Thick toenails can be unsightly and even painful. This condition can be caused by many things, but it’s most often caused by a fungal infection, also known as onychomycosis. Fungal infections are very common, with millions of people dealing with them at any given time.
If you’re dealing with thickened toenails, you’re probably wondering what caused the problem and what you can do to fix it. This article provides a comprehensive overview of toenail thickening treatment, including causes, symptoms, treatment options, and prevention strategies.
What causes toenails to thicken?
Toenails can thicken for a variety of reasons, including:
Fungal infections (onychomycosis)
Fungal infections are a leading cause of discolored, brittle, thickened toenails. Toenails are more likely to become infected than fingernails because they spend so much time in a warm, moist environment inside your socks and shoes.
Dermatophytes, yeasts, fungi, and molds thrive in those conditions, so it’s not difficult for them to take hold.
These risk factors, including diabetes, can make you more likely to get a fungal infection:
- Athlete’s foot
- Diabetes
- Circulatory issues
- Weak immune system
- Smoking
- Frequent exposure to wet conditions
Non-fungal causes
Sometimes, toenails thicken for other reasons.
For example, injuries to the nail can cause it to thicken. Repetitive trauma from wearing shoes that don’t fit well or from activities like running and dancing can damage the nail bed.
Other conditions that can lead to thick nails include:
- Yellow nail syndrome
- Psoriasis
- Paronychia
- Aging
Yellow nail syndrome, for example, is a rare condition that causes nails to thicken and turn yellow. Psoriasis, a skin condition, can also affect the nails, causing them to thicken and become pitted. Paronychia, a skin infection around the nail, can also cause thickening.
Symptoms of Thickened Toenails
If you have a thickened toenail, you’ll probably notice a few key things. First, your nail might be brittle. It could be discolored, often yellowing, and it might even start to lift away from the nail bed. Trimming your toenails will become a real chore because they’ll be tough and difficult to cut, and you might even consider using an electric toenail grinder for thick nails. You might also see splitting or debris accumulating under the nail.
Besides these visual cues, pain is another common symptom. That thickened nail can press against your toe or the surrounding skin, causing discomfort, especially when you’re walking or wearing shoes.
Treatment options for toenail fungus
If you’re looking for a toenail thickening treatment, you’re probably dealing with toenail fungus. Here are some of the options available.
Home remedies
If your case is mild, you may want to try some home remedies.
Some people soak their feet in a solution of one part vinegar and three parts water. Others apply tea tree oil, olive leaf extract, or coconut oil to the affected nail.
Keep in mind that these remedies may not be as effective as medical treatments, but they may give you some relief.
Over-the-counter (OTC) products
You can also buy antifungal creams, gels, and lacquers without a prescription, but before you do, you might want to learn more about options like EmoniNail™. But OTC products may not be strong enough to penetrate the nail because it’s so thick. Some people do see improvements after using OTC products for a few months.
Prescription treatments
If OTC products don’t work, your doctor may prescribe something stronger.
Topical prescription treatments
These medications, such as amorolfine, efinaconazole, tavaborole, and ciclopirox, are applied directly to the nail and the skin around it. Prescription topical products have clinical cure rates in the 35 to 60 percent range.
Oral prescription treatments
These antifungal medications, such as fluconazole, griseofulvin, itraconazole, and terbinafine, are taken by mouth and work throughout your system to kill the fungus. Oral medications often have higher cure rates, around 80 percent, but they also have a greater risk of side effects.
Laser therapy
In laser therapy, a concentrated beam of light targets the fungus, aiming to kill it without harming the surrounding tissue. Laser therapy can be expensive, and you may need multiple sessions. Clinical cure rates for laser therapy vary, but they typically fall in the 60 to 75 percent range.
Prevention strategies for thickened toenails
It’s definitely easier to prevent thickened toenails than it is to treat them. So, it’s important to implement some strategies into your daily life. Here are some tips:
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
- Wear breathable shoes and socks (especially socks that wick away moisture).
- Don’t walk barefoot in public places like gyms and locker rooms.
- Use antifungal powders or sprays to keep your shoes clean.
- When you trim your toenails, cut them straight across. Don’t cut your cuticles, either.
- Avoid sharing nail clippers or files with others.
It’s also important to wear the right shoes. Ill-fitting shoes can cause trauma to your toenails, so make sure yours fit well. You should also wear protective shoes if you’re going to be in a wet environment or an area where your feet could be injured.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While home remedies and over-the-counter treatments can sometimes help with thickened toenails, you should definitely see a doctor if your symptoms are severe or persistent. It’s time to consult a professional if:
- Home treatments aren’t working.
- You see signs of an infection, like pain, redness, or pus.
It’s especially important to seek medical attention if you have underlying health issues like diabetes or a weakened immune system, as these conditions can complicate toenail problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Vicks VapoRub to cure toenail fungus?
While some people find Vicks VapoRub helpful for managing toenail fungus symptoms, it’s not a proven cure. Results vary, and it can take several months of consistent application to see any noticeable improvement, if any. It’s best to consult with a doctor for effective treatment options.
How do you get rid of thickened toenails?
Getting rid of thickened toenails depends on the cause. Fungal infections often require prescription antifungal medications (oral or topical). Other causes, like trauma, might resolve on their own over time, or require professional trimming and care. See a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
How to cut thickened toenails?
Cutting thickened toenails can be tricky. Soaking your feet in warm water beforehand can soften the nail. Use sturdy nail clippers and make small cuts, rather than trying to cut across the entire nail at once. If you’re struggling, a podiatrist can safely trim them for you.
What does Vicks VapoRub do for thick toenails?
Some people believe Vicks VapoRub’s ingredients, like camphor and eucalyptus oil, have antifungal properties that may help manage the symptoms of toenail fungus, potentially softening the nail and reducing discomfort. However, scientific evidence supporting this is limited.
What do podiatrist do with thick toenails?
Podiatrists can diagnose the cause of thickened toenails and provide various treatments. These include prescribing antifungal medications, debriding (trimming) the nail, recommending orthotics to reduce pressure, or, in severe cases, surgically removing the nail.
Putting It All Together
Thickened toenails can result from many causes, but the most common cause is a fungal infection. Treatment options range from things you can do at home to prescription medications and even laser therapy. Preventing fungal infections from recurring is key to keeping your toes healthy.
If you’re concerned about your toenails, you should seek medical advice from a podiatrist or other health professional who can diagnose the underlying cause of your thickened nails and recommend the right treatment for you.