Very hard toenails can be caused by a variety of different conditions. Certain medical conditions such as fungal infections, psoriasis, diabetes, and dermatological diseases such as lichen planus can cause very hard toenails.
If the condition is exacerbated by any of these medical conditions, it can cause the toenails to become thicker, harder and discolored. In addition, certain medications, including some antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs, can cause hard toenails which can make them harder to trim and more uncomfortable.
Additionally, a lack of proper hygiene, including not cutting toenails regularly, can cause toenails to become harder and thicker. Finally, an overly tight, constricting shoe can put extra pressure on the toenail, causing it to become thicker and harder over time.
How do you get rid of thick hard toenails?
Thick and hard toenails, also known as “onychogryphosis,” can be caused by a variety of factors such as an underlying medical condition, trauma to the nail or repeated pressure against the area. Treatment may include professional care or at-home methods.
One of the most effective ways to treat thick and hard toenails is to seek professional medical help. A podiatrist may be able to diagnose the underlying cause of the toenails being thick and hard and then provide the appropriate treatment.
This may include prescription oral medications, over-the-counter creams, or laser treatments.
Additionally, there are some ways to address thick and hard toenails on your own. Trimming the toenails regularly and filing the hard edges can help to reduce the levels of thickness and hardness. Applying cuticle creams or thick lotions to the nail bed can help to soften the nail and reduce the influx of calcium.
Increasing the air circulation around the toenails, such as wearing open-toed shoes, can also help them to stay thinner and less hard. Lastly, soaking the toenails in warm water with a few drops of tea tree oil can help to hydrate the toenails and loosen the thick and hard edges.
The best way to get rid of thick and hard toenails is to seek medical advice as soon as possible and follow the instructions of a medical professional. By tackling the underlying causes and following the methods outlined above, you can reduce the thickness and hardness of your toenails and improve your foot health.
Can thickened toenails be reversed?
Yes, thickened toenails can be reversed in most cases. The most common cause of thickened toenails is a fungal infection that can be treated with antifungal medications. These medications can help eliminate the fungus and prevent further thickening or deformation of the toenail.
Additionally, trimming the nail regularly, avoiding extreme moisture or humidity, and wearing clean, dry socks and shoes can help reduce the risk of recurrent fungal infections. Furthermore, there are several non-invasive treatments such as laser therapy or chemical solutions that can also help reverse thickened toenails.
These treatments can help restore the nail’s normal shape, color, and texture. However, it is important to speak with a medical professional before trying any of these treatments in order to ensure proper diagnosis and safe, effective treatment.
What does it mean when your toenails are thick and hard?
When your toenails are thick and hard, it is often a sign of a fungal infection called onychomycosis, which is more commonly known as toenail fungus. This infection can cause the nail to thicken and turn yellow, white, brown, or green.
The nails may also become brittle, chipped, or jagged. This can be an especially stubborn condition to treat, as it lives and thrives in dark and damp areas, such as shoes and socks. Therefore, it’s important to keep feet clean, dry, and well ventilated to prevent the fungus from coming back after treatment.
Treatment may include over-the-counter antifungal treatments, as well as prescription options from your doctor. Additionally, preventive measures such as wearing socks and sneakers that have been washed in hot water and drying them in a hot dryer can help prevent the fungus from spreading.
Is there a home remedy for thick toenails?
Yes, there are several home remedies for thick toenails. To start, soak your feet in warm water with a few drops of tea tree oil and Epsom salt for 15-20 minutes. Doing this can help soften the nails and make them easier to cut and trim.
Additionally, you can use an emery board to file away the thick parts of the nails. Be sure to file in one direction, instead of sawing back and forth, as this can cause further damage.
If these methods still don’t seem to work, you can make a paste out of baking soda and water to exfoliate the toenails. Apply the paste and rub it gently into the nails, removing any dead skin and debris.
The paste will help to break down the thick nails and reduce their thickness.
