Blood circulation is when the small blood vessels in our feet begin to narrow and become thicker, making it harder for the blood to flow. This then causes the nail cells to build up causing the nail to thicken from the nail root. This process is called onychoctes.
Once your toenail grows thick, it will always be thick, this is a permanent change. There are only two main options when we have a thickened toenail: Conservative treatment where the foot specialist will debride (file) your toenails to their normal flat level.
With age, there is a rapid decrease in the growth rate for both toenails and fingernails, said Dr. Richard K. Scher, head of the nail section at Weill Cornell Medical College. As a result, both kinds of nail thicken, because of the piling up of nail cells, called onychocytes.
Interestingly, with advancing age (starting from ~25yo) this growth rate tends to gradually decrease by about 0.5% per year. So, by the time we reach 85yo our toenails are growing at about half the rate they were when we were 25yo! Over time, slow nail growth results in unsightly, thickened toenails.
Healthy nails are an indicator of good health. As the name suggests, thick toenails are abnormal changes in toenails due to an underlying cause or infections. Thick nails are unappealing and can affect both fingernails and toenails. If left untreated the condition can worsen and even become infected and painful.
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.
Keratin is a protein that promotes the development of the skin and nails. 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.
“Friction and fungus thicken toenails. Toenails take a beating from socks, shoes, and generally being at the foot end of the human body where the weight bearing goes on. They're made from the same dead skin tissue as fingernails but are two to three times thicker.
I would always advise to file a thickened nail rather than cut it, this way you can do little harm to the nail and surrounding skin. A 'Diamond deb' nail file usually works best, filing the nail 2-3 times a week will usually keep the thickness reduced.
Diabetics often have reduced blood flow to their feet, which may cause thicker toenails or numbness.
Vaseline petroleum jelly is ideal for keeping your heels and toes soft. For added protection, you can even grease your soles with salve before putting your socks on. The results will be amazing, you will have softer feet and cuticles and fewer calluses.
Bacterial infections usually leak pus and, sometimes, blood. Fungal infections produce discolored toenails that are thick, brittle, and smell bad.
She may recommend an oral antifungal, such as terbinafine or itraconazole, too. If your nails are crusted with keratin debris, she scrapes it away with specialized tools. If your infection is severe, she may recommend toenail surgery to temporarily remove the infected nail and treat the nail bed topically.
How Can You Tell If Your Toenail Is Dead? Some indications that your toenail is dead can include: changes in nail color from pink to black. The affected nail may at first appear to look reddish, purple or brown before it finally turns black.
Fungal nail infections, also known as “onychomycosis,” are very common. They may affect up to 14% of the general population.
Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, forms when fungal infections occur underneath the surface of the nail, causing color change, pain, and even unpleasant odor. Dermatophytes, the fungi that also causes athlete's foot, cause the majority of fungal toenail infections.
Sometimes it's possible to treat your toenail fungus at home. You can try: Over the counter antifungal creams or ointments. File or cut off any white markings on your nails.
And if you ask us, TikTok is on to something with this trend, especially as we enter the hotter and drier months. Similar to its sister slugging trends, nail slugging involves applying a thick emollient directly onto your cuticles, then gently massaging it in.
Thick nails should be sanded to avoid ulcerations due to shoe pressure, and can be sanded as thin as you desire. While the skin under the nail may be initially more sensitive under sanding, there is no harm in exposing it completely if necessary.
Zinc is an essential nutrient that can contribute to the health of a person's hair, skin, and nails. Zinc deficiency, which may be due to a lack of zinc in the diet or an underlying medical condition, can cause nail dystrophy.
Diabetes are more prone to infection, and fungi and bacteria can transfer from clipping or foot care tools to any open wounds.
Tingling, burning, or pain in your feet. Loss of sense of touch or ability to feel heat or cold very well. A change in the shape of your feet over time. Loss of hair on your toes, feet, and lower legs.