The most common cause of thick toenails is a fungal infection. Fungal infections of the toenails, also known as onychomycosis, are caused by a type of fungus called dermatophytes. This type of fungus can be spread through direct contact with a person or object that is contaminated with the fungus, like a shower floor or nail salon instruments.
Usually the nail will become thicker and discolored due to the infection. It will also become brittle and possibly flaky. Treatment for a fungal infection of the toenails usually involves antifungal medication as well as proper foot hygiene.
It is important to keep your feet clean and dry to prevent the spread of the infection. You should also avoid walking barefoot in public areas such as locker rooms and pools. If your condition does not improve or if it is severe, see your doctor for more advice and treatment options.
How do you get rid of extra thick toenails?
If you have extra thick toenails, the best approach is to visit a healthcare provider such as a podiatrist for assessment and advice. A healthcare provider can diagnose the cause of your extra thick toenail in order to treat it appropriately.
Treatment for extra thick toenails will vary depending on the cause, but may include removing or trimming the toenail, debridement (removal of the dead tissue), topical medications, oral medications, laser therapy, or a combination of treatments.
Debridement of the toenail can be performed with instruments, a chemical soak, or laser. Chemical soaks use liquid-based solutions to help break down the hardened tissue. Laser therapy may be used to target the areas of overgrowth.
Topical medications, such as urea and salicylic acid, can also be used to help break down the nail. These medications are usually applied daily for several weeks.
In some cases, oral medication may be prescribed to target the underlying cause of the extra thick toenail. Some of these medications can be used long-term to help prevent nail thickening, while others are taken for short periods of time to treat the issue.
Severe or recurrent cases of extra thick toenails may require a surgical procedure called avulsion. In this procedure, the entire nail is removed. The nail will typically grow back, but the time frame for growth varies depending on the individual situation.
Finally, good preventative foot care is essential to help avoid the recurrence of extra thick toenails. Wearing proper shoes and avoiding trauma to the feet are important components of foot care. It is also important to keep nails trimmed and keep the feet clean.
Your healthcare provider can provide further advice on how to best care for your toenails.
Can thickened toenails be reversed?
Yes, depending on the cause of the thickened toenails, they may be able to be reversed. Thickened toenails, or onychogryphosis, can be caused by aging, injury, fungal infection, or even genetics. If the thickening is due to an infection, it can usually be reversed with proper nail care and antifungal medication.
However, if the thickening is due to aging or genetics, it may not be reversible, but there are still treatments that can help to improve the look and feel of the nails. Common treatments for this include keeping the nails trimmed short and filing them regularly, wearing protective footwear, and keeping the feet dry and ventilated.
Severe cases of thickening may require surgery. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about thickened toenails, as the cause and the treatment options will vary from case to case.
What causes extremely thick toenails?
Extremely thick toenails can have a few causes, ranging from injuries to dietary deficiencies. Common causes of thickened toenails include fungal infections, such as onychomycosis, age-related causes due to “wear and tear” on the toenails, such as longitudinal ridging, and the use of certain medications such as antibiotics.
Poor hygiene, inadequate nutrition, and a weakened immune system can also contribute to the development of thick toenails. Additionally, injuries to the toenail due to trauma or a sporting accident can cause an increase in thickness.
Finally, diseases that affect the blood supply to the toenail, such as peripheral vascular disease or diabetes, may cause thickening of the nails.
It is always important to speak with your healthcare provider if you have thick toenails and are concerned about their cause or if they are causing distress. To properly identify the cause of your thick toenails, your healthcare provider may take swabs of the toenails, or if a fungal infection is suspected, they may also recommend a fungal culture or skin biopsy.
Treatment for thick toenails should be based on the cause. Fungal infections, common with thick and discolored toenails, can usually be treated with anti-fungal gels and creams, or sometimes oral antifungal medications.
In cases where these medications are ineffective, surgery to remove the affected area is sometimes considered.
What is the white hard stuff under my toenails?
The white hard stuff under your toenails is a condition called onychomycosis, or commonly known as toenail fungus. This condition is caused by an infection of microscopic organisms called dermatophytes, which can occur naturally, or due to an underlying condition such as athlete’s foot, diabetes, or psoriasis.
It is also more common in people who are middle-aged or elderly.
Symptoms usually include thickening and discoloration of the toenail, and brittle, crumbly nails. In severe cases, there can be pain or discomfort. In some rare cases, the fungus can spread to other areas of the body, though this is not common.
