Isla Bennett
Thick toenails are unsightly and uncomfortable, and can be caused by several factors, including fungal infections, injury, and aging. While there are home remedies and over-the-counter treatments available, it is important to consult a doctor or healthcare professional to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Toenail fungus is particularly stubborn and difficult to eradicate, and may require long-term management. Thick toenails can also be a symptom of an underlying health condition, so it is important to seek medical advice to rule out any serious issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Fungal infection, injury, pressure, trauma, aging, psoriasis, autoimmune condition |
| Symptoms | Discomfort, discolouration, brittleness, crumbly texture, raggedness, separation from nail bed, nail thickening |
| Treatments | Soaking feet in vinegar, Listerine, or hydrogen peroxide, topical medications, debridement, antifungal treatments, tea tree oil, Vicks VapoRub, proper foot hygiene, well-fitting shoes |
| Prevention | Wearing sandals in locker rooms, keeping feet dry, avoiding tight or narrow footwear, avoiding dropping objects/banging toes, minimizing vigorous exercise |
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What You'll Learn
Toenail fungus
The risk factors for developing toenail fungus include a weakened immune system, certain pre-existing medical conditions, and advanced age. People with diabetes, HIV, or those undergoing cancer treatments, for example, are more susceptible to toenail fungal infections.
Treating toenail fungus typically involves a combination of topical treatments, oral medications, and sometimes surgical removal. However, even with treatment, it may take 12 to 18 months for the toenails to return to their normal appearance. Home remedies such as soaking the affected toes in vinegar or Listerine, followed by applying antifungal substances, can also be effective in combating the infection.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect toenail fungus, as they can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Additionally, maintaining good foot hygiene, wearing well-fitting shoes, and keeping your feet dry can help prevent and manage toenail fungus.
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Injury to the nail bed
It is important to protect your toes from injury to prevent nail thickening. This includes wearing properly fitting shoes, using safety gear during activities that may pose a risk of foot injury, and avoiding repetitive trauma to the toes. If you experience an injury that results in a detached nail, it is important to see a doctor to ensure proper care and prevent infection. They may recommend a bandage or dressing to protect the area and provide pain relief if needed.
Another common cause of nail bed injury is cutting your nails too short or not in the correct shape. Nails should be trimmed regularly, but not too short, and the edges should be rounded slightly to prevent ingrown nails and injury to the nail bed. Ingrown nails can also lead to thickening of the nail as it grows back, so proper trimming is essential. If you have difficulty trimming your nails, especially if you have thick nails, it may be helpful to soak your feet in warm water first to soften them and then use a nail clipper designed for thick nails.
Additionally, certain medical conditions can increase the risk of injury to the nail bed and subsequent thickening of the nail. For example, people with diabetes may experience reduced sensation in their feet, making it harder to notice minor injuries or irritation. They are also more susceptible to infections, which can lead to further complications. Peripheral arterial disease can also reduce blood flow to the feet, making it harder for injuries to heal and increasing the risk of infection. If you have any of these conditions, it is important to inspect your feet regularly for any signs of injury or infection and to seek medical care as needed.
Fungal infections can also contribute to thick toenails. When fungi infect the nail, it can cause the nail bed to produce more cells, leading to thickening of the nail. Injury to the nail bed may make it more susceptible to fungal infections, creating a cycle of thickening and infection. Proper foot hygiene, including keeping your nails dry and clean, wearing breathable shoes, and avoiding walking barefoot in public areas, can help reduce the risk of fungal infections. If you suspect a fungal infection, it is important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Pressure or trauma
Toenails can thicken due to various reasons, and one of the most common reasons is pressure or trauma. This could be anything from tight-fitting shoes, dropping something heavy on your toe, or even poor circulation to the toes. Toenails thicken as a response to trauma, and this change in structure is permanent.
