What do thick nails indicate?
Toenails that have grown thicker over time likely indicate a fungal infection, also known as onychomycosis. Left untreated, thick toenails can become painful. Prompt treatment is key to curing the nail fungus. Fungal infections can be difficult to cure and may require months of treatment.
Can thick toenails be fixed?
When thick toenails are not caused by an infection or existing condition, buffing the surface of the nail will be enough to treat it. Otherwise, treatment will be based on targeting the cause. The cause of thick nails will be the determining factor in what treatment is used.
What is the medical term for thick toenails?
Onychauxis is the medical term for an overgrowth or thickening of the nail which can become discoloured turning white, yellow, red or black.
Why are my fingernails getting thick and brittle?
Dry and brittle nails are the result of too little moisture. They’re most commonly caused by the repeated washing and drying of fingernails. On the other hand, soft and brittle nails are caused by too much moisture, often a result of overexposure to detergents, household cleaners, and nail polish remover.
Can nails determine health?
Did you know your nails can reveal clues to your overall health? A touch of white here, a rosy tinge there, or some rippling or bumps may be a sign of disease in the body. Problems in the liver, lungs, and heart can show up in your nails.
What causes thick toenails in the elderly?
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.
What are the signs and symptoms of thickening of toenails?
Other signs and symptoms that may appear may differ depending on the causality of the thickening. Nails that are thickened due to aging shall have signs that is indicative of poor health of the toenails. These signs may include slow growth and dryness of the nail.
How do you cut thick toenails without damaging them?
Thickened nails are brittle and prone to splitting especially if pressure is applied. Soaking the toenails in warm water for about 10 minutes prior to trimming will be helpful to avoid the splitting. Nail nippers instead of nail clippers should be used because they are able to cut through nails without putting too much pressure.
Can thick Toenails from fungal infections be treated?
Some cases of thick toenails from fungal infections can be left to heal naturally without any treatment, simply by following good foot hygiene methods. Your doctor may take a swab from under your nail or a toenail clipping and send it off for analysis to confirm the type of fungal infection before starting you on medication.
What happens when toenail fungus gets worse?
As the toenail fungus infection gets worse, pain and swelling may develop in the skin underneath and around the nail. The nail may lift up from the nail bed and there may be an unpleasant odor due to the infection. What Causes Toenail Fungus?