What causes thick 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. Traditionally, oral antifungal treatments were prescribed.

Can thickened toenails be reversed?

Once your toenail grows thick, it will always be thick, this is a permanent change.

Do thick toenails ever go away?

If you have had an injury to your toe and your nail is temporarily thick, it may get better over time. As a new, healthy nail grows out, you can see if it gets better. However, due to the slow growth of toenails, this can take many months.

How can I make my thick toenails thinner?

Soak your toes in warm water for five to 10 minutes. This will help soften the nail and allow you to more easily cut the thick nail.

How does a podiatrist treat thick toenails?

Podiatry treatment for thickened toenails

Our podiatrists regularly reduce thickened toenails as part of a general foot care treatment (medical pedicure). This involves nail cutting, removal of corns and callus, followed by application of a heel balm, making your feet feel great again.

Does a Thick Toenail Mean I Have to Treat a Fungus Infection?

What is the white hard stuff under my toenails?

Nail fungus is a common infection of the nail. It begins as a white or yellow-brown spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, the nail may discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge.

Are thick toenails always fungus?

Are thick toenails always fungus? No, thick toenails are usually not fungus. The toenail root responds to pressure by growing a nail plate that is thicker and sometimes detached from the nail bed — a place where the fungus can hide and grow.

Should you file down thick toenails?

Thick toe nails can be managed using an emery board and filing your nails. This will stunt nail growth and keep them manageable. Gently file each nail across the thickened part 2-3 time weekly to reduce the thickness. The best time to do this is when the nail is dry, before a bath or shower.

At what age do your toenails thicken?

Interestingly, with advancing age (starting from ~25yo) this growth rate tends to gradually decrease by about 0.5% per year. So, by the time we reach 85yo our toenails are growing at about half the rate they were when we were 25yo! Over time, slow nail growth results in unsightly, thickened toenails.

What vitamin deficiency causes thick toenails?

Zinc is an essential nutrient that can contribute to the health of a person's hair, skin, and nails. Zinc deficiency, which may be due to a lack of zinc in the diet or an underlying medical condition, can cause nail dystrophy.

What causes thick toenails in seniors?

The growth rate of nails decreases when people get older. This results in thickening because nail cells pile up. The process of nail cells piling up is referred to as onychocytes. Another reason why fingernails don't thicken as much is their growth rate is smaller than the growth rate of toenails.

What home remedy can I use for thick toenails?

Baking soda has strong antifungal effects. Soaking your thick yellow toenails in baking soda and water can combat fungal infections. Applying 100% tea tree oil to affected toenails twice daily can help ease symptoms. Olive leaf extract has both antibacterial and antifungal effects.

How can I make my toenails healthy again?

Does apple cider vinegar cure toe fungus?

Vinegar Soak

Despite its rather rancid scent, vinegar can prove to be quite useful in a wide variety of situations. The best type of vinegar to treat toenail fungus is apple cider vinegar, a very acidic and strong solution that destroys toenail fungus at the source.

How do you get rid of keratin buildup under your toenails?

If your nails are crusted with keratin debris, your podiatrist may remove it to improve the appearance of your nails. In severe toenail fungus cases, toenail surgery may be required to temporarily remove the infected nail so the nail bed can be treated directly.

What is the number one cure for toenail fungus?

Terbinafine for toenail fungus treatment

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.

What kills toenail fungus?

Try nonprescription antifungal nail creams and ointments.

Several products are available, such as terbinafine (Lamisil). If you notice white markings on the surfaces of the nails, file them off, soak your nails in water, dry them, and apply the medicated cream or lotion.

What are the signs of b12 deficiency nails?

2 Nail changes in vitamin B₁₂ deficiency present as hyperpigmentation of nails like bluish discoloration of nails, blue-black pigmentation with dark longitudinal streaks, and longitudinal and reticulate darkened streaks. The nail pigmentation associated with B₁₂ deficiency is more frequent in patients with dark skin.

What vitamins do you need for thick toenails?

Keratin needs vitamin A, C, D, E, and B-complex. These vitamins keep nails hard, strong, and intact. Without them, the keratin dries out, tears, develops hang nails, and may be prone to fungal infections. You also need sufficient iron, calcium, zinc, and iodine.

How long does it take for Vicks to cure toenail fungus?

“Applying Vicks VapoRub to fungus-infected toenails can clear up the notoriously hard-to-treat condition. Michigan State University clinicians found that applying the product daily to the infected nail cleared the condition in 32 of 85 patients, though it took anywhere from 5 to 16 months…”

What is the best foot soak for toenail fungus?

Mix a half-cup of baking soda, a half-cup of Epsom salt, and one-fourth cup of hydrogen peroxide (3%) in four cups of hot water before adding one-fourth cup of white vinegar. Soak for about ten minutes, and then wash with clean water and thoroughly dry your foot/feet.

What is the fastest way to cure toenail fungus?

The fastest way to eliminate the infection is through toenail laser treatment. Laser nail therapy specifically targets the microorganisms under your nail while leaving the keratin intact. In just a few treatments, the infection can be entirely eliminated.