Toenails thicken due to repeated or sudden trauma or injury. This is common among people who are involved in sports or exercises such as soccer players, runners, and dancers. It can also be caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes. Thick nails due to injury can be mistaken for fungal infections. Seeking medical treatment for nail injuries may help the nail grow back more normally.
There are two main options for treating thickened toenails due to pressure or trauma. The first is conservative treatment, where a foot specialist will debride or file the toenails to their normal flat level. However, the toenail will thicken again in a few weeks or months, so this procedure needs to be repeated regularly. The second option is to remove the toenail permanently through a medical procedure.
There are ways to prevent thick toenails caused by pressure or trauma. One way is to wear properly fitting shoes and practice good foot hygiene. Additionally, it is important to be careful when walking in the dark, running, or performing vigorous exercises to minimize the risk of injury to the toenails.
It is important to note that thick toenails can also be caused by other factors such as fungal infections, aging, psoriasis, or underlying health conditions. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor or healthcare professional to understand the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment or advice.
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Ageing and genetics
Toenails thicken as a person ages due to changes in blood circulation and long-term UV exposure. As we get older, the growth and repair rate of nail cells slows down due to poor blood circulation, especially in our hands and feet. This causes nail cells to build up, resulting in thickened nails. Thickened nails due to ageing are often untreatable, but they can be buffed to improve their appearance.
The speed, thickness, and strength of nail growth are hereditary. Unusual nail growth, such as toenails growing upward, could also be hereditary. Yellow nail syndrome, which causes nails to thicken, may have a genetic connection. However, the exact cause of this condition is unknown.
To minimise the thickening of toenails due to ageing, regular filing can help reduce thickness and improve discolouration. When nails become too hard to clip, a podiatrist may use a mechanical tool called a burr to grind them down.
Fungal infections, which are a common cause of toenail thickening, can be prevented by keeping the feet dry and maintaining good foot hygiene.
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Autoimmune conditions
Thick toenails are often caused by fungal infections, but they can also be caused by underlying conditions, including autoimmune disorders. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, leading to inflammation.
One such autoimmune disorder is psoriasis, which causes patches of itchy, flaky, and dry skin. In some people, psoriasis spreads to the nails, causing them to become thick, brittle, weak, and crumbly. Nails may even fall off completely. Psoriasis can also manifest as nail psoriasis, causing nails to thicken and become brittle.
Another autoimmune disorder that can cause thick toenails is lupus, which can affect organs and tissues throughout the body and lead to skin symptoms.
Yellow nail syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder, can also cause nails to thicken and turn yellow. It is associated with respiratory problems and swelling in the arms and legs due to a buildup of fluid around the lungs and limbs. However, the exact cause of yellow nail syndrome is unknown, and there is currently no cure for this condition.
If you suspect that your thick toenail is caused by an underlying autoimmune condition, it is important to consult a doctor. They will review your medical history and symptoms and may examine your nails or take a nail clipping to test for fungal growth. Treatment for thick toenails typically includes treating the underlying cause, and your healthcare team will work with you to determine the best course of action.
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Frequently asked questions
Toenails can thicken due to several reasons, including fungal infections, ageing, injury, and autoimmune conditions. Thick toenails are rarely a major health problem, but they can be unsightly and cause discomfort.
Thick, discoloured, and yellowish toenails are often a sign of a fungal infection. Nails can become brittle, crumbly, or ragged, and may even separate from the nail bed.
If you suspect a fungal infection, it is important to consult a doctor or healthcare professional. They may recommend treatments such as topical medications, oral antifungal drugs, or surgical removal.
Yes, thick toenails can also be caused by injury or trauma to the toe, such as dropping something on your toe or wearing ill-fitting shoes. Ageing is also a common cause of toenail thickening.
If your thick toenails are due to injury or trauma, you may not need medical intervention. However, if they are causing discomfort or affecting your toenail's appearance, you can try conservative treatments such as routine pedicures, nail debridement (filing), or permanent nail removal.
