Thick nails can result from fungal infections, injury, aging, or conditions like psoriasis; recognize signs, explore treatment options, and maintain good foot hygiene for healthy nails.
Okay, so thick nails, huh? Anybody else find themselves staring at their toes wondering what’s going on down there? ‘Cause, I know I have, um, especially after a particularly rough soccer game.
We’re gonna unpack the whole deal with thick nails and what you can do about them, stick around, it could be more useful than you think.
- What Thick Nails Look Like and Related Symptoms
- Causes of Thick Nails and Risk Factors
- Treating Thick Nails
- Key takeaways
- FAQ, Myth & Facts
Thick nails can affect both fingernails and toenails. And let me tell you, if you don’t tackle it, it can become a real pain! It can lead to a bunch of health issues that nobody wants. So, we’re gonna dive into how to deal with this and what causes it in the first place.
What Thick Nails Look Like and Related Symptoms
Sometimes you might notice nail thickening early on, and it’s subtle at first. But, thing is, it gets worse over time. So, early detection is key. Besides the obvious thickness, you might see other signs around the nail and surrounding skin, like:
- Having a hard time clipping or trimming your nails.
- A funky odor coming from the nail area.
- Pain, when pressure’s put on the nail.
- Nails splitting or crumbling.
- Buildup of debris under the nail.
- Pain around the nail.
As things progress, the nail not only gets thicker but can also change in appearance. It might become more curved than usual and kinda rough. You could see dents or ridges on the surface. The color can change too, turning yellowish, greenish, brownish or even whitish.
Causes of Thick Nails and Risk Factors
There are loads of reasons why your nails might be thickening. Often, it’s a mix of everyday habits or specific health conditions. Let’s run through some of the usual suspects:
1. Fungal Infections and Other Infections
Fungal stuff, especially, can mess with your nail health and appearance. The most common culprit? Onychomycosis. It’s the big boss when it comes to thick nails. You might think it’s just a cosmetic issue, but a fungal infection can lead to secondary bacterial infections and even cellulitis in severe cases if left untreated. Dealing with fungal infections can be tricky ’cause there are many types, like mold and yeast, that are pretty stubborn, so they linger.
Ways to Fight Fungal Infections and Prevent Thick Nails
Docs often suggest a bunch of steps to avoid getting these infections, like:
- Avoiding bare feet in public spaces (especially in humid places like pools and communal showers).
- Keeping your feet dry.
Risk Factors
Some people are just more likely to get fungal infections than others, especially if they’re dealing with other conditions, such as:
- Athletes foot.
- Sweating a lot.
- Wearing tight shoes.
- Smoking.
- Weak immune system.
- Health problems like psoriasis, circulation issues, or diabetes (especially type 1 or type 2).
2. Injury or Trauma
Thick nails can show up if you’ve injured or traumatized the nail area. This is pretty common if you’re into sports or just tend to stub your toes a lot. This often happens with:
- Athletes (like soccer players, I’m looking at myself!).
- People who wear shoes that are too small.
3. Yellow Nail Syndrome
It’s kinda rare, but this syndrome is another reason why nails get thick. It hits both fingernails and toenails, making the nails look ridged, kinda curved, yellow. People with this syndrome often have:
- Lung problems.
- Swelling in their limbs.
Though this is not always directly related to the syndrome it can affect the overall appearance of the nails, though, it is worth keeping in mind.
4. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune thing that can cause red, flaky skin. It can also affect the nails, leading to pits and texture changes on the nail surface. Those who suffer from Psoriasis on their skin may experience psoriasis on their nails, this often leads to:
- Dents on the nail surface.
- New skin forming.
5. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
PAD messes with blood flow to your limbs, causing swelling around the nail area. In turn, that messes with nail thickness. You might notice your toenails are getting thicker. If you’ve got PAD, you might see:
- Cracks in the nails.
- Too much cleaning of the toenails.
- Certain jobs or hobbies (like cleaning, working with chemicals, swimming, or handling silk).
6. Thick Nails and Aging
It’s pretty common for nails to thicken as we get older. And it tends to hit toenails more. Docs think this is because our bodies just aren’t as good at repairing themselves with age.
The thing is, thick nails that come with age, aren’t necessarily a cause for alarm unless they’re causing pain. In that case, avoid picking at them to keep the surface smooth.
Now, while we’re on the topic of aging, it’s also worth noting that our diet plays a crucial role in nail health, especially as we get older. A deficiency in certain vitamins and minerals like biotin, zinc, and iron can contribute to brittle and thick nails. Including nutrient-rich foods or supplements can aid in maintaining strong, healthy nails as we age.
Treating Thick Nails
How you treat thick nails really depends on what’s causing them. Thing is, your doctor’s advice is golden. But, even if you’re dealing with age-related thickening, you might still wanna do something about it. So here are some common ways to tackle this:
- Your doc might prescribe meds or creams to clear up the underlying cause of thick nails ’cause that happens a lot with psoriasis.
- Removing the nail, completely to treat any fungus.
- Laser therapy.
Key takeaways
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Can I treat thick nails at home?
Sometimes, yes! If the thickening isn’t too severe and isn’t caused by a serious infection, you can try filing the nails down or using over-the-counter antifungal treatments. However, always see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Are thick nails always a sign of a fungal infection?
Nope! As we’ve discussed, thick nails can be caused by injuries, psoriasis, poor circulation, or simply aging.
Is it safe to cut thick nails myself?
It can be tricky, especially if the nails are very hard or misshapen. It’s best to soak the nails in warm water first to soften them, and use nail clippers designed for thick nails. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, see a podiatrist. Podiatrists, who specialize in foot care, can trim your nails safely and assess any underlying issues.
One time, my grandmother’s toenails became so thick that she couldn’t wear her shoes comfortably. She tried all sorts of home remedies, but nothing seemed to work. Finally, she went to a podiatrist who diagnosed her with a fungal infection and prescribed a topical medication. Within a few months, her nails were back to normal, and she was able to enjoy her daily walks again.
I’m a runner, and I’ve had my share of foot problems. Last year, I noticed one of my toenails was getting thicker and changing color. I ignored it for a while, thinking it would go away on its own. But it got worse, and eventually, it started to hurt. Turns out, it was a fungal infection. The doc gave me some medicine, and it cleared up, but it took forever! Now, I’m super careful about foot hygiene, especially at the gym.
An elderly person told me once that their nails had thickened over the years, which made walking really uncomfortable. Trimming them was a challenge, and they often worried about injuring themselves. After consulting with a healthcare provider, they learned that it was a common age-related issue and found relief through regular visits to a podiatrist for professional nail care.
So, thick nails might seem like a small thing, but as we’ve seen, there’s a lot going on underneath the surface, as they say. Whether it’s a pesky infection, an injury, or just part of getting older, knowing what’s up can help you keep your feet, and hands happy. For me? I’m still keeping a close eye on my soccer toes, but now I know way more about what to look for and when to ask for help!
