Thick Toenails - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Introduction:

To safeguard the tops of the toes, toenails are made thick by nature. They can, however, occasionally grow unnaturally thick and, particularly if they start to discolor, represent a cosmetic concern for certain people. Age-related toenail thickening is a natural process, but other factors, such as autoimmune diseases, fungal infections, or mechanical pressures from ill-fitting shoes, can also contribute to thick toenails. People with thick toenails often have questions about why toenails get thick, why toenails turn yellow, and how to treat thick toenails. This article will provide answers to these questions.

What Are the Signs And Symptoms of Thick Toenails?

Toenails are typically one to two millimeters thick for adults. In general, men's toenails are slightly thicker than those of women. The toes and toenails' appearance, texture, and sensation may vary as they become thicker. When extra layers form below the nail's surface, toenails swell up.

The nail may separate from the nail bed if the thickening is excessive. Onycholysis is the medical word for this dissociation. The nail typically turns white or somewhat yellow, changing its original color. The toenails may turn yellow or brown if a fungus is a reason for their thickening. The nails will frequently become brittle and fall off or flake easily due to toenail fungus.

Smooth and strong toenails are often signs of good health. However, nails might break as they become thicker. Brittle toenails can split, crack, or break easily. When wearing closed-toe shoes, thickened toenails may cause discomfort or suffering. In addition to creating rubbing, friction, or increased pain when walking, thicker toenails may also cause paresthesia (numbness or tingling) of the toenail.

What Causes Thick Toenails?

Thick toenails occur as a result of several factors. All the causative factors are discussed below.

1. Age-Related Thickening of Toenails: Thicker toes are easily noticeable in older individuals. The nails on a person's toes frequently begin to thicken as they get older. Though the disorder is most frequent on toes, fingernails can also thicken. According to medical experts, changes in blood circulation or prolonged UV (ultraviolet) exposure cause the nails to grow as people age. It is not possible to treat thick nails or ridges on the nail that develop with age. However, one can softly polish them to make them look smoother.

2. Fungal Infections of Toenails: One of the most typical causes of thick nails is a fungus infection called onychomycosis. Since fungi like warm, damp environments, they frequently develop in toenails and spread quickly. The following are some of the main causes of fungal infections in toenails:

• Exposure to moist areas continuously.

• Smoking.

• Wearing tight shoes.

• Damage to the nail or the area nearby.

Some people are more susceptible to fungus infections than others. This is because of some underlying medical conditions which make them more prone to fungal infections. All those conditions are discussed below.

• Diabetes mellitus.

• Skin diseases like psoriasis.

• Athlete’s foot (a fungal infection that occurs between the toes).

• Immunocompromised individuals.

• Individuals undergoing chemotherapy.

• Circulatory problems.

3. Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes itchy, inflammatory skin patches. Some people also get psoriasis on their nails, which makes them brittle and thick. The nails may become fragile from psoriasis and perhaps fall off entirely. Fortunately, there are numerous therapies available for psoriasis that affect the nails.

4. Injuries to the Toenail: Repeated toenail injuries can also lead to a thick toenail. Because of the repeated microtrauma caused by the nail rubbing against the shoe, runners and athletes are more likely to suffer from toenail injuries. Injury-related thick nails are sometimes misinterpreted as fungus infections. Injured nails may heal more naturally if they get treated. If treatment is effective, the improvement will probably come gradually. It takes several months for new nail development to match the nail's length.

5. Yellow Nail Syndrome: Both toenails and fingernails can develop thick nails due to this less frequent cause. Yellow nail syndrome causes the nails to turn yellow, thicken, and bend. Hence, individuals who notice that their toenail has turned yellow and thick should get their check-up done to rule out the presence of this syndrome.

How to Get Rid of Thick Toenails?

Because toenails grow slowly, repairs frequently take a long period. Many of the treatments that are currently available necessitate long-term commitment. Some toenail issues can take up to a year to resolve.

1. Self-Care Measures: To avoid toenail damage, an individual should put all their effort into maintaining good foot and nail care. Seeking medical advice the very first time a thick toenail is spotted can prevent it from growing worse. Make sure the shoes are comfortable to wear and do not rub against the toes. If people suffer a toe injury and their nail becomes temporarily thick, they may improve with time.

2. Medicines: The doctor may prescribe some creams, ointments, and pills to treat thick toenails. Fungal infection of the toenail will require antifungal medications.

3. Laser Treatment: Both nail psoriasis and nail fungal infections can be treated with laser therapy.

4. Debridement: Debridement is a method of treating thick toenails. The healthcare professional will use instruments to remove excess layers of your toenail and help reduce its thickness during this process. The toenail may also be trimmed (shortened) by the provider.

5. Injections: Injections are available for treating psoriasis, which are chosen if psoriasis causes thick toenails.

How to Prevent Thick Toenails?

There are some preventive measures for thick toenails. These are discussed below.

1. Maintaining proper foot hygiene is the primary preventive measure. Maintaining proper foot hygiene can lower the chance of developing a fungal infection and stop it from recurring after treatment. Some of the hygienic habits are:

• Maintaining dry and clean toes.

• Keeping the nails short.

• Not exchanging nail care supplies (like nail clippers).

• Wearing shoes in communal areas like locker rooms or swimming pools

• Stay away from shoes that are either too tight or too loose.

2. Short nails can lower the chance of developing nail fungus because it frequently enters under the nail. Consider cleaning the nail clippers with rubbing alcohol after each usage.

3. Keeping the shoes and socks dry to prevent fungal growth.

4. Between uses, pedicure tools must be adequately sanitized to prevent the development of illnesses like nail fungus.

What Are the Complications of Thick Toenails?

Toenail infections that are left untreated can result in complications. The infection may worsen, and the symptoms may worsen with time. Toenails may become so thick that wearing shoes becomes painful, or they may even make walking more challenging.

Conclusion:

There are many causes (old age, nail fungus, psoriasis) and remedies for thick toenails. The doctor can suggest a treatment plan and assist patients in understanding any changes to the toenails. Thick toenails can be prevented and treated by concentrating on wearing shoes that fit properly and maintaining appropriate foot care.