For fungus or other infections, you can create a solution of white vinegar and warm water. Soak your feet for 15 minutes, or until the toenails have softened. The vinegar will help to kill fungus and bacterial infections.
You can also try treating thick toenails with some over-the-counter products. Capsaicin cream can help to break down the hard, thick toenails. Additionally, antifungal creams and lotions can also help in treating toenail infections and make the nails easier to work with.
If these home remedies don’t seem to be working or the infection is persistent, visit a podiatrist for further advice and treatment.
How does a podiatrist treat thick toenails?
Treatments for thick toenails typically vary based on severity and can range from trimming the nail properly, to using topical medications or even more invasive procedures to reduce the thickness of the nail.
A podiatrist will usually start with a physical exam to evaluate the toenail’s thickness, discoloration and any associated symptoms. This can help them determine the cause and best approach for treatment.
Trimming is usually the most common treatment for thick toenails because if it is done properly can help alleviate discomfort and make it easier for the nail to grow out properly. Often, the podiatrist will use an electric nail file to reduce the thickness of the nail.
This can also be combined with topical medications, like antifungal creams, to reduce inflammation and slow down nail growth.
Other treatments may include debridement, which involves the removal of the entire thicken nail or a partial removal to reduce thickness. In some cases, an oral medication may also be prescribed to reduce the thickness of the nail.
The podiatrist may also suggest lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of further thickening of a toenail, such as wearing open-toed shoes or maintaining proper foot hygiene. Additionally, medications may be given to reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with the thick toenail.
What is the white hard stuff under my toenails?
The white hard stuff found under toenails is likely callus — an accumulation of hardened, dead skin cells. Calluses can form anywhere on the feet and hands, and usually develop as a result of pressure, friction, or irritation.
When regular rubbing and pressure occur on particular parts of the body, the dead skin thickens in order to provide extra protection and cushion. Therefore, calluses may form on the toes if you often wear tightly-fitting shoes or participate in activities that require you to stand for long periods of time.
Calluses are generally painless and harmless, but it’s important to take good care of them to prevent cracking, pain, and infection. It’s best to keep them soft and clean to avoid further problems, so make sure to routinely soak and moisturize your feet to keep away the buildup.
Additionally, make sure to invest in comfortable, properly-fitting shoes, and to wear them in alternating pairs if possible to reduce the pressure and friction on your feet.
What does Vicks VapoRub do for toenails?
Vicks VapoRub can be used to treat discolored, thickened, and distorted toenails. Physical injuries, fungal infections, or even the aging process may cause these issues. When applied regularly, Vicks VapoRub can help kill the fungi and soften the nail allowing it to grow out properly.
Vicks should be applied at least once a day, rubbing a thin layer on the affected toenail and around the cuticle. Additionally, you should cut the toenail and then file it after application. For best results, wear socks and shoes after application to hold the Vicks in place so it can work.
This treatment should be continued for several weeks until the toenail is back to its normal color. If toenail discoloration persists, it is important to have a medical professional examine it to rule out any underlying health problems.
What vitamin deficiency causes thick toenails?
Vitamin deficiency, especially inadequate levels of vitamin A, can cause thickened and discolored toenails, as can other deficiencies in vitamins such as C, D, E, and K. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to abnormal keratinization, or the body’s inability to produce normal levels of a protein-like material called keratin, which makes up the nail.
This can lead to thick, brittle nails that may also be curved or discolored and often are accompanied by rough patches or ridges in the nail. A lack of vitamins C and K also can affect the strength of nails and cause them to thicken and take on an irregular shape.
A deficiency in vitamin D, which is a vitamin necessary for healthy nails, may lead to dry, brittle nails that can change shape, discolor, and thicken. Finally, a lack of vitamin E can also lead to inadequate nail growth, discoloration, and thickening.
Do thick toenails ever go away?
Yes, thick toenails can go away. Most cases of thick toenails are due to fungal infection, and can usually be cleared up with the appropriate nail fungus treatment. In some cases, however, the cause of the thickened nail may be more serious in which case medical intervention may be necessary.
