Why Our Toenails Thicken As We Age

Many of our podiatry patients remark on how thick their toenails become as they enter (and pass) middle age. Their toenails become notably tougher to trim, which makes the possibility of cuts to the skin around the nails a real possibility. Thickened toenails also splinter easily.

Toenails thicken due to aging, but other factors may also be at play.

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. Fingernails appear to thicken less, probably because we tend to them more often with filing and buffing, which thins them.

But in addition to this natural thickening of the nails, other factors may be at play also. Among them are trauma, fungal infections, and impaired circulation. Feet are under constant stress from falling objects, stubbing injuries, poor foowear, closed-in footwear, and athletic activities. All of these conditions can alter the cells from which the nails grow, and if one tends to stub or injure the same toe, the nail plate can easily become thickened or disfigured.

Peripheral arterial disease, or P.A.D., a vascular disease which restricts blood flow to the extremities, can also cause thickened, brittle toenails. Fungus also plays a key role, as it thrives in the moist, dark interior of a shoe. Besides causing the toenail to thicken, a fungal infection may also cause the nail to yellow, become brittle, separate from the nail bed, and possibly emit a foul odor. In this case, your podiatrist may recommend trimming and cleaning (debridement) the toenail, a prescription topical creme or prescription oral medicine.

Reasons our toenails thicken

How to safely trim thickened toenails

**If you’re diabetic, have peripheral arterial disease, or have diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a podiatrist should trim your toenails. Patients with these conditions frequently have a loss of sensation in the toes, and run the risk of wounding the skin or cutting too deeply when trimming the nails.

1. Soften your toenails by soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes, then dry thoroughly.
2. With a nail nipper, cut straight across the top of the toenail.
3. Use small cuts straight across the toenail to avoid splintering, which may cause an infection.
4. Do not round the toenails at the corner – this reduces your chance of developing an ingrown toenail
5. With an emory board or nail file, gently file the edges of the cut toenail to remove sharp corners or edges which may catch on your sock.

Besides debridement, there are few treatment options to alleviate the thickening of toenails due to the natural course of aging. If however, your toenails are thickening due to one of the other causes mentioned above, your podiatrist will discuss a course of treatment with you.

Thick Toenails | Causes, Treatment & Remedies

Several causes contribute to thick toenails. It is important to diagnose and treat the disease at an early stage. Advanced fungal infections are more complex to treat and cause psychological stress as well as physical discomfort. The following are the main causes,

Onychomycosis 

Onychomycosis (nail fungus) is the main cause of thick nails, infecting more than 10% of the population. The fungus invades cracks in your toenails and grows under the nail bed. The infection grows if you wear sweaty or ill-fitted shoes.It is also more common in diabetics or those on other immuno-suppressant drugs. Walking barefoot in wet public places such as a sauna or locker rooms can put you at a high risk of contracting the disease. 

Diagnosis

The appearance of your toenail changes and it becomes thicker than usual. Depending on the type of fungal infection your toenails may appear yellow, white, or brown. The nail becomes difficult to trim and breaks easily. In some cases, the nail lifts from the nail bed and is often painful.The signs appear slowly over time. 

Treatment

Traditionally, oral antifungal medicines were used to treat onychomycosis although these medicines are used for longer periods and hence can be associated with side effects. Hence, topical medications are an alternative to treat the disease. A combination of oral medicines and topical medications works well to eradicate the fungus. In extreme cases, your doctor may have to remove a part of the infected nail to stop the spread. 

 

Yellow nail syndrome

Yellow nail syndrome is a less common cause of thick toenails. A person having yellow nail syndrome develops swelling in the arms and legs due to accumulation of fluid and chest symptoms like cough along with typical nail changes. This condition results in thick, yellow, and slightly curved toenails and sometimes fingernails too.

Treatment

Treatment includes oral Vitamin E and anti-fungal medication. Antibiotics can be prescribed for bronchiectasis to reduce chronic mucus production.

 

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes red, itchy, and scaly thick skin all over the body. It spreads to the nails and causes thick fingernails or toenails. It is painful and unsightly. Nail psoriasis occurs in upto 50 percent of people suffering from plaque psoriasis. 

Diagnosis

The toenail thickens abnormally, lifts from the nail bed, and appears yellowish. Tiny pits appear on the toenail.

Treatment

Over-the-counter treatments are not effective for nail psoriasis. Doctors prescribe oral drugs or topicals. Topical medication containing corticosteroids and retinoids are partially effective in reducing the nail changes. It is good to take preventive measures, trim your nails regularly and maintain good nail hygiene. 

 

Onychogryphosis

Onychogryphosis, also called Ram’s horn nails, is a nail disease-causing one side of the nail to grow faster, thicken, and appear curvy like horns or claws. It mostly affects the big toe. The nail plate is affected and it often gets painful

Diagnosis

The nails appear yellow or brown, thick, long, and curved. It can cause pain and ingrown nails. Older adults and people with poor nail care are more prone to ram’s horn nails. 

Treatment

Onychogryphosis can be painful and there are high chances of developing a secondary infection. Thick toenail treatment will mainly involve your dermatologist using drills, clippers, alongwith topical urea creams to manage the nail changes.  

 

Physical trauma

Repeated physical trauma to your toenails can also cause thick toenails. Athletes are more prone to physical trauma. Using ill-fitted or very tight shoes can cause the nail thickening.Repeated injuries to your toenails can damage the cuticles and can help the fungus invade the affected area and spread infection. Dropping heavy objects on your toenail can also contribute to the condition. 

