What causes thick brown toenails?

Toenails that grow thicker over time likely indicate a fungal infection, also known as onychomycosis

onychomycosis

Onychomycosis, also called tinea unguium, is a fungal infection that affects either the fingernails or toenails. Fungal infections normally develop over time, so any immediate difference in the way your nail looks or feels may be too subtle to notice at first.

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Fungal Nail Infection: Overview, Causes & Treatments - Healthline

. Left untreated, thick toenails can become painful. Prompt treatment can be key to curing the nail fungus. Fungal infections might be difficult to cure and may require months of treatment.

How do you get rid of thick brown toenails?

One treatment for thick toenails is called debridement . For this procedure, your healthcare provider will use tools to remove extra layers of your toenail and help reduce the thickness. The provider may also shorten (trim) the toenail.

What does Brown toenails indicate?

If your toenails are yellow or brown, they're probably infected. Toenails that are unusually thick with a yellow or brown-tinge are most likely the result of a fungal infection. A microscopic fungus, Cunha said, may affect one or more nails at a time.

What causes thick discolored toenails?

Several causes result in developing thick toenails. The main cause is onychomycosis or fungal infection of the nails caused by dermatophytes (nail fungus). Physical trauma, Psoriasis,Lichen planus and diabetes may also cause thick nails to develop.

Can thickened toenails be reversed?

Thick toenails can be reversed if the underlying cause is addressed or proper preventative measures are taken. Polishing rough surfaces to make them smoother is a great way to treat thick toenails. Avoid pedicures because they may cause fungal infection to flare up when cuticles are removed.

How to Treat Thick, Discolored Toenails

How do you get rid of brown toenails at home?

Vinegar is an antifungal ingredient that can be mixed with water to create a foot soak. Its acetic acid component helps to whiten discolored toenails and stop the spread of the infection to other toes. Try one part vinegar to two parts warm water and soak feet for 20 minutes daily.

What does fungus toenails look like?

Whitish to yellow-brown discoloration. Brittle, crumbly or ragged. Distorted in shape. A dark color, caused by debris building up under your nail.

What do your toenails tell you about your health?

Your nail may even turn a purple color, meaning you have a circulatory issue. Black toenails indicate an injury beneath your nail, but it can also be a symptom of a bacterial infection, a deficiency of Vitamin B12, or anemia. In extreme instances, black toenails can be a sign of cancer or liver or kidney disease.

Are thick toenails always fungus?

Although there are many potential causes of thick nails, a fungal infection is the most likely cause in the toenails. Other conditions, such as psoriasis or diabetes, may also cause thick nails to develop. The exact cause of thick nails will help decide a person's treatment to correct the condition.

What kills toenail fungus fast?

How do I get my toenails white again?

Simply fill a small bowl with one part water and one part hydrogen peroxide. Place fingers or toes in the bowl so that nails are completely covered and let soak for 15 minutes. Rinse well. Repeat daily until nails are whiter and stains have disappeared.

What do Covid toes look like?

COVID toes: One or more toes may swell and turn pink, red, or a purplish color. Others may see a small amount of pus under their skin. Sometimes, people who have COVID toes have other symptoms of COVID-19.

Why is my big toenail so thick?

Toenails that grow thicker over time likely indicate a fungal infection, also known as onychomycosis. Left untreated, thick toenails can become painful. Prompt treatment can be key to curing the nail fungus. Fungal infections might be difficult to cure and may require months of treatment.

How do you get rid of discolored toenails?

The only way to get rid of nail polish-related discoloration is to take a break from painting your nails. Even a break of just two or three weeks can resolve the issue.

What is the number one cure for toenail fungus?

The best pill for toenail fungus is terbinafine. Evidence suggests it works better than the alternatives with the fewest side effects. Terbinafine results in resolution of toenail fungus 76% of the time. Common side effects may include headaches, skin rash, and vomiting.

How do you know if your toenail has a fungus?

Infected nails are usually thicker than normal and could be warped or oddly shaped. They can break easily. Nails with fungus might look yellow. Sometimes a white dot shows up on the nail and then gets bigger.

Will toenail fungus ever go away?

With treatment, many people can get rid of nail fungus. Even when the fungus clears, your nail(s) may look unhealthy until the infected nail grows out. A fingernail grows out in 4 to 6 months and a toenail in 12 to 18 months.

Why are my toenails brownish yellow?

Nail fungus causes your toenail to become whitish or yellow-brown. Over time, debris builds up beneath the nail, causing it to darken. Nails can grow brittle, crumbly, or ragged. Toenails are an ideal environment for fungal infections because they are moist and warm.

How do you cut thick toenails with fungus?

Why do toenails get thick with age?

Blood circulation is when the small blood vessels in our feet begin to narrow and become thicker, making it harder for the blood to flow. This then causes the nail cells to build up causing the nail to thicken from the nail root. This process is called onychoctes.

Can COVID affect your toes?

What Are the Symptoms of COVID Toes? The skin on one or more of your toes or fingers may swell up and look bright red, then gradually turn purple. Skin of color can look swollen and purple, and brownish-purple spots may appear.

What is COVID tongue?

What are COVID tongue symptoms? In that same British study by the British Journal of Dermatology, the following symptoms were noted: Lingual papillitis (inflammation of the small bumps on the tongue's surface) Glossitis with indentations (swollen or inflamed tongue) Aphthous ulcers (mouth ulcers)

What does athlete's foot look like?

Inflamed skin that might appear reddish, purplish or grayish, depending on your skin color. Burning or stinging. Blisters. Dry, scaly skin on the bottom of the foot that extends up the side.

Does hydrogen peroxide Whiten toenails?

Hydrogen peroxide has natural bleaching properties, which can effectively whiten your nails. Just mix a ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide with a ½ cup of warm water in a small bowl. Soak your nails in the solution for 5 minutes for light stains and up to 15 minutes for more stubborn ones.