What causes toenails to thicken and curl?

Toenails can thicken as a result of sudden or repeated trauma or injury. Mostly, this happens to people involved in sport or exercise, such as soccer players, runners, and dancers. It can also affect people who wear ill-fitting shoes. Often, thick nails due to injury are mistaken for fungal infections.

Why are my toenails getting thick and curving?

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.

How do you get rid of thick 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. 6 You may still require treatment for the cause of the nail thickening.

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.

Why do toenails harden and thicken?

Unfortunately, thickening toenails are a by-product of aging, in most cases. As we age, our toenails - and fingernails - slow their growth rate, and the nails thicken because the nail cells, called onychocytes, sort of pile up.

Do your toenails curl like this? Or are they painful?

What home remedy is good for thick toenails?

Applying a small amount of melted coconut oil can help heal thick yellow toenails. You can purchase over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal nail creams and ointments. Be sure to clip and clean your nails before use to make sure the creams reach deeper layers. Laser therapy can be used to treat a fungal toenail infection.

Why do old people's toenails get so thick?

Both fingernails and toenails thicken as we get older. We only notice it with toenails because they're usually not filed and buffed as often as fingernails. The growth rate of nails decreases when people get older. This results in thickening because nail cells pile up.

Can podiatrist fix thick toenails?

A podiatrist will grind the nail at frequent intervals. In some cases, trauma to the nail is permanent and the nail may require removal under local analgesia. In such cases the nail root matrix will need to be destroyed because damaged growth cells will continue to produce a thick new toenail.

What is the white hard stuff under my toenails?

In medical terms this is called onychomycosis or tinea unguium,” says Batra. The fungal infection breaks down the keratin in the nail to form a white or yellow chalky substance under the nail plate. "As keratin debris spreads under the nail, the nail plate typically becomes lifted up off of the nail bed.

How do I keep my toenails healthy as I age?

What does Vicks VapoRub do for toenails?

Vicks VapoRub

Although designed for cough suppression, its active ingredients (camphor and eucalyptus oil) may help treat toenail fungus. A 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a “positive clinical effect” in the treatment of toenail fungus.

Is Vicks good for thick toenails?

Vicks VapoRub (The Proctor & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, OH) has been advocated in the lay literature as an effective treatment for onychomycosis. This pilot study tested Vicks VapoRub as a safe, cost-effective alternative for treating toenail onychomycosis.

Why do toenails curl as you age?

Similarly, in children, there is a stronger element of growth happening.” In elderly people, the growth rate of the nail slows down relative to the adhesion strength, creating a condition called pincer nail where the nail plate forms a tight curl.

What does a pincer toenail look like?

A pincer nail, on the other hand, can form on any nail — fingernail or toenail. Second, by definition, a pincer nail rolls into the skin on both sides of the nail plate. Techs will notice an exaggerated arch when they examine the C-curve of the nail, and the ends of the nail will visibly push into the skin.

Why are my toenails curving down?

An ingrown toenail is a foot condition that develops when the corner of the toenail grows down into the skin. It usually affects the big toe. Ingrown toenails often happen when people cut their toenails by tapering the corner of their toenail. If the toenail curves with the shape of the toe, it can grow into your skin.

How fast does Vicks work on toenail fungus?

A small study of 20 patients reported 83% improvement after six months of applying Vicks daily (Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, January-February 2016). They concluded: “Vicks VapoRub was shown to be an effective and safe treatment of onychomycosis (nail fungus) …”

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.

Should you file down thick toenails?

How do I cut my thick toenails? It is often very difficult to cut a thickened toenail and you might even break your nail nippers in the process! I would always advise to file a thickened nail rather than cut it, this way you can do little harm to the nail and surrounding skin.

What kills toenail fungus instantly?

Hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide can kill fungus that grows on toenails. You can directly wipe hydrogen peroxide on your infected toes or toenails with a clean cloth or cotton swab. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used in a foot soak.

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 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.

How long does apple cider vinegar take to cure toenail fungus?

The antifungal properties also make vinegar soaks a good idea for people who have toenail fungus. Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes daily in a vinegar bath until the infection subsides. You can increase the length of time in the soak gradually. It may take two to three weeks or longer to see improvement in symptoms.

What vitamins are good for 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.