Treatment 

Thick toenail treatment can get very complicated hence prevention is the best way to avoid the ailment. Selected well-fitted shoes, maintaining nail hygiene, and avoiding injuries can best alleviate the harm done by physical trauma. Keeping the nails trimmed and wearing foot protectants while lifting heavy objects can also help prevent the disorder.  

 

Ageing

Naturally, ageing does not make your toenails thick. However, due to less blood flow, trauma, or ill-fitted footwear people can develop thick toenails as they age.

Thick toenails are difficult to trim. You may accidentally cut your nails or skin while trimming, increasing your chance of contracting fungal infections. 

Why Do Toenails Thicken As We Get Older?

Graying hair and wrinkles are two of the most common things people think about when it comes to aging. Our bodies go through many changes as we get older. If you’ve ever noticed that older people tend to have thicker toenails, you may have wondered why do toenails thicken as we get older.

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. 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.

Other Reasons Why Toenails Thicken

Impaired circulation and long-term trauma can contribute to toenails thickening too. Your feet are stressed more than the hands because you walk miles per day and usually in closed toe shoes. Stubbing your toe or having a heavy object fall on it can alter the toenail cells, which manifests as thickening or disfiguring of the nail plate.

Either one severe injury or repeated incidents can thicken or disfigure the toenails. Poorly fitting shoes and athletic wear and tear cause toenails to thicken as well. Illnesses like peripheral arterial disease impairs circulation, leading to thickening of the toenails. Fungal infections are also known to alter nail cells.

Solutions to Toenail Thickening

If you’re unhappy with the thickening of your toenails, you can contact a local podiatrist for an analysis of what’s causing the problem. The doctor will let you know what your options are in treating it. Possible treatments for unsightly thick toenails includes:

• Improving feet hygiene
• Antifungal medications
• Topical antifungal medications
• Toenail removal surgery

When is Surgery Necessary?

Surgical nail removal may be necessary for returning fungal infections and severe fungal infections. Despite its name, the entire nail is not always removed. Your local toenail surgeon may determine that the problem can be solved through partial removal of the nail. When you undergo surgical nail removal, you don’t have to go to the hospital. It can be done from the doctor’s office or clinic.

Those who want to undergo toenail removal surgery or any other type of surgery for their feet should take care in finding a local toenail surgeon they can trust.

Our podiatrists are some of the best in the Charlotte University area. Ideally, you don’t want to undergo surgery in order to solve a toenail problem, but in some cases it’s necessary. Our podiatrists will be able to determine what your options are in treating the cause behind your thick toenails. Schedule an appointment today with our foot doctors to determine what’s causing your toenails to thicken.

What Causes Thick Toenails | Foot Healthcare Associates

Many people look at their feet and wonder what causes thick toenails. You may notice that your toenails have gotten thicker over time. They may have even changed color. While a pedicure will mask the problem, you need to know the root cause to come up with a solution.

Say Hello to Toenail Fungus

In the majority of cases, fungal overgrowth is to blame for thick nails. Fungus can grow on your hands or feet, but it’s most common on toenails. Minor fungal infections may only cause a slight discoloration. However, if you don’t treat the problem fast enough, you may find yourself hiding your feet from others.

Here’s the good news—you can treat toenail fungus. Depending on the severity of the infection, you may be able to clear up the fungus with a topical cream. Sometimes, however, this treatment isn’t enough. Your podiatrist may need to inject a powerful anti-fungal medication directly into the nail bed. Fungal infections have a reputation for returning, so keep your feet dry and always wear shoes in communal showers.

Stop Stubbing Your Toe

Repeatedly injuring your toes many also lead to thick, cracking toenails. Any time you damage a nail bed, it has to repair itself. The nail may lift away from the skin, and new cells may accumulate underneath the nail. Usually, the attached nail prevents this from happening. In the worst-case scenario, the nail may completely detach from the toe.

Athletes, especially runners and dancers, are prone to toenail injuries. To prevent a problem from forming, always wear comfortable shoes that leave plenty of room in the toe box. Keep your nails trimmed, and report any signs of damage to a doctor right away.

Pay Attention to Your Health

Some medical conditions affect the condition of your toenails. The most common are diabetes and psoriasis. Diabetics often have reduced blood flow to their feet, which may cause thicker toenails or numbness. With psoriasis, the nail may lift away from the toe.

Make sure you take good care of yourself to avoid complications of either diabetes or psoriasis. People with diabetes should monitor their blood glucose levels every day. Psoriasis patients may need to take immunosuppressant drugs to control outbreaks.

Happy Birthday to You

A lesser-known cause of thick toenails is old age. As your body matures, the growth rate of your nails decreases and cells pile on the surface. While there isn’t much you can do to prevent these changes, you can buff and file your nails to remove any new cells. Go ahead and treat yourself to that pedicure on your next birthday.

Seek Medical Care for Your Toenails

You should report any sudden change in the appearance of your toenails to a doctor. The sooner you diagnose and treat the problem, the quicker you’ll see results. Foot HealthCare Associates offers medical care for disorders of the foot and ankle. Our qualified team of doctors will listen to your needs and determine the best course of action. Schedule an appointment to begin a treatment plan now that you know what causes thick toenails.

 

Possible Treatments

 

Schedule an Appointment

Fungal Toenail Treatment – Council Bluffs Foot & Ankle Care, PC

Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is the most common cause of thickening and discoloration of the toenails. Onychomycosis tends to be slowly progressive, damaging the nail to a greater and greater degree over time.  The infection usually starts at the tip of the nail and works it’s way back to the root of the nail.  Onychomycosis usually is not painful and often goes unnoticed until it has become well established. Over time, the nail becomes thickened, crumbly, and distorted in appearance.   