Other cases may simply be due to aging, environmental damage, or an underlying health condition. Depending on the underlying cause, thick toenails can take up to a year to go away, as the nail needs to grow out to be replaced by a healthier, thinner nail.
It is important to consult a doctor or podiatrist if you notice your toenails becoming thicker than usual, especially if the condition is accompanied by any pain or discharge, or if the skin around the nail looks red or inflamed.
How can I make my thick toenails thinner?
In order to make your thick toenails thinner, there are a variety of treatments available. Depending on the severity of the condition, you may choose to try over-the-counter treatments or prescription medications.
Over-the-counter treatments include laser therapy and nail clippers. Laser therapy is a safe and non-invasive procedure that quickly shapes the nail to reduce its thickness. Nail clippers can be used to reduce the thickness of the nail, although this can be a tedious process and will require daily maintenance to keep the thickness down.
Prescription medications for thick toenails are also available. These include topical antifungal medications and oral antifungal medications. Topical antifungal medications are applied directly to the nail and can help to reduce thickness and prevent fungal growth.
Oral antifungal medications must be taken as prescribed by your doctor. These medications work by preventing fungal growth, which can help to reduce nail thickness.
In addition, you can make some lifestyle changes that can help to keep your toenails thinner. To keep your nails healthy, avoid going barefoot in public areas and make sure to keep your toenails short and trim.
Moisturizing your nails regularly and wearing roomy, breathable shoes can also be beneficial.
Finally, if your toenails are still thick after trying over-the-counter treatments and prescription medications, then you may need to talk to a doctor about more aggressive treatments, such as permanent surgical relief.
Why are my toenails so thick?
A lack of proper nail care, such as regular trimming, which can cause the nails to get too long and thicken up as a protective measure. Fungal infections, such as onychomycosis, can cause the nails to thicken, as can psoriasis or circulatory problems in the feet.
Aging is another factor that can contribute to thickened toenails, as is repeated trauma to the toes. Genetic factors can predispose some individuals to thicker nails, and certain skin and nail conditions can cause the nails to thicken up without any other underlying factors.
If you think your nails are abnormally thick and it is affecting your quality of life, it is best to consult with a medical professional to determine the underlying cause and the best treatment options.
Why do old people’s toenails get thick?
Old people’s toenails can become thick for many reasons, including the natural aging process, fungal infections, or trauma to the nail. As you age, the oil-producing glands around the nail bed become less active and this can lead to the nail becoming thicker and more brittle.
The natural straight shape of nails can be affected, leading them to become curved and curled.
Fungal infections, such as onychomycosis, can cause toenails to become thick. Fungi thrive in moist environments, so toenails that are exposed to moisture on a regular basis may become infected. The fungi will feed on the nails, leading to thickening and discoloration of the nails.
If a fungal infection is suspected, it is best to see a doctor in order to get the right treatment and stop the infection from spreading.
Finally, trauma to the nail can cause it to become thick. Trauma can be anything from dropping something heavy on the foot, to stubbing the toe or wearing shoes that are too tight. Injuries to the nail bed can cause the tissue around the nail to thicken, leading to discolored and misshapen nails.
Regardless of the cause, any thickening of the toenail should be monitored, as it can cause pain and lead to difficulty when it comes to activities like walking and wearing shoes.
How do you prevent toenails from thickening with age?
To prevent toenails from thickening with age it is important to maintain proper foot care. This includes regularly trimming the nails, wearing appropriately fitting shoes that do not put pressure on the nails, avoiding the use of strong detergents or other chemicals that can irritate the toenails, and regularly moisturizing the feet.
Keeping the nails hydrated with a nail oil or moisturizing balm can also help to prevent thickness. It is also important to wear open-toed shoes when possible, and to avoid engaging in activities that may put the toenails under pressure or trauma, such as running or playing sports.
Additionally, regularly treating any fungus or infection present in or around the toenails and following foot hygiene best practices can help to prevent thickening due to age.