Treatment can include over-the-counter antifungal creams, medicated nail polishes, or laser treatment. In some cases, the only course of action is to see a podiatrist for prescription medication. Taking good care of your feet and toenails, such as keeping them clean and dry, can help to prevent fungal infections from occurring.
What does Vicks VapoRub do for toenails?
Vicks VapoRub can be used to help treat several issues related to nails, including toenail fungus. The menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil in VapoRub have antifungal and antiseptic properties that can be a soothing relief.
VapoRub can also help with toenail discoloration, due to its mild exfoliating properties. To use VapoRub for toenails, start by gently scrubbing your feet and toenails with warm water and soap. Then, rub a small amount of VapoRub onto the affected toenail and the surrounding area.
Leave it on overnight and rinse your feet in the morning. Repeat this process at least once a week until the discoloration or fungus disappears.
How do I get my thick toenails back to normal?
If you have thick toenails, there are a few steps you can take to help return them to their normal state.
First, be sure to keep your nails trimmed. In some cases, thick toenails are caused by improper trimming, or letting them grow too long, which can lead to further thickening. Make sure you’re only trimming slightly beyond the tips of your toes.
Avoid cutting your toenails too short or too close to the skin.
You should also consider switching to a different type of footwear. Look for shoes with wide toes and plenty of room in the toe box. This can help reduce pressure on the nails and can reduce stretching that may be causing them to thicken.
In addition, soaks and regular foot baths can help reduce thickening toenails. Soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salts or vinegar can help soften the nails, which makes them easier to trim and can reduce thickening over time.
Finally, consider consulting a doctor or podiatrist. Thickening toenails can be caused by an underlying medical condition such as a fungal infection or nutritional deficiencies. Seeing a doctor can help identify the underlying cause and may provide additional treatments to help return your toenails to their normal state.
Do thick toenails ever go away?
Thick toenails can sometimes go away on their own, depending on the cause. If the problem is due to an underlying medical condition such as a fungal infection or psoriasis, the thick toenails can usually be treated with the use of medications or home remedies, allowing them to eventually become thinner.
Although it may take some time for the toenail to return to its normal thickness, the condition should improve with appropriate treatment and/or management. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider if you are having problems with thick toenails, as they can examine the condition of your toenail and recommend the best treatment plan to help you achieve relief.
What vitamin deficiency causes thick toenails?
Vitamin deficiency can be a contributing factor to thick toenails, although other causes are possible. Vitamin deficiencies that can lead to thick toenails include deficiencies in Vitamins A, C, and B12.
A lack of Vitamin A is known to cause nail abnormalities including a decrease in nail strength, thickness, and brittleness, while a deficiency in Vitamin C may cause discolored, brittle, and/or thick toenails.
A Vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to thickening of the toenail and an increased ridging, as well as discoloration and brittleness. Additionally, a calcium deficiency has been shown to cause thickening of toenails, as well as discoloration and brittleness.
If thick toenails are caused by a vitamin deficiency, symptoms should improve when the deficiency is treated. It is important to note that supplements should not be taken without consulting with a doctor first, as consuming too much of certain vitamins can be harmful.
Are thick toenails permanent?
No, thick toenails are not necessarily permanent. Thick toenails may be caused by various conditions such as a fungal infection, psoriasis, or other types of traumas to the nails. Toenail thickening can also be caused by a variety of other conditions such as aging, genetics, and use of certain medications.
To determine if thick toenails are permanent or not, it is best to have an examination by a medical professional. With the help of a doctor, one can determine the cause of the toenail thickening and then be prescribed the best treatment.
Depending on the cause of the thick toenails, treatment may range from filing the nails down with a professional tool, laser treatments, or antifungal medication.
In order to prevent thick toenails from becoming worse or permanent, practicing proper care is essential. It is important to keep the feet clean and dry, to wear properly ventilated footwear, and to avoid cutting the toenails too short or injuring them in any way.
Following these steps can aid in preventing thick toenails from becoming permanent.
What causes your toenails to get thick?
With the most likely culprit being a fungal infection known as onychomycosis. This infection occurs when the fungus enters the nail through a small cut or separation between the nail and the skin, and most commonly affects the toenails due to the damp, dark environment of shoes.
Other causes of thick toenails can include traumas, skin conditions, and certain medical conditions such as psoriasis or circulatory problems. Less common causes include nail tumors or other types of infections.
If a person experiences persistent thick toenails, they should see a doctor to confirm the cause and develop a suitable treatment plan.