Onychomycosis is typically seen on feet that are prone to athlete’s foot or a fungal infection of the skin. Sweaty feet often contribute to this initial infection as fungus prefers an environment that is moist, dark, and warm.  

What we can do to help you with this condition

Topical treatments can sometimes be effective for mild cases of onychomycosis.  We carry a topical medication in our office called ClearNail.  This medication has 3 different prescription-strength antifungal ingredients to fight your nail infection.  There are also newer prescription topical medications such as Jublia or Kerydin available.  

Often, the most effective treatment option for onychomycosis is to take a prescripton oral medication, Lamisil (Terbinafine).  This medication will treat the fungal infection in the nail bed where the fungus is most active. Lamisil is typically taken for a total of 3 months to allow a healthier toenail to become established.  It is usually necessary to have lab work performed prior to taking Lamisil.

Sometimes fungal nails can become too thick or deformed for treatment with topical or oral medications. In cases like this, it may be necessary to permanently remove the nail.  

Other tips

You may also have an associated chronic form of athlete’s foot if your skin is very thick and dry.  It is important to treat your skin as this can be an underlying cause of your onychomycosis.  It may be necessary to also use topical urea cream to help to soften the skin and to use an antifungal cream.  

Try to wear cotton-blend socks and avoid nylons.  Cotton-blend breathes well and helps to absorb sweat away from your skin.  Sweat can be a contributor to onychomycosis.

Try not to wear toenail polish.  Wearing polish seems to damage the nail and may prevent the nail from getting the air that it needs.  Damage to the nail encourages a fungal infection to form.

It is important to treat your shoes to kill any fungus that may be contributing to your onychomycosis.  We carry a shoe spray in our office that contains Silver – a safe antibacterial/antifungal medication.

Consider going on a low sugar diet.  Fungus needs sugar to thrive and many suspect that fungal infections are much more common in people that consume excessive sugar.

Consider a Candida cleanse.  Candida is a natural fungus/yeast that is found in your large intestine.  But, consuming excessive sugar over many years can contribute to Candida overgrowth which in simple terms, prevents your body’s ability to fight off fungal infections.  Places such as Walgreens or the Vitamin Shoppe sell Candida cleanses.

Vinegar and tannic acid (found in tea) have antifungal properties.  Consider soaking your feet once or twice a day in a basin of water containing one or both of these.

Fungal Toenail Treatment | Foot Doctor Peoria, AZ 85381

Fungal Toenail | Onychomycosis

Fungal Toenails are unsightly and can occasionally cause pain. If left untreated, toenails can continue to change shape and become permanently damaged. If you have noticed discoloration and thickening of your toenails, they may be infected with fungus. It is important to treat these infections as they can be passed on to your other toe nails or to someone else.

To find out more about your Bunions and treatment options, please call to make an appointment with
Dr. Panahi today. You can reach us at 623.439.2200 or fill out an online appointment request.

Signs & Symptoms

A toenail fungal infection typically causes yellowish discoloration and thickens the nail. Patients often find brittle debris that builds up under the nail plate. It is very common for the nails to become deformed and cause pain and sometimes ingrowing issues. Fungal infections usually begin from a corner of the toe nail and spread to the other parts of the nail plate. The growth is typically very slow, However the affected area may be permanently damaged and progressively becomes harder to treat. For that reason, prompt attention and treatment of the fungal infection is paramount.
Unfortunately several other conditions can cause nail deformity that is very similar to fungal infection. In our office, close examination of the affected toe nail is performed. In some cases a small sample of the nail is collected and sent to a pathology lab to correctly identify the nature of the deformity, prior to any treatments.

 

 

Treatment

Once we have correctly identified a fungal infection, we proceed to treat the nail deformity with Anti-Fungal medications and debridement. There are two types of medications available with different levels of potency. These medications are prescribed and proper techniques are utilized for greater effectiveness. Though widely available, over-the-counter anti-fungal medications and several other home remedies have limited efficacy and can only treat mild cases of fungal infection. Patients are encouraged to use these products when they first notice the deformity and discoloration. However if the problem worsens, it is essential to seek medical advise. Regardless of the type of treatment, it is important to maintain your nail hygiene and keep them hydrated. You also would need to trim and get rid of any portion of the diseased nail that is unattached to the nail bed. Remember, nails are a source of food for these organisms.

Keeping Your Nails Healthy

Maintaining beautiful and healthy toe nails require some attention, and certain preventative measures can go a long way. Just as you apply lotion to your skin for daily replenishment, your nails require some level of hydration as well. Unlike skin, lotions are not effective when used on nails. Fortunately over the counter supplements, such as Biotin, have shown to improve the quality of nail & skin and promote healthy growth.

Wearing tight and narrow shoewear can result in repeated injuries to the toe nails. This process makes it easier for fungus to infect the toe nails. To avoid injuries, always wear shoes with larger and more flexible toe-boxes.

 

To find out more about your Bunions and treatment options, please call to make an appointment with
Dr. Panahi today. You can reach us at 623.439.2200 or fill out an online appointment request.

Psoriasis in the fingernails and toenails

Onycholysis , (on-ik -ol-is-is) subungual hyperkeratosis (sub-ung-gwal hi-per-ker-at-o-sis) and splinter haemorrhages (hem-or-ij-iz) are all caused by disease of the nail bed. These conditions are explained in the next section.

