Thick toenails develop naturally when a person ages. Old people have thick and hard nails. However, thickening of nails can happen at any age. In young age, nails become thick and hard due to infection or injury. Toenail fungus is the most common cause of thickening of the nails. It turns the nail into yellow or brown color with or without bad odor. Major injury to nails may also cause thickening of the nails. The characteristic features of thick toenails are pain and hardness which is difficult to cut. It also increases one’s risk of catching the infection.
How Do You Fix Thick Toenails?
Thick toenails happen to be an awkward feeling. The thickening of the toenails is induced due to old age, injury or trauma to the nails, infection, and underlying diseases like diabetes, psoriasis. It is common happening in old people. But thickened nails occur in young children and adults. It develops in adults due to infection in the nails. Toenail fungus infection is a common infection in the nails.(1)
Thick toenails should be taken care of. There are many ways to fix thick toenails-
Safe Trimming Of Thick Toenails – thick toenails is hard to trim. To make them soft, it is necessary to soak them in warm water. Then, the nails are dried. Soaking in warm water softens the nails, thus becomes easier to trim or cut. It should be soaked at least for 10 minutes. After soaking, toes and nails should be dried thoroughly.(1)
Cutting Of Nails- nails should be cut with nail nippers as they are designed to cut nails straight across. Small cuts should be made on the nails to avoid splinters. Special care should be taken if you have diabetes; as poor circulation in toenails due to diabetes may result in reduced sensation in the feet. If cuts are made in the nails, then there is a risk of getting a serious illness. The edges of thick toenails should be filed smoothly with an emery board or nail file to avoid them to be caught in socks.(1)
Evaluate The Causes Of Thick Toenails- your doctor can determine the exact cause of thick nails. He will send the sample of nails to the lab to find out the cause of the thick toenails. He will find out whether thick toenails are caused by diabetes, old age, infection, injury or psoriasis. He will ask you the history of your medical illness.(1)
Antifungal Medication If The Fungal Infection Has Thickened The Nails- if fungal infection is the cause of thick toenails, then it is controlled by antifungal cream, ointment or oral medication. Some cases may require laser treatment to get rid of the fungus. Vinegar or other home treatments can be used to kill nail fungus.(1)
Steroidal Treatment- psoriasis is the cause of thick toenails, then steroids are prescribed to end the flare-ups of the disease. Steroids may reduce the inflammation caused by psoriasis. It can be given in the form of creams or medicines.(1)
Treatment If Thickening Happens Due To Old Age- in old age, thickening can be reduced by rubbing with an emery board. Buffing can decrease the toenails in a nail salon.
Selection Of Right Footwear- thick toenails should be cut short and properly fitted shoes should be selected. Too tight shoes may cause more damage to the nails, especially during strenuous exercises. For this reason, it is advised that the footwear should be properly fit so that there should be sufficient air in the shoes to breath. Flip flops should be used in damp moist areas to prevent exposure to the fungus.
Conclusion
Thick toenails can be fixed with trimming, cutting with nail nippers, and home remedies according to the causes. Your physician may evaluate the causes and prescribe medicines according to the causes.
Also Read:
- Why do Toenails Smell So Bad & How to Get Rid of Smelly Toenails?
- What Causes Dark Spots on Toenails and How to Get Rid of it?
- What Causes Yellow Toenails & Home Remedies to Get Rid of it?
- What To Do When Your Toenails Fall Off?
- Causes of Toenails to Fall Off & Its Treatment, Management
- 10 Causes of Thick Toenails & 11 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of it
- Why Are My Toenails and Fingernails So Brittle?
