Liam Carter
Thickened nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including fungal infections, injury, illness, or disease. In some cases, thickened nails can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as psoriasis, eczema, or a fungal infection. Certain lifestyle changes, such as pregnancy, can also cause nails to become thicker. If you notice that your nails are growing back thicker, it is important to seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Trauma, disease, lifestyle changes, peripheral artery disease, fungal infections, eczema, psoriasis, chemotherapy, or congenital disorders |
| Symptoms | Thickened nails, discolouration, dents, ridges, horizontal lines, pain, soreness, splits, cracks, spots, streaks, texture changes, bruising |
| Treatment | Steroid creams, immunomodulators, light therapy, urea cream, bandaging, nail clipping, fungal treatments, tea tree oil, Vicks VapoRub, nail lacquers, keeping nails short, avoiding nail biting or picking |
| Prevention | Wearing rubber gloves, wearing deep and long footwear, keeping feet dry, practicing good foot hygiene |
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What You'll Learn
Thick nails may be caused by a fungal infection
Mycotic nail infections can be further classified into different types, such as edonyx onychomycosis, where the interior of the nail plate is infected but not the nail bed, and totally dystrophic onychomycosis, which is the end stage of distal or proximal types, resulting in extra nail thickness and height due to excess keratin. Yeast onychomycosis, often caused by Candida, is another type that may indicate a weakened immune system. The least common variety is fungal melanonychia, caused by fungi such as Scytalidium, Alternaria, and Exophiala, resulting in brownish or blackish discolouration.
Fungal nail infections typically develop slowly, starting at the edge of the nail and gradually spreading. They are characterised by nail discolouration, thickening, and distortion, making the nail brittle and prone to breakage. In some instances, the entire nail may break off, leading to pain and swelling in the surrounding skin. While not a serious health concern, these infections can be challenging to treat and may require prolonged treatment durations.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist or podiatrist, for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. They may recommend antifungal medications, which can be applied topically or taken orally, depending on the severity of the infection and its response to initial treatment attempts.
Additionally, maintaining proper nail care practices and personal hygiene can help prevent fungal nail infections. This includes wearing rubber gloves when hands are frequently exposed to water or when using cleaning products, as well as trimming nails straight across the top to prevent ingrown toenails.
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Nail problems are rarely caused by serious issues
While nail problems can be unsightly and even painful, they are rarely caused by serious issues. In fact, nail problems are usually caused by common issues such as injury, infection, or other relatively benign health conditions. For example, grooves and ridges in the center of your thumb, known as "washboard nails", can be caused by the simple habit of picking at or pushing back your cuticles. Similarly, fingernails that curve over rounded fingertips, known as "clubbing", can be a harmless trait that runs in families. However, it can also indicate more serious conditions, such as lung disease, heart disease, or rheumatoid arthritis.
In some cases, nail problems can be a sign of more serious underlying health issues. For instance, fingernails that fall off after an injury should eventually grow back, but if they don't, it may be a sign of severe nail matrix damage. Additionally, deep grooves or gaps that run across the width of your nail, known as "Beau's lines", can indicate that something has slowed or stopped your nail growth, which could be a concern. Spoon-shaped nails, or "koilonychia", can be a sign of iron-deficiency anemia, while small dents or pits in your nails can indicate nail psoriasis, eczema, or alopecia.
Certain medications can also cause nail problems. Chemotherapy and other drugs can lead to Beau's lines, slow nail growth, Mees' lines (white bands across the nails), and nail color changes. These changes typically disappear once you stop taking the medication. Peripheral artery disease (PAD), which reduces blood flow to the legs and feet, can also impact nail health.
While nail problems are often minor, it's important to monitor any changes and seek medical advice if you're concerned. A dermatologist or primary care physician can help identify any underlying causes and provide guidance on promoting healthy nail growth.
Nail abnormalities can be distressing, but proper nail care and treatment can often restore their appearance and function. Keeping your nails clean, dry, and trimmed can prevent issues from worsening. Using lotion on your nails and cuticles can also help keep them moisturized and healthy. Remember, while nail problems can be unsightly, they are rarely a cause for serious concern.
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Severe injury could cause a nail to fall off
A severe injury could cause a nail to fall off. The nail matrix, or the "factory" where your body makes new fingernails and toenails, can be damaged by injuries and certain health conditions. This damage can affect how your nails look and grow, but with proper medical care, they usually grow back.
