by fungal infections, which are the most common nail disease globally, affecting 10% of the US population. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, so toenails are particularly susceptible.
Fungal nail infections can be caused by yeast or a fungus that grows under the nail bed. The infection is initially minor, but over time, it may spread and cause the toenails to thicken. The nails may also take on a yellow, green, or brown hue and appear rough, ridged, or scaly on the surface. In some cases, the nail may separate from the nail bed.
Toenail fungus can spread from another foot fungus, such as athlete's foot, or from a surface like a shower floor or a shoe. It is important to keep your feet clean and dry to prevent the spread of fungal infections. You can also reduce the risk of thick toenails by keeping your toenails trimmed and maintaining good foot hygiene.
There are several treatments available for fungal nail infections. It is recommended that you clean the affected area with soap and water daily, and then apply an over-the-counter fungal treatment. You can also try home remedies such as Vicks VapoRub or tea tree oil. However, it is important to see a doctor or healthcare professional if you think you have a toenail fungus, as they can help determine the best course of treatment.
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Nail psoriasis
Thick nails can be a sign of several health conditions, including fungal infections, ageing, and psoriasis. While thick nails do not always require treatment, it is important to seek medical advice when you notice thickening or discolouration.
While there is no cure for nail psoriasis, treatments can help alleviate symptoms. Topical therapies are typically the first-line treatment, but if these fail, systemic options such as pills or injections may be necessary. A strong or very strong corticosteroid can be used to treat most signs and symptoms of nail psoriasis. Calcipotriol, a medication derived from vitamin D, can be used to treat the buildup that develops beneath the nails. Tazarotene, derived from vitamin A, can be used to treat pitting, nail separation, or discolouration. Biologic therapy drugs, such as tildrakizumab, have also been found effective in treating moderate to severe nail psoriasis.
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Onychauxis
Thick nails are most commonly associated with toenails and can be unsightly and uncomfortable. They can be a sign of ageing, but they may also indicate an underlying health condition. In some cases, thick nails can be indicative of a nail disorder called onychauxis.
The exact cause of onychauxis is unknown, but it is believed to be associated with several factors, including trauma, acromegaly, Darier's disease, psoriasis, and pityriasis rubra pilaris. It may also have a hereditary component, as those with a family history of the condition are at an increased risk of developing it. However, it is not contagious, and touch will not spread it from person to person.
While onychauxis is rarely dangerous and often does not require treatment, it is important to monitor the condition. If left untreated, onychauxis can lead to complications like curled toenails, thick nails that are impossible to trim, and pain. These complications can interfere with daily activities and make treating the disorder more challenging. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are essential to managing onychauxis effectively.
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Treatment and prevention
Thick nails are typically harmless and are usually caused by ageing, trauma, or a fungal infection. However, they can sometimes be a sign of other health concerns. Treatment and prevention options depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the nail changes.
If thick nails are due to ageing, you don't need to treat them unless they are causing discomfort. In this case, you may want to smooth them by buffing or filing the rough surfaces.
If thick nails are due to trauma, such as a single injury or repetitive actions, a podiatrist can cut back the nail and reduce its thickness. They may also discuss more long-term treatments, such as nail surgery to remove the nail if suitable.
If thick nails are due to a fungal infection, you should seek medical advice and treatment. Onychomycosis, the most common toenail fungus, can be treated with daily use of Vick's VapoRub, an over-the-counter topical ointment.
To prevent thick nails from forming, you can take several measures. Wear properly-fitting, comfortable shoes that are neither too tight nor too loose. Protect your feet in shared, wet spaces, such as gym showers or locker rooms, by wearing footwear. Keep your footwear dry to prevent fungal infections, which thrive in warm, moist environments.
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Frequently asked questions
Thick toenails are usually a symptom of a fungal infection. They can also be caused by toenail injuries, allergies, or underlying conditions such as psoriasis, diabetes, or circulation problems.
It is important to talk to a doctor or healthcare professional if you have thick toenails. To reduce the risk of thick toenails, keep your feet clean by washing them with soap and water, dry them off with a towel, and use a powder to keep your feet dry.
Thick fingernails can be caused by acute trauma, such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it. It can also be caused by chronic trauma, such as repeatedly inflicting pressure on your feet, wearing tight shoes, or having a hormonal disorder.