The nail is made of modified skin and, once it has grown, it can only be altered by filing or clipping. Treatments are usually directed at the nail bed that supports the nail or the nail folds that tuck around the edges. Soothing these tissues can result in better nail growth with fewer features of psoriasis.

The severity of nail involvement does not follow the severity of psoriasis elsewhere in the body, although locally it can correspond to problems in the nearby joint of a finger or toe. On rare occasions, the nails can be the only site of the body affected. More usually, if the nails are involved there will be areas of psoriasis elsewhere on the body. You can, however, develop severe nail changes with only minimal psoriasis.

What changes can occur with nail psoriasis?

These are the most common changes in nail psoriasis:

• Pitting of the nails – the surface of the nail develops small pits, looking rather like the surface of a thimble. The number of pits can vary from one to dozens.
• Onycholysis – the nail becomes detached from the underlying nail bed and a gap develops under the nail. When it starts there is a white or yellowish patch at the tip of the nail, and this then extends down to the cuticle. The gap between the nail and the nail bed can become colonised by particular bacteria, such as pseudomonas, which can then produce a dark green pigment. The nail can become infected and discoloured and can easily be mistaken for melanoma under the nail.
• Subungual hyperkeratosis – a chalky substance accumulates under the nail. The nail becomes raised and can become tender, especially when the surface of the nail is pressed. Subungual hyperkeratosis of the toenails can be particularly uncomfortable because when wearing shoes the nail may be put under constant pressure.
• Discolouration – this may be seen as unusual nail colouration, such as yellow/brown.
• Onychomycosis (on-ik-o-mi-ko-sis) – a fungal infection that can cause thickening of the nails. This could be present alongside nail psoriasis and can be confused in diagnosis. If diagnosed correctly it can be treated with systemic antifungal medication. It is estimated that approximately 35% of people who have nail psoriasis may also have a fungal infection that could make the nails worse. Treating the fungal infection may not have any effect on the clearance of nail psoriasis.

Some nail changes are caused by using systemic retinoid medication, which can help the skin but may result in format ion of very thin nails which do not appear normal. These nail changes can take several months to grow out only after retinoids are stopped.

In addition to these changes you may get longitudinal ridging of the nails and reddish marks under the nails, called splinter haemorrhages, due to tiny burst blood vessels under the nails.

What can be done about it?

Nail psoriasis is perhaps the most difficult part of psoriasis to treat. In the past a large number of treatments have been tried, none of which has given particularly good results. The first things to consider are the non-medical aspects of caring for your nails.

Tips on general nail care

• The basic strategy for both hands and feet should be to keep the nails short. Try to trim them back to the point of firm attachment and gently file them down with an emery board.
• Try to protect your nails from damage because this can worsen the problem. Consider wearing gloves to protect your nails whenever you are doing something that could cause damage.
• Do not clean debris from beneath the nail with a sharp object or a nail brush. This tends to increase any onycholysis and make the situation worse; soaking the affected nails in soapy warm water may be sufficient to remove the debris.
• Rubbing moisturisers into the nail and cuticle or soaking them in emollient oils may help.
• Toenails can benefit by being soaked for at least 10 minutes in a bowl or bath of warm water, which softens the nails, before gently filing the thickened part of the toenails with an emery board and using good, sharp scissors to trim off small pieces of the nails. You should cut straight across the toenail, which helps prevent it from becoming ingrown. It helps to always wear comfortable shoes which make enough room for your toes; friction can cause toenail thickening to occur. It may be worth considering buying shoes a size up from your normal size.

Medical treatments for nail psoriasis include:

The use of topical steroids rubbed into the cuticle – the nail plate is under the cuticle and by massaging steroid creams into the nail plate you can induce some improvement in nail psoriasis. Results are not consistent however and there is the risk that the cuticle can become thinned with fine blood vessels over the surface.

Anecdotally, a number of dermatologists noticed that psoriasis of the nails improved when patients were using vitamin D analogue preparations for psoriasis of their skin. This led to a more focused study of vitamin D analogue creams and ointments rubbed into the cuticle in the treatment of nail psoriasis. Experience from around the world has shown that this is an effective method of treatment and should be regarded as the first-line treatment of choice. The vitamin D analogue cream or ointment should be massaged into the cuticle for about five minutes twice a day. When onycholysis is present, calcipotriol scalp solution can be dripped under the nail and massaged in, which is effective.

Remember that nails grow extremely slowly and what you are influencing is not the existing nail but new nail that is developing from the nail plate. It may, therefore, take up to a year for fingernails, and two years for toenails, to grow out normally; you will need to be patient with any treatment. It’s worth noting that toenails can fail to respond where fingernails improve substantially.

Injections of steroids under the nail – these usually require additional injection of local anaesthetic and are not a good routine treatment.

Removal of the nail – nails can be removed quite painlessly using a high concentration of urea applied under polythene occlusion to the nail. The nail becomes rather jelly-like and can be peeled off. Nails can be removed by surgery, however, nails may still often grow back with an abnormal appearance. X-ray treatment may cause nail shredding, but is not an advisable treatment in most instances.

Systemic treatments – where nail psoriasis is severe and you are not able to walk or use your hand properly, it may be possible to take tablet-based or other injected systemic treatment to improve psoriasis on the nails and skin together.

Is there anything else I can do?

If your fingernails are affected, that hand can be painful and you may find the dexterity of your fingers is restricted. If the toenails are affected it’s sometimes helpful to seek attention from a chiropodist, who may be able to remove the excess thickening of the nails to reduce the pressure when wearing shoes. This can reduce pain and improve mobility. Specialist shoes may also prove helpful; you can easily find various suppliers by searching on the internet or asking a chiropodist or podiatrist for recommendations.

