Not all thick toenails are fungal. There is a misperception that thick toenails are always onychomycosis. Onychomycosis is a common toenail infection caused by dermatophytes, non-dermatophytes and mold that can worsen and become painful if left untreated.
What causes thick toenails besides fungus?
Although there are many potential causes of thick nails, in the toenails a fungal infection is the most common cause. Other diseases, such as psoriasis or diabetes, may also cause thick nails to develop. The exact cause of thick nails will help decide the treatment a person has to correct the condition.
What can a podiatrist do for thick toenails?
As the toenail thickens it can put pressure on the ends of the toes and can cause pain. The nails can be cut by a podiatrist and thinned down with an electric burr to reduce any discomfort. This will need to be done repetitively as the nail will continue to grow back thicker.
What else looks like toenail fungus?
Conditions That May Look Like Toenail Fungus Several health conditions can affect the appearance of your toenails and may be mistaken for toenail fungus. Psoriasis Psoriasis can cause red, scaly patches on the skin. More than half of people with skin psoriasis also have it on their nails.
What kind of doctor do you see for thick toenails?
When to See Your Doctor Anytime you think you have a fungal nail infection, or any nail problem, and treating it at home doesn’t help, see your doctor or podiatrist (foot doctor).
Why do toenails thicken as you get older?
Unfortunately, thickening toenails are a by-product of aging, in most cases. As we age, our toenails – and fingernails – slow their growth rate, and the nails thicken because the nail cells, called onychocytes, sort of pile up.
Can you have thick toenails without fungus?
Not all thick toenails are fungal. There is a misperception that thick toenails are always onychomycosis. Onychomycosis is a common toenail infection caused by dermatophytes, non-dermatophytes and mold that can worsen and become painful if left untreated.
What is the medical term for thick toenails?
Thick Toenails (Onychomycosis)
Can you file down a thick toenail?
For nails that are still intact, it’s acceptable to gently file down the nail as long as you don’t file it too thin (this can increase the possibility of infection). … Use clippers to trim the nails, then file them gently, as thickened nails are susceptible to splintering.
How do you get rid of thick toenails?
– Clean the affected area with soap and water daily.
– Groom your nails regularly. …
– Apply an over-the-counter fungal treatment after you gently file your nails.
– Apply Vicks VapoRub on your toenail each day.
Can Vicks get rid of toenail fungus?
Vicks VapoRub Vicks VapoRub is a topical ointment. Although designed for cough suppression, its active ingredients (camphor and eucalyptus oil) may help treat toenail fungus. A 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a “positive clinical effect” in the treatment of toenail fungus.
How does a podiatrist treat thick toenails?
As the toenail thickens it can put pressure on the ends of the toes and can cause pain. The nails can be cut by a podiatrist and thinned down with an electric burr to reduce any discomfort. This will need to be done repetitively as the nail will continue to grow back thicker.
What causes toenails to thicken?
Toenails can thicken as a result of sudden or repeated trauma or injury. Mostly, this happens to people involved in sport or exercise, such as soccer players, runners, and dancers, but also to people with ill-fitting shoes. Often, thick nails due to injury are mistaken for fungal infections.
Do all old people have thick toenails?
Often, as a person ages, the nails on their toes start to thicken. Though the condition is most common on the toenails, it is possible for the fingernails to thicken also. It is thought that the nails thicken as people get older because the body is not as able to renew itself as it was at a younger age.
Will Vicks cure toenail fungus permanently?
Not exactly. There isn’t enough of a scientific literature directly applied to the use of Vicks VapoRub and thymol to make a definitive conclusion as to whether it will help your toenail fungus. It’s likely that your podiatrist won’t advise you to use it for this purpose.
Why do old people’s toenails get so thick?
Unfortunately, thickening toenails are a by-product of aging, in most cases. As we age, our toenails – and fingernails – slow their growth rate, and the nails thicken because the nail cells, called onychocytes, sort of pile up.
Should I see a podiatrist or dermatologist for toenail fungus?
If your fungus doesn’t clear up at home, you should check in with a dermatologist (a skin, hair, and nail specialist) or podiatrist (a foot doctor.) They may gently scrape under your nail to get rid of some of the fungus or send it to the lab for diagnosis. They can also prescribe stronger medicines.
What is the most effective treatment for toenail fungus?
Oral antifungal drugs. These drugs are often the first choice because they clear the infection more quickly than do topical drugs. Options include terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox). These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part.
What causes thickening toenails?
Toenails can thicken as a result of sudden or repeated trauma or injury. Mostly, this happens to people involved in sport or exercise, such as soccer players, runners, and dancers, but also to people with ill-fitting shoes. Often, thick nails due to injury are mistaken for fungal infections.
Why do toenails harden as you age?
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.
What happens to your toenails as you get older?
As we age, our toenails – and fingernails – slow their growth rate, and the nails thicken because the nail cells, called onychocytes, sort of pile up. Fingernails appear to thicken less, probably because we tend to them more often with filing and buffing, which thins them.