What do thick toenails indicate?
The most common cause of thickened toenails is aging. Toenails thicken with age because the growth rate of the nail plate slows. Other reasons toenails may thicken include: A common skin condition called psoriasis. You should consult a podiatrist for: Ingrown toenails – Podiatrists are experts in managing and correcting this painful condition, sometimes with minor surgical procedures. Severe toenail fungal infections – They can provide comprehensive treatment, including prescription medications and nail debridement (thinning).Toenail fungus can be frustrating, but it’s manageable with persistence and the right approach. Natural remedies like tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, and garlic offer effective, low-cost solutions for mild infections. However, prevention and professional care are key to maintaining healthy, fungus-free nails.Don’t go barefoot in public places. Use a spray or powder that fights fungus on your feet and in your shoes. Don’t pick at the skin around your nails. Don’t use nail polish or fake nails on your nails.Treatment for thickened toenails Treatment involves cutting the nails and reducing the thickness with a special file or burr. Our podiatrists also have special tools that can help remove callus or corns from underneath the nail plate or sulcus which is a common cause of pain.
What is the difference between toenail fungus and thick toenails?
A change in toenail thickness may be just one symptom of a fungal infection. Other nail fungus symptoms include: toenails that change in color to yellow, brown, or green. Fungal nail infections usually start at the edge of the nail. The infection often spreads to all of the nail, making it thicker and turning it white or yellow. The nail may become brittle and crumbly.Most thickened nails can be thinned, smoothed, and even returned to a healthy pink plate with steady at-home care, proven antifungal or softening products, and, when necessary, quick office procedures such as mechanical debridement, laser, or minor surgery.To use this for treating a fungal nail condition, start by mixing a few drops of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of either coconut oil or olive oil. Apply this mixture to any infected toenails with a cotton ball. After letting it sit for about ten minutes, gently scrub the treated nails with a clean toothbrush.You’ll know a toenail fungus is dying when the base of your nail begins to improve in color and texture. When this new growth is smooth, pinkish, and clear, the infection is considered clinically cured.
Why do elderly toenails get so thick?
Reduced Blood Flow to the Feet Poor circulation becomes more common with age and with conditions such as diabetes or vascular disease. Reduced blood flow can lead to: Thick, slow-growing toenails. Poor circulation to your toenails means tissues aren’t getting enough oxygen or nutrients to stimulate new nail growth. This can cause the nails to become brittle, change color, or grow thicker.The most common cause of thickened toenails is aging. Toenails thicken with age because the growth rate of the nail plate slows. Other reasons toenails may thicken include: A common skin condition called psoriasis.Reduced Blood Flow to the Feet Poor circulation becomes more common with age and with conditions such as diabetes or vascular disease. Reduced blood flow can lead to: Thick, slow-growing toenails.
Can thickened toenails go back to normal?
Once your toenail grows thick, it will always be thick, this is a permanent change. There are only two main options when we have a thickened toenail: Conservative treatment where the foot specialist will debride (file) your toenails to their normal flat level. What will dissolve thick toenails? Topical home remedies, like Vicks VapoRub, urea creams, and tea tree oil may help. Medical treatment options include oral and topical prescription medications, laser treatments, and nail removal.Make hard nails easy work Miracle of Aloe® Toenail Softener temporarily softens up even the toughest toenails to make cutting easier. Specially formulated with Aloe and effective softening agents.
Is it okay to grind down thick toenails?
As above, use gentle pressure and grind the nail until it is normal thickness. To prevent injury, stop grinding if it gets warm then do a little more later that day or after your next bath or shower. Vicks contains ingredients like menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil. These ingredients may offer mild antimicrobial benefits, but they aren’t strong enough to treat a fungal infection that lives deep beneath the nail surface.Place a THIN coat of Vicks on top of the nails. Make sure only the nails are covered with the Vicks. Try to avoid getting the Vicks on the skin or in between the toes as it might irritate the skin. Apply the Vicks once a day either in the morning or the evening.Vicks VapoRub However, it may also be effective against toenail fungus. One small study showed that after applying it topically each day for 48 weeks, 27. However, more study is needed.Topical treatment with Vicks VapoRub: The combination of camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, the three main ingredients in Vicks VapoRub, is believed to stop the growth of certain fungi. Follow the same application process as for tea tree oil.
What happens if toenail fungus is left untreated?
Left untreated, however, nail fungus sometimes becomes serious. It can cause pain or misshapen nails. If either happens to a toenail, it can interfere with your ability to walk or stand. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort or having difficulty walking or standing, proper treatment is important. Risk of Systemic Infection While rare, severe cases of toenail fungus can potentially lead to systemic infection, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems. In such cases, the fungus may enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body, including vital organs.Nail fungus is caused by various fungal organisms (fungi). The most common is a type called dermatophyte. Yeast, bacteria and molds also can cause nail infections. The discoloration from a bacterial infection tends to be green or black.Over time, untreated fungal infections can permanently change the shape of the affected nail. In severe cases, the toenail may fully detach from the nail bed, or the nail bed itself can suffer irreversible damage, preventing healthy regrowth.The Best Treatments to Kill Toenail Fungus Instantly Oral Antifungals (like Terbinafine or Itraconazole) – These work from the inside out, attacking the infection at its source. Topical Antifungal Solutions – Prescription-strength treatments penetrate the nail for faster and more effective results than OTC options.