Caleb Foster
Thick toenails are usually caused by fungal infections, which can be treated with antifungal medication. Thick toenails can also be caused by injury to the nail bed, and in some cases, they may be a symptom of an underlying condition such as psoriasis, onychomycosis, or a congenital disorder. Thick toenails are also associated with aging due to the slowdown of nail cell growth and repair rates. Poor foot hygiene, ill-fitting shoes, and trauma to the toes can also contribute to thickened toenails. While thickened toenails are not typically a major health concern, they can cause discomfort and may indicate more serious health issues, so it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Fungal infection, injury, underlying conditions, aging, nail psoriasis, paronychia |
| Symptoms | Toenails thicken, become discolored, deformed, painful, difficult to wear shoes, slow nail growth, brittle nails, prone to splitting |
| Treatment | Antifungal agents, baking soda, vinegar, Vicks VapoRub, tea tree oil, olive leaf extract, coconut oil, antifungal nail creams, ointments, proper footwear, foot hygiene |
| Prevention | Wear sweat-absorbing socks, keep feet dry, wear shoes, practice good foot hygiene |
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Aging
Toenails thicken as we age due to a variety of factors. Firstly, the growth and repair rate of nail cells slow down due to poor blood circulation, especially in the extremities like our hands and feet. This causes nail cells to build up, leading to thickened nails. Additionally, as we age, we experience an increased incidence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, anaemia, osteoporosis, and psoriasis, which contribute to slower nail growth and thickening.
Fungal infections, which are more common in older adults, can also lead to thickened toenails. Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, thrives in warm and moist environments, causing discolouration, thickening, crumbling, and lifting of the nail from the nail bed. Thickened nails can also be caused by injury to the nail bed, which is common in athletes, runners, and dancers, or those who wear ill-fitting shoes.
While the ageing process cannot be avoided, there are ways to manage thickened toenails and improve their appearance. Regular nail filing and trimming can help reduce thickness and smoothen the surface. Maintaining good foot hygiene, keeping feet dry, and wearing well-fitting shoes can also help prevent fungal infections and improve nail health. In some cases, antifungal medications and foot soaks may be prescribed to treat infections.
It's important to note that thickened toenails can sometimes indicate underlying health conditions. Discolouration, curling, and other changes in the appearance of the nail may warrant medical attention. Seeking prompt treatment for nail issues can help prevent further complications and improve overall nail health.
Although thickened toenails due to ageing may not require medical treatment, proper foot care and hygiene are essential to maintaining nail health and comfort as we age.
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Fungal infections
Thick toenails are often caused by fungal infections. Toenails that grow thicker over time may indicate a fungal infection, which can be persistent and worsen without treatment. Fungi thrive in wet areas, so your toes can be susceptible to fungal infections due to exposure to moisture.
It is important to consult a doctor or dermatologist if you notice your toenails thickening or changing colour or texture. Doctors can diagnose and treat fungal infections through methods such as examining nail clippings or swabs under a microscope. Early treatment is essential to improve the appearance and reduce discomfort associated with thick toenails caused by fungal infections.
Additionally, underlying conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis, or paronychia may contribute to thick toenails and require specific medical attention. Seeking medical advice helps ensure that the thick toenails are not a symptom of a more serious condition.
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Trauma or injury
If you suspect nail trauma, it is highly advisable to avoid drilling, lifting, or trimming your toenail, as home treatments can further damage the nail bed and lead to further complications. Instead, it is important to seek appropriate podiatric attention to prevent or minimize structural changes and promote proper healing and nail regrowth.
If the injury is minor, you may be able to care for it at home. To do this, you must be able to stop any bleeding, and the nail should not be cut or torn and should still be attached. If the nail bruise covers less than a quarter of the nail and your toe is not bent or misshapen, you can treat it with conservative therapies. For example, you can wrap a towel around an ice pack and gently press it onto the injury for 20-minute intervals each day.
However, if the injury was severe, the toenail may need up to 12 months to regrow. If a subungual hematoma (bruise) covers more than half of the nail and is causing pain, medical treatment may be needed to drain the blood and relieve pressure under the nail. A large hematoma can be a sign of a subungual laceration, which, if left untreated, could damage the nail matrix and cause permanent nail changes.
