What Causes Thickening Of Toenails

When nails end up being thick and yellow they can be difficult to handle. This condition is not only a little, but a sign of possible health concerns. Identifying the cause of thick toenails is vital to finding the proper treatments that return them to typical.

When nails wind up thick and yellow they can end up being difficult to handle. Not only is this unsightly, however thick toenails can be a sign of a more serious concern that might need treatment. Limiting what is causing the nails to end up being thicker is vital to discovering a suitable treatment for the condition so that you can preserve optimal nail health. Some nail conditions might likewise cause damage to the skin and surrounding area or could be contagious, so it’s essential to resolve these concerns as soon as they become apparent.

Causes of Thick Toenails

There are multiple causes that can cause thickened toenails.

Injuries. Oftentimes injuries to the toenail can cause them to become thicker as they heal. Those who play sports which are hard on the feet such as soccer, or those who perform activities such as dancing in closed shoes can be at risk for these kinds of injuries. In this case, the thickening of the toenails is often temporary and will return to typical when the damage is recovered.

Fungus. In some cases, fungus can cause the toenails to become thicker. Fungus growing around the nail can cause the nail to separate from the nail bed as the fungus completes the area. In this case, the nail will typically end up being yellow or brown in addition to ending up being thicker.

Some skin conditionscan likewise impact the toenails and cause them to end up being thicker. Problems such as eczema and psoriasis can cause the dead skin cells around the nails to end up being inflamed or irritated. As this irritation becomes more severe you can wind up with thick toenails that are uncomfortable and challenging to maintain.

Poor blood circulation can likewise cause the toenails to thicken. Conditions such as diabetes which cause damage to the digits or make it harder for blood to flow to the toes will decrease skin quality, and therefore the quality of the nails in this area.

How to Treat Thick Toenails

According to the various causes revealed above, treatments for thick toe nails are also numerous. Both home care and medical treatment can be applied to deal with this condition.

Cut toenails thoroughly. You will have to cut your toenails carefully once they have ended up being thicker. Thick toe nails are simpler to divide and aggravate if pressure is placed on them incorrectly. Start by soaking your feed in warm water for approximately 10 minutes. Using nail nippers instead of standard nail clippers to ensure that you have the ability to cut through the nail without putting excessive pressure on the nail. Take your time and cut straight across the nail to avoid establishing a crack or ingrown toe nails later. You can also reference the table below to discover proper treatment options based upon the nature of your condition.

Natural remedies. In less severe cases, natural remedies can be used to assist treat a thickened toenail. A mix of tea tree oil and olive oil used to the nail can help soften the nail so it becomes less thick. Use the mixture to the toenail with a cotton ball two times a day up until the nail returns to regular.

Soak feet in vinegar. You can also soak the feet in vinegar for 20-25 minutes a day to help soften them. Fill a tub with warm water and add 3-4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to soak your nails. After the feet have dried, gently buff away the top layer of the nail that has loosened from the treatment. Repeat this treatment 3 times a week up until the nails are no longer excessively thick.

Acidic gels to get rid of excessive layers. Some acidic gels such as Nonyx gel can be used to get rid of the extreme layers of the nails that have built up, according to iytmed.com. The high Ph of the gel will help kill off any infections in the area when carefully eliminating the debris that has developed on the top of the nail.

Medical treatment. Fungal infections will require medical treatment from your doctor. Oral and topical medications are offered based upon the nature of the infection. Follow any directions related to your prescription to make sure that you are getting the proper sized dose for your condition.

Surgically remove. In extreme cases where the nail starts curling or the infection does not respond to medication it might be needed to have the nail surgically removed so that a brand-new, healthy nail can grow. As soon as the surgery is complete, your doctor will give you a list of directions associated with your condition to avoid the necessity for future treatment.

Treatments for Thick Toenails (see table below)