Nail psoriasis can also be a cosmetic problem. The nails may be distorted, which some people find embarrassing. Nail varnish can be used to conceal some of the damage. Application of a good nail hardener or wearing artificial nails if the nails are mostly intact can improve their appearance and also help to protect them. Some people are sensitive to the chemicals in the glue used to apply artificial nails, so it’s advisable to tell your manicurist about your psoriasis so that he/she can be extra careful. Also, where there is onycholysis, all nails should be kept short and this includes gel nails. If nails are extended by gel application or other form of artificial nail then it is likely to make the nail bed psoriasis worse and increase the onycholysis.

This article is adapted from the Nail psoriasis leaflet.

Download our nail psoriasis leaflet as a pdf

Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider.

90,000 Thickening of toenails: treatment and prevention

One day you may notice that one of the toenails has become thick, rough and gnarled. Perhaps nothing terrible happened. But in many cases, thickening of the toenails indicates the presence of any problems in the body. In this article, you will learn why thickening of the nails occurs, what treatment to take and what preventive measures you can take.

Causes of the problem

The nail can thicken for various reasons.Let’s take a look at the most common ones.

• Congenital pachyonychia. This is a hereditary disease characterized by thickening of the nail plates. There is nothing wrong with it, it does not affect any functions of the body. Only the aesthetic component suffers.
• Fungal diseases. Perhaps the toenail is deformed as a result of infection with mycosis. This is the most common cause of thickened nails. In this case, diagnosis and treatment should only be carried out by a doctor.
• With the regular wearing of tight and uncomfortable shoes, nails can deform over time.
• Diseases such as gout, rheumatism, atherosclerosis lead to poor circulation in the tips of the toes. This can cause thickening of the nail plates.
• Thick nails can indicate a lack of vitamins in the body and improper diet.
• Inflammatory processes or trauma to the nail bed.
• A thickening of the nail plate can be caused by certain skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
• The nail can be deformed with clubfoot and flat feet.

How to deal with the problem?

Treatment of thickened nails depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, it is not even necessary at all.

1. Thick nails due to congenital pachyonychia do not require treatment. The only thing that can be advised for people with this disease is taking vitamin preparations and warm foot baths.
2. If the thickening of the nail plates has occurred as a result of circulatory disorders, then treatment will consist of taking appropriate medications and daily massage of the toes.
3. If the nail is deformed due to mycosis, then it is necessary to fight the fungus itself. Treatment is carried out with antimycotic drugs and special ointments. As a reminder, only a highly specialized doctor should be able to diagnose and prescribe medications. .
4. Thickening of the nail plate due to trauma does not require any treatment. Over time, the deformed nail will grow back and be replaced by a healthy nail plate.
5. Thick and uneven toenails in psoriasis or eczema are only symptoms of the underlying condition.Treatment should be aimed at eliminating the causes of the thickening.
6. For clubfoot and flat feet, we recommend wearing custom-made orthopedic shoes.
7. Lack of vitamins and minerals, respectively, is replenished through proper healthy nutrition and taking full vitamin complexes.

Preventive measures to avoid thickening

Thickening of the nail plates can be prevented by following the recommended preventive measures.

• Buy only high-quality shoes made from natural breathable materials. This will reduce the risk of fungal infection and deformation of the nail due to constant pressure.
• Try to avoid physical injury.
• In public and crowded places, observe the rules of personal hygiene.
• If you suspect that the nail has become deformed as a result of fungal diseases or psoriasis, do not hesitate to visit a dermatologist. Timely treatment will help prevent the spread of the disease.
• Eat properly and fully, spend more time outdoors, and regularly take additional vitamin supplements. A person with strong immunity is less susceptible to any disease!

As you can see, the deformation of the nail plates can be caused by a variety of reasons. And the treatment in each case will be completely individual. And in conclusion, we have prepared a video for you in which an expert will tell you about the most common cause of thickening of the nail plate – fungal diseases.

90,000 Thickening of toenails – what is the reason

The appearance of the nail plates can tell a lot about a person – not only about how he takes care of himself, but also about his state of health. In China, some specialists can even make a diagnosis simply by examining your nails.

Keratinized plates on the tips of the fingers of the upper and lower extremities, which we call nails, protect the phalanges of the fingers. They are quite durable, but along with this, there are many defects to which the nail plates are subject.Among them, not the last place is the thickening of the toenails. And this problem is not only aesthetic in nature – it can be a sign of some diseases.

Normally, the thickness of the nail plate of the hands is about half a mm, on the legs – up to one millimeter. A healthy nail has a slightly pink color and a smooth surface. White or yellowish color of the nail plate, the presence of grooves and thickening of the nail is a reason to consult a specialist to find out the cause. Most often, this trouble concerns the big toes.

Why does thickening of toenails appear?

The reasons can be different – from genetic predisposition to serious diseases. Let’s highlight the most common factors:

– psoriasis of the nail plate;

– foot fungus;

– circulatory disorder;

– congenital pachyonychia – this is the name of the hereditary tendency to thickening of the nails;

– neuropathy – a disease of the peripheral nerves of the arms and legs;

– incorrectly fitted shoes;

– malnutrition, deficiency of vitamins and minerals;

– skin diseases.

How to treat thickened toenails?

First of all, see a doctor. After the examination, he will diagnose and you will receive adequate treatment.

