Thick toenails are a common problem that can be caused by fungus, injuries, skin conditions like psoriasis, and more. While they are usually not a major health concern, it’s important to know how thick nails happen so that you can take steps to prevent and treat them.
Wearing shoes that fit properly and practicing good foot hygiene will help to keep your nails healthy. However, if you notice that your toenails are changing color or texture, it’s important to seek treatment immediately.
Fungal Infection
Often, thick toenails are a symptom of a fungal infection. The condition is called onychomycosis. It affects the toenails more than fingernails because they are exposed to damp, warm conditions that encourage fungi growth. The condition causes the nails to become rough, brittle, and yellow or brown in color. In the worst case, the nail may begin to separate from the toe.
Fungi are microscopic organisms that feed on keratin, the protein that makes your nails and hair tough. A fungus called tinea unguium, or onychomycosis, is responsible for 90% of toenail fungus cases. It is a contagious condition and can be spread through direct contact with someone else’s infected nails. It is also contagious in public areas like showers and locker rooms, where people often walk barefoot.
Thick toenails that are a sign of fungal nail infections may appear ridged, scaly or brittle and have a foul smell. In severe cases, the toenails can even start to crumble or fall off entirely. In addition to fungal infections, other reasons for the development of thick toenails include repeated trauma from stubbed toes and tight shoes, chronic health conditions that cause changes in the skin (like psoriasis) and a condition that affects blood circulation, like peripheral vascular disease.
A foot doctor or podiatrist is the best person to diagnose and treat a toenail fungal infection. They will look at the nails and check their color, texture, and odor to confirm a fungus is the culprit. In some instances, they may trim or scrape a small section of the toenail and send it for a fungal culture. This is to ensure they are treating a toenail fungal infection and not something else, like psoriasis or an injury. They will then prescribe an antifungal cream or polish to apply on a daily basis for months to cure the condition. A combination of these treatments usually works the best to eliminate a toenail fungal infection. Many of these treatments are made from natural ingredients like olive leaf extract, tea tree oil and oregano. Some are taken orally while others must be applied to the toenails directly. The oleuropein in these oils has antifungal properties and can help restore healthy toenails.
Psoriasis
Nails that show symptoms of psoriasis are often thick, dry, and discolored. You may also see ridges, pitting (small pinprick holes), and a change in the shape of the nails. These changes can be painful and itchy, and the nails are more likely to fall off than normal. You can get a diagnosis by showing your doctor a nail clipping, and you might take medication that is taken by mouth or applied directly to the nails. A dermatologist or podiatrist can treat the psoriasis and improve the appearance of your nails.
The nails are made of a hard protein called keratin. When a person has psoriasis, the skin cells that make up the nails start to grow too quickly. This causes the nails to be thicker and drier, and it can lead to nail detachment. Psoriasis of the nails can be painful, and if left untreated, it can affect your joints too.
You can take care of your nails by regularly soaking them in a bowl or tub with warm water to soften the keratin. Then, you can gently file the nails with an emery board or nail file. You should also avoid squeezing or biting the nails. Wearing shoes that leave plenty of room for the toes can help prevent nail thickening as well. You can also take medication that you take by mouth to treat psoriasis, and some prescription ointments can also be used on the nails.
Thick toenails can be a sign of several different health conditions. It is important to find the cause and treat it as soon as possible. The underlying causes of thick toenails can be serious, so you should seek medical attention if your nails are discolored, painful, or separating from the nail bed. Your doctor will look at the nails and ask questions about your symptoms to help diagnose the problem. Treatments will vary depending on the cause of your nails, and you may need a dermatologist or podiatrist to provide the right treatments. They will likely prescribe a nail polish that helps to keep the nails healthy and looking nice, as well as medications to treat the underlying cause of your condition.
Old Age
As a person ages, their nails usually thicken due to changes in blood circulation and the gradual build-up of nail cells. Generally, these changes are harmless and do not indicate any underlying health problems. However, it is important to make a medical appointment when a person begins to notice a change in their toenails. This way, it is possible to determine if the thickening of the nails is an indication of a more serious medical issue.
If a person has a medical condition such as diabetes or psoriasis, their thick toenails may be a result of the disease. It is important to get a diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible so that the condition does not worsen. Similarly, it is necessary to keep the nails clean and trim them regularly to prevent infection.
Some people develop paronychia, which is a painful condition that causes the fingers or toes to become inflamed and thickened. These lesions are caused by a build-up of keratin and dead skin under the nails, and they can affect both toenails and fingernails. It is often the result of repetitive activities, such as sucking on the fingers, excessive washing or dishwashing, and trimming the nails too much. It can also be caused by a fungal nail infection, such as onychomycosis.
Other conditions that can cause the nails to thicken include syphilis, peripheral vascular disease and trauma to the feet or hands. Thick toenails can also be a sign of poor hygiene, especially in older individuals who have difficulty scrubbing and cleaning their feet and trimming their nails. These nails can also become distorted and appear ram’s horn in shape, a condition known as onychogryphosis.
If a loved one begins to experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek the help of a podiatrist. These specialists are able to examine the nails and offer an accurate diagnosis. They can also prescribe treatments to improve the condition and help prevent any further issues. A podiatrist can also recommend proper footwear to reduce the risk of infections and injury.
Injury
Toenails act as a barrier between the soft tissue of the nail bed and the external environment. They also provide a hard contrast against the softer skin of the fingertip and help to sense pressure on the feet and hands. However, thick toenails can be unsightly and uncomfortable if left untreated. Thick nails may develop a yellow, green, or brown color and have a rough texture. They can become brittle or crumble when attempting to trim or file them. Thick toenails can also cause pain if they receive trauma from shoes or snag on objects. The toenails can also become ingrown if the sides are not properly cut.
Some medical conditions like fungal infections, psoriasis, and older age can all cause a person’s nails to thicken. Other causes include injury, trauma, poor circulation, and nutritional deficiencies.
Often, the first sign of a problem with a toenail is an odor or discoloration. Athletes, diabetics, and the elderly are particularly prone to developing thick toenails due to frequent trauma or ill-fitting footwear.
A nail can also thicken as a result of a condition such as psoriasis or a fungal infection that can be difficult to treat at home. Thick nails can also develop as a result of poor blood circulation in the legs or feet or as a side effect of certain medications, including some antibiotics and corticosteroids.
Thick toenails can also develop due to a traumatic injury, which can be especially painful if it occurs in the big toe. This can happen when a person stubs their toe, or if they have a foot injury such as a sprained ankle or bunion.
A podiatrist can usually easily diagnose a toenail fungus and recommend effective treatment options. A podiatrist can also thin a toenail by debriding it, which involves using tools to remove the thickened area of the toenail. They can then use a nail file to buff the surface of the toenail to reduce its thickness and improve its appearance. They can also recommend proper footwear and trimming techniques to prevent further toenail thickening and encourage healthy growth.
