Before you trim your toenails, soften them by soaking your feet in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes. Then dry your feet and toenails with a towel. Nail nippers, shown below, work best for trimming thickened toenails.
Although age is the main cause of thickening toenails, there are other reasons why it occurs: Experiencing trauma to the nail bed over time (such as surgery, stubbing your toe, general wear and tear ) Diabetes – poor blood circulation or peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral heart disease, high blood pressure.
Sometimes, however, they become abnormally thick and can be a cosmetic issue for some people, especially if they become discolored. The change in thickness is permanent, but there are still ways you can take care of your nails and prevent other nails from getting too thick.
Once your toenail grows thick, it will always be thick, this is a permanent change.
“Applying Vicks VapoRub to fungus-infected toenails can clear up the notoriously hard-to-treat condition. Michigan State University clinicians found that applying the product daily to the infected nail cleared the condition in 32 of 85 patients, though it took anywhere from 5 to 16 months…”
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.
Revolutionary nail fungus laser therapy has an 80% success rate. Instead of medications or debridement, Dr. Frankel offers a laser therapy treatment with an 80% success rate at permanently treating nail fungus. It's painless and performed in-office with three 10-minute procedures every four weeks.
Nail psoriasis sometimes causes too much keratin to grow under the nail. This overgrowth is called subungual hyperkeratosis. People with hyperkeratosis may notice a white, chalky substance under the nail. When this occurs in the toenails, the pressure of shoes pushing down on the nails might cause pain.
"It helps your cuticles, keeps your hands and nails hydrated, and works better than callus removal if you put it on your feet and wear socks overnight," says Nguyen. "The best part is that it's affordable and probably already in your medicine cabinet!" she adds.
“Nail keratin debris results from a fungal infection of the nail. In medical terms this is called onychomycosis or tinea unguium,” says Batra. The fungal infection breaks down the keratin in the nail to form a white or yellow chalky substance under the nail plate.
Apple Cider Vinegar Soak:
Mix a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar to a small container of warm water. Soak your feet in the solution for about 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soften the ingrown toenail and prevent infection.
Barielle Toenail Softening Cream 1.18 oz. – Barielle - America's Original Nail Treatment Brand.
Olive oil applied daily can have the same results as several over-the-counter therapies to strengthen and moisturize nails. Olive oil helps repair damage, softening the nails and cuticles, which contributes to nail strength.
If your toenails are white, you should be tested for anemia. If there are white stripes or bands going across the nail, you may be lacking enough protein in your diet. Toenails that turn gray may be a symptom of malnutrition, lung disease, or even arthritis.
Fungal infection
One of the most common causes of yellow toenails is a fungal infection of the nails. They are more common in men. You can get these infections from contact with fungi in the environment, often from public spaces where people go barefoot, like gym locker rooms and pools.
Vicks does have a menthol agent in it that will help soften toenails. Vicks can be purchased at any general store. Or if you are looking for other possible treatment options Contact Us to set up an appointment with Dr. Brian Gale, DPM, FACFAS and he can discuss other options with you.
Place a THIN coat of Vicks on top of the nails. Make sure only the nails are covered with the Vicks. Try to avoid getting the Vicks on the skin or in between the toes as it might irritate the skin. Apply the Vicks once a day either in the morning or the evening.
Are thick toenails always fungus? No, thick toenails are usually not fungus. The toenail root responds to pressure by growing a nail plate that is thicker and sometimes detached from the nail bed — a place where the fungus can hide and grow.
Ram's Horn
Onychogryphosis usually need to be treated by a podiatrist as the nails become too thick to cut with conventional scissors or clippers.