The nail plate can become thicker after an injury, such as a blow to a finger. Then you should not panic – the thickening of the toenails will soon pass, no treatment is required. It’s another matter if a fungus is found. Then it is necessary to use antifungal drugs, both local and general action.By the way, fungus is the most common cause of thickened toenails. Currently, in the pharmacy you can find a wide variety of remedies to combat it, however, it is better not to self-medicate – consult your doctor so as not to harm your health.

People with atherosclerosis, rheumatism, joint diseases and gout are often susceptible to onychodystrophy, a non-fungal lesion of the nail plate. The main reason for its occurrence in such cases is a violation of the blood supply to the fingertips.In such a situation, fingertip massage and drugs to improve microcirculation will help. In other cases, non-fungal thickening of toenails is treated with dietary changes and special medications to improve metabolism.

If the problem is congenital pachyonychia, take soda baths and drink vitamins. In general, it is worth noting that problems with the nail plates are often the result of a weakened immune system.

Thickening of nails is a problem that should be paid attention to at the initial stage.After all, neglected forms can lead to the occurrence of subungual ulcers, injury to neighboring fingers, as well as infection of the whole organism, if we are talking about a fungus.

The expert revealed the ways to recognize diseases by the appearance of hands: Phenomena: Values: Lenta.ru

The expert revealed the symptoms of diseases that can be signaled by the appearance of hands and nails. Reported by The Sun.

Thuva Amuthan, a therapist in Birmingham, explained that a thorough medical examination always starts with the hands, as they can represent various processes in the body. This helps the doctor make the correct diagnosis.

For example, the presence of purple dots, bumps or spots on the hands may indicate infective endocarditis, in which the inner lining of the heart becomes inflamed. These growths are called Osler’s nodes and are a rare cutaneous symptom of bacterial endocarditis.

Dark brown stripes on the nail plate can be a sign of melanoma – a malignant skin tumor, lupus, or HIV infection. Moreover, such lines may appear due to the intake of certain medications and be completely harmless.

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00:02 – June 19, 2020

00:02 – April 17, 2020

Pale and numb fingertips, in turn, may indicate the presence of Raynaud’s syndrome, characterized by a disorder of the arterial system in the vessels of the limbs under exposure to cold or emotional excitement. “Sometimes symptoms can occur spontaneously, and we do not know exactly why this is happening,” admitted Amutan.

In addition, thickening of the fingers in the area of ​​the nails may indicate lung cancer. “Often this limb deformity is associated with cancer or other chronic lung diseases such as bronchiectasis, abscesses, emphysema and cystic fibrosis,” the therapist explained.

In addition, swollen hands are one of the symptoms of intestinal inflammation. People with intestinal problems can develop swelling and pain in the joints of the arms and legs, Amutan said.

In October 2020, a manicurist treated a woman’s hands with a prohibited agent and deprived her of her nail. Rachelann Gibson, 26, from Bonnyrigg, Scotland, said that her nail broke by accident when she dropped a heavy box delivered by courier on her hand.Finding that the acrylic-covered plate had completely come off her finger, the heroine of the material went to the hospital. After the examination, the nurse informed the patient that her nails had been treated with a hazardous product called methyl methacrylate (MMA). It was because of him, according to her, that the nail came off by the root.

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Seversk | Thickened toenails

In order for the treatment to be as effective as possible, you must first try to establish the cause of the thickening of the nails and eliminate this cause. Such a bath and cleaning is recommended once a week for six months (until the nail is completely renewed).

Nail fungus is often caused by dermatophyte microorganisms. If the nail thickens upwards, then you can cut off its upper part with a file so that it does not interfere with walking.

It is possible to become infected with a nail fungus in crowded places, if a humid warm environment prevails there – a pool, public locker rooms, a sauna, etc. Thickening of toenails is not a reason to be intimidated, but it is also not worth starting the disease, the further the process goes, the longer the treatment… The reasons for this, as mentioned above, are primarily associated with diseases of the body: fungal infections of the toes, impaired blood circulation, atherosclerosis, rheumatism, gout or inflammation of the joints. The thumbs are responsible for the cardiovascular system, so in this case, the client should be advised to see a doctor. A gold plate is applied when the nail grows in from this side and the plate should be with one bend, if on both sides, then with two bends.

How to get rid of thick toenails.Nail fungus is characterized by various manifestations and types of pathogens.

Nails on the feet thicken (with photo) – Women’s health Treatment with folk remedies * Mushroom to the nail (Dr. Popov PA).

Healthy pink translucent nail, white in the regrowth zone. First, let’s look at how to treat the cause of the disease, and then the disease itself.

Almost 2/3 of all cases of ingrown toenail diagnoses occur in women who, for the sake of beauty, prefer to wear uncomfortable shoes that compress their toes.

This fungal infection of the nail plate is carried from person to person and depends on the infective agent.

Most often, thickening of the nails, especially on the big toes, does not cause any concern. The reasons for thickening can be completely different, but they deliver equally much discomfort. After that, you should wash your feet and hands with soap, treat with hydrogen peroxide, and it is better to use gloves during the procedure. When applying creams, you should also clean the affected area of ​​the nail with scissors and nail files.

Lemon juice not only whitens the nail plate, but also strengthens it. Nail fungus, methods of treatment with folk remedies.

To do this, scraping the toenail is done with a metal spatula (it is absolutely painless).

Do not let the nail problem take its course. Formaldehyde is part of the varnishes used to cover the nails.

If shoes constantly press on the thickened nail, a subungual ulcer may form. The nail is difficult to cut, as it grows first upwards, then begins to lengthen beyond the top of the finger, bends, bends like a claw or a bird’s beak.