To prevent toenail trauma, you can take several precautions. Firstly, you should buy shoes that fit properly, with enough space in the toe box. It may be helpful to go shoe shopping later in the day, after your feet are swollen, and to measure and fit the shoe to the larger foot. You should also keep your toenails properly trimmed with a nail clipper to reduce your risk of rubbing or pressure. If you have sweaty feet, you can try spraying your feet with antiperspirant before activities.
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Underlying conditions
Thick toenails can be a symptom of an underlying condition. It is important to consult a doctor if you notice your toenails thickening or changing colour or texture. Doctors can diagnose the cause of thick toenails by collecting and analysing nail clippings.
Fungal infections are a common underlying condition for thick toenails. Toenails are susceptible to fungal infections because of exposure to wet areas. Moisture helps fungi spread. Yeasts, moulds, and other fungi can enter toenails and cause infection. Home remedies and medical treatments can help stop fungal growth and encourage healthy nail growth.
Thick toenails can also be caused by injury to the nail bed. This can be caused by dropping a heavy object onto the toe or ill-fitting shoes. In some cases, the nail may require removal under local anaesthesia.
Yellow nail syndrome is another underlying condition that can cause thick toenails. People with this condition typically experience respiratory problems and swelling in the arms and legs due to a buildup of fluid around the lungs and in the limbs. There is currently no cure for yellow nail syndrome, and treatments for affected nails have limited effectiveness.
Additionally, psoriasis, an autoimmune disorder that causes red, scaly patches on the skin, can also affect the toenails, leading to ridges and thickening of the nail. Treatment can reduce inflammation and improve the condition of the nails over time, but healing is usually slow.
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Treatment options
Thick toenails can be a sign of other health conditions, including fungal infections, aging, psoriasis, and yellow nail syndrome, which is associated with some cancers and immune disorders. If you notice your toenails thickening, changing colour, or changing texture, you should consult a doctor.
If your thick toenails are caused by a fungal infection, there are several treatment options available. One home remedy involves soaking your toes in a mixture of one part white or apple cider vinegar to three parts warm water for at least 10 minutes, drying your feet, and then applying an antifungal substance to the affected nails. Alternatively, you can use Listerine instead of vinegar, as it contains thymol, which has antifungal properties. Over-the-counter drugstore products, such as creams sold to treat athlete's foot, can also be applied to the toenails after soaking. Drugstores also carry other toenail treatments, including treated patches that contain urea, an acidic substance that improves the appearance of nails by reducing discolouration and brittleness.
For more persistent cases of toenail fungus, prescription medications may be required. Antifungal drugs taken orally have been shown to be effective in treating toenail fungus, although they may not completely penetrate the nail tissue. Tea tree oil and Vicks VapoRub, which contains thymol and other essential oils, are also recommended by doctors to fight toenail fungus.
If your thick toenails are caused by injury to the nail bed, you can file them thinner and seek medical treatment to help the nail grow back more normally.
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Frequently asked questions
Thick toenails are often caused by fungal infections. Yeasts, moulds, and other fungi can enter toenails and cause infection. Fungi thrive in wet areas, so your toes can be susceptible to fungal infections if they are often exposed to moisture.
Besides thickening, symptoms of a fungal toenail infection include discolouration (yellowing), deformation (curving or growing at an angle), and discomfort.
If you notice your toenails thickening, you should consult a doctor or a dermatologist, who can diagnose the cause and recommend treatment options.
Treatment for fungal toenail infections includes administering antifungal agents on the toenails to stop fungal growth and allow healthy nails to grow back. Home remedies such as Vicks VapoRub, tea tree oil, olive leaf extract, and coconut oil can also help combat fungal infections.
Yes, repeated trauma or injury to the nail bed can cause toenails to thicken. Thick toenails can also be caused by underlying conditions such as psoriasis, paronychia, and yellow nail syndrome. Thickening toenails may also be a natural result of aging.