Injuries to the nail matrix can cause nail separation from the nail bed, known as onycholysis. This condition can be identified by an abnormal border between the pink area of the nail and the white edge, with the white areas appearing thicker in some parts and thinner in others. Discoloration, dents, crumbling nails, and hemorrhages underneath the nails are also common symptoms. Onycholysis usually isn't painful, but the underlying cause may be irritating or painful.
Injury to the nail matrix can result from bumping or hitting your nails, wearing tight shoes, or prolonged exposure to water. Regular manicures can also contribute to onycholysis. Treatment options include cutting away the separated nail, taking antifungal medications, and discontinuing the use of certain nail products. While there is no cure for reattaching the nail, treatment can help keep new nail growth attached to the nail bed.
After a severe injury that causes a nail to fall off, it may take several weeks for the nail matrix to heal before new nail growth becomes visible. In cases of severe nail matrix damage, some or all of the nail may not regrow. Fingernails typically take six to nine months to grow back completely, while toenails can take up to 18 months.
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Psoriasis can cause changes to your nails
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin and nails. It causes skin cells to reproduce quickly, leading to new skin cells growing too fast. This can result in nail psoriasis, which is characterised by changes in the nails' structure, texture, and colour.
Nail psoriasis can cause the following changes to your nails:
- Discolouration: The nail bed, or skin underneath your nails, may change colour. These changes are called salmon patches or oil drop spots and may appear yellow, red, pink, or brown.
- Pitting: Nails may develop pits or small dents, ranging from pin-tip-sized to crayon-tip-sized.
- Crumbling: Nails may become so thin that they start to crumble.
- Beau's lines: Horizontal ridges or grooves may appear across your nails.
- Onycholysis: The thick layer of skin underneath the tip of your nail may start to peel and slowly separate from the nail bed. This can lead to a nail fungus.
- Nail fungus: If left untreated, onycholysis can lead to the development of nail fungus.
- Nail lifting: Nails may start to lift and separate from the finger, with possible bleeding underneath.
- Nail thickening: Nails may become thicker, which can be treated with injections of corticosteroids.
If you notice any changes to your nails, it is important to consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider. While there is no cure for nail psoriasis, treatments can help alleviate and manage symptoms.
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Yellow nail syndrome can cause nails to thicken
Yellow nail syndrome (YNS) is a rare condition that affects the nails, causing them to thicken, turn yellow, and curve. The condition can also cause nails to slow or stop growing and may lead to nail separation from the nail bed. While the exact cause of YNS is unknown, it is believed to be associated with issues in the circulatory or lymphatic system, resulting in fluid accumulation under the skin, which may turn the nails yellow.
YNS typically affects adults over 50, but it has also been observed in children. It is characterized by thickened, yellow nails with exaggerated curvature. Additionally, YNS can cause nail ridges, cuticle breakdown, and nail separation from the nail bed. The syndrome is often accompanied by respiratory symptoms, such as a chronic cough, and swelling in the lower legs or ankles.
People with YNS may experience respiratory problems, including a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and recurrent chest infections. Approximately 40% of individuals with YNS develop pleural effusions, which are collections of fluid in the pleural cavity, the space surrounding the lungs. This fluid accumulation can lead to swelling in the lower extremities, known as lymphedema, causing difficulty in walking and changes in skin texture and color.
The condition is rare, with approximately 100 to 150 cases described in medical literature. While the exact cause is unknown, YNS has been associated with autoimmune diseases, nephrotic syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disease. Some researchers suggest a possible link between YNS and genetic factors, specifically a mutation in the FOXC2 gene, which is also associated with lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome.
If you suspect that you may have YNS or are experiencing nail thickening and other nail abnormalities, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist or a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and appropriate management.
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Frequently asked questions
Thickened nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Stress
- Illnesses, such as pneumonia or COVID-19
- Chronic conditions, such as psoriasis
- Circulation problems, which can be caused by diabetes
- Yeast or fungal infections
- Lifestyle changes
- Hereditary factors
If you are concerned about the thickness of your nails, you should consult a doctor or dermatologist, who will be able to advise on any next steps. In some cases, treating any underlying conditions can help to alleviate thickened nails. Keeping your nails clean and trimmed can also help to improve their overall appearance.
While there are no scientifically proven methods to make nails grow faster, taking biotin supplements and boosting circulation in your lower extremities through exercise may help to improve nail health.