The thickened nail causes a lot of inconvenience, injuring the adjacent fingers.

So that such a nuisance does not overtake you, you need to protect yourself from unnecessarily tight shoes, from low-quality shoes, in which the leg sweats, to monitor personal hygiene.

Thickening of toenails – what is the reason

This material was published on the BezFormata website on January 11, 2019,
below is the date when the material was published on the original site!

Effective means for thickening nails

If necessary, the varnish can be used as a strengthening and leveling base under a decorative coating. As you can see, you can improve and strengthen your nails both by special means and by changing your daily diet. Used by sally hansen either as a stand-alone product or as a base coat for any varnish. This universal method must be excluded in case of dermatoses or possible allergic reactions, as well as neoplasms. Consumers note that after a week of use, even a heavily damaged plate becomes healthier and more thickened. Methods for diagnosing the problem of thickening of toenails, the causes of which lead to increased elasticity of the nail plate and looseness of the skin at its base, requires timely medical diagnosis.

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Indications The method of hardware cleaning is effective in cases of onychomycosis, when it is necessary to remove a nail damaged by the fungus. The product is sold in a glass bottle, which is equipped with a fine brush for precise processing of the periungual roller. How to use professional products for strengthening and growing nails and from the pharmacy at home? And in 80% of cases, deformation of the nails occurs, which can also be a symptom of the onset of articular psoriasis.Before the treatment procedure, you should disinfect the skin of the feet by adding a little soda or salt to the water.

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Top 12 Nail Care Products 2021 Ranking

I use not only cosmetic products to maintain health and strengthen nails, but also take a special dragee Merz. The presence of calcium leads to the strengthening of the nail plate, its alignment, as well as the production of natural keratin. Inexpensive varnishes fulfill the main purpose, more expensive ones have a multi-level effect.Put a medical glove on the neck of the liquid bottle and put the product in a dark place for 2 weeks.

To do this, apply a cotton swab soaked in freshly squeezed lemon juice to the affected area of ​​the leg. Topical or systemic drugs may be prescribed along with folk remedies for more effective treatment. Hello everyone, the gel caught my eye in the “magnet – cosmetics”, once upon a time I used “smart enamel” and I liked the result.For your nails to be strong and healthy, it is not at all necessary to use expensive special products. Oddly enough it sounds, but thick tomato juice can help in getting rid of fungal diseases of the toes.

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10 best products for strengthening and growing nails

Means for softening the cuticle and stimulating nail growth are used in regular care and maintain the well-groomed appearance of the gel coating. The easiest way is to use special varnishes, which in a short time are able to reanimate a brittle, heterogeneous plate and stabilize the result obtained. The composition of these funds does not have a detrimental effect on the kidneys and liver, and the treatment itself rarely causes allergies. The mbr manicure oil is an expensive pleasure that will be appreciated by women who do not spare money for high-quality personal care. The product has a dense melting texture and a subtle citrus aroma, which makes it even more pleasant to use.

Wax is an intensive care product that seals damaged nails and quickly restores a well-groomed appearance to rough skin.Important: in this case, it is necessary to apply a nourishing cream to the nails and hands, since the iodine tincture is made on an alcohol basis. Types of drugs for the treatment of toenails: names, forms of release, advantages and disadvantages for a dermatologist, it is important to know whether this disease has taken place in the past, experience and duration of treatment. Complex therapy of thickened nails infected with a fungal disease requires regular foot hygiene to completely eliminate the cause of the disease during the procedures. The kapous cuticle softener has proven itself among professionals and ordinary girls.

90,000 What does a fungus look like on the feet: signs of the disease

How does the infection occur?

A sick person may be the source of a fungal infection. You can get infected with foot and nail fungus through shared shoes, clothes or household items – manicure accessories, washcloths, towels, bathroom rugs ⁴ . The highest probability of infection is in baths, saunas, swimming pools, shower gyms ⁴ .

What else contributes to the development of fungus on the feet?

• Abrasions and cracks in the interdigital zones;
• Flat feet;
• Sweating or, conversely, dry skin of the legs;
• Diabetes mellitus;
• Insufficient foot hygiene;
• Immune disorders;
• Disorders of blood circulation in the legs in case of vascular diseases;
• Taking certain medications (e.g. antibiotics) ⁴ .

The first symptoms of a fungal infection on the legs

Not everyone knows what a fungus on the legs looks like.At the onset of the disease, dry skin, mild itching of the skin of the soles or interdigital folds may be disturbing ⁴ . At the initial stage, a person may regard these symptoms as ordinary dry skin, peeling or diaper rash. As a result, some patients are unsuccessful in using moisturizers and emollients that do not treat signs of illness or provide relief ¹ . After all, it is possible to treat foot and nail fungus only with the help of special antifungal drugs ^2.4 .

The first symptoms of damage to the nail plate are also not always alarming. Sometimes, at the initial stage, the fungus manifests itself as a barely noticeable change in the color and structure of the nail plate ⁵ . Its thickness and shape do not change. Signs such as dull and brittle nails may appear ² .

How does the fungus on the feet manifest in the future

In the future, if the skin is affected, symptoms such as small superficial cracks in the interdigital folds or soles may appear ⁴ .The most commonly affected spaces are between the third and fourth, as well as between the fourth and fifth toes ⁴ .

Symptoms such as swelling and redness of the interdigital spaces or arch of the foot with further weeping, blistering, erosion, diaper rash, deep and painful fissures may occur ⁴ .

In hypertrophic mycosis, the nail plate is deformed, thickened, the nail crumbles, its edges become uneven.A heavily thickened nail can bend into a beak ² . A symptom such as a discoloration of the nail plate is characteristic. It can turn yellowish or brownish, less often black, greenish-yellow or gray ^2.4 .

In the atrophic form of mycosis, the nail may be thinned, detachment from the nail bed with the formation of voids or even its destruction is possible ^{2. 4} , nail growth may be impaired ^2.5 . Sometimes the nail has a concave shape, resembling a spoon ² .The nails of the first and fifth toes are most commonly affected ⁴ .

The earlier the treatment of a fungal infection is started, the more affordable it is ⁶ .

With advanced forms, a combination treatment may be required using not only local, but also systemic tableted antifungal agents. When contacting a specialist at the stage of the first symptoms, local treatment is usually sufficient ⁴ .

Exoderil ^® (Naftifin) is a modern antifungal agent active against dermatophytes, molds, yeasts and other fungi ⁹ .Naftifine (Exoderil ^® ) is included in the Federal Clinical Guidelines for the Treatment of Fungal Infections of the Skin and Nails ⁴ .

More about Exoderil ^® solution

More about Exoderil ^® cream

The possibility of choosing the dosage form of the drug makes the treatment more convenient. Depending on what the fungus looks like on your feet, a specialist may recommend a solution or cream. Exoderil ^® solution can be used to treat nail fungus due to its deep penetration into the nail plate.And Exoderil ^® cream is more suitable for the treatment of skin fungus, since it does not contain ethyl alcohol, which means it does not irritate the skin ⁸ .

With a responsible approach to treatment and careful adherence to the recommendations of a specialist, the likelihood of successfully getting rid of the fungus on the feet increases.

90,000 photos, causes and remedies.

All of you, for certain, have heard about such skin disease as psoriasis . Let me remind you that this is such a chronic dermatous non-infectious disease, which manifests itself in the form of very dry redness on the skin, raised above its surface.Such patches are called psoriatic plaques. It all looks very ugly and not very aesthetically pleasing. Most often, in patients, such lesions occur on the scalp and trunk. However, in 10 – 50% of cases, psoriasis appears and on nails . And if the head can be hidden with hair, and the body with clothes, then there is no salvation. Let’s learn a little more about psoriasis nail damage.

Nail psoriasis (it is also called psoriatic onychodystrophy ) develops along with other manifestations of this disease.However, it may also be the only visible sign. In this case, psoriasis can be easily confused with a fungal nail disease (they can only be distinguished using a special fungus test). In this case, both the nails of the hands and feet are affected. The disease manifests itself in the form of the appearance of various points, spots, lines on the nail plate, a change in its color, thickening of the nail and its stratification. The nail may even separate from the nail bed.

Pictures of hand nail psoriasis:

Symptoms of or clinical manifestations of nail psoriasis can be expressed in different ways. Let’s consider each of them.

The first signs of the disease cause clouding of the nail plate and the appearance of transverse and longitudinal stripes on it. In addition to this, shallow depressions on the nail (also called “thimble syndrome”) with a depth of 0.5-2 mm of various shapes, sizes, depths and numbers may appear. The same dimples are also signs of eczema, lichen planus, Deverji disease, but psoriasis is distinguished by a special ordering of the depressions and more pronounced soreness.

At the next stage of psoriasis, thickening of the nail plate and gradual detachment of the nail itself are noticeable. Its color also changes from pink to a more matte or grayish white. In this case, infection and bacteria can get under the nail plate, dust can accumulate. Also, the free edge of the nail can curl upward, forming a spoon-shaped nail. This is very similar to a nail disease such as onycholysis, which is why this stage is often referred to as the onycholysis phase. The difference between psoriasis is that the separation of the nail plate is completely painless and without any inflammation.In this case, the detached border has a yellow, sometimes brown color.

Then comes late stage , which is called diffuse pathology of the nail plate. It comes in two different forms. The first is atrophic onychodystrophy or onychomadesis. This is a fairly rare course of psoriasis and occurs only in very advanced cases. In this case, the nail plate becomes thinner and completely separates from the nail bed. All this happens painlessly, but very quickly.The second form of diffuse pathology is a change in the color and consistency of the nail plate. The so-called “oil spots” appear, which have a yellowish-brown hue, different in shape and size, are visible through the surface of the nail and are somewhat reminiscent of an oil stain.

Perhaps there are enough symptoms, let’s talk about treatment of nail psoriasis . It is always aimed at eliminating the skin manifestations of the disease, but there is still no effective remedy in the fight against psoriasis.First of all, special nail hygiene should be observed:

• they must be cropped short and clean
• In no case should you do manicure and pedicure
• it is recommended to apply a protective coating in the form of transparent varnish

to the nails

• Wear gloves when in contact with cleaning or detergent chemicals
• try to injure your nails as little as possible
• use moisturizers more often

From medicines I recommend rubbing a solution of retinol (vitamin A) around the nail , and calcipotriol into the nail plate itself.At the same time, caricosteroids are taken, which quickly relieve the external manifestations of the disease (however, they cannot be taken for a long time, since the drugs are addictive). Drink well a complex of bioactive additives (among them, Megaderm gives good results). In general, the treatment of this disease is quite long and requires constant monitoring by doctors. So at the first sign, it is better to consult a specialist for advice and prescribe a suitable treatment.

I, in turn, wish you not to get sick and never know about nail diseases in practice.May they always be beautiful with you and give only cause for pride. See you later!

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