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What Causes Thick Toenails And How To Prevent Them
Thick toenails may be a common, mostly harmless condition, but that doesn’t make them pleasant to live with. They’re unsightly at best, outright uncomfortable at worst.
Understanding what causes thick toenails is an essential first step towards both preventing and treating thick toenails. Below, we’ll run through some of the most common and least common causes of thick toenails, as well as outline some handy tips for reducing risk and keeping your toenails in healthy condition.
Most Common Causes For Thick Toenails
Fungal Infection
The most common cause of thick toenails is fungal infection, which affects around 10% of people. There are numerous ways to contract a fungal infection in the toenails, including sharing nail clippers with other people or walking barefoot, especially in damp environments. You’re more likely to acquire a fungal infection if you wear tight shoes, have a weakened immune system, or regularly spend time at gyms and swimming pools.
Nail Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a condition known for causing inflamed and irritated patches of skin, but it can also spread to the nails. Psoriasis causes nails to become thick and weak, and may eventually fall off. Unlike fungal infections, which can only be managed, there are a number of effective treatments for psoriasis.
Injuries
Thick nails can develop as a result of a foot injury, either an acute (sudden) injury or repeated damage. They’re common among athletes, especially runners and soccer players. Some people are unaware that they have a toenail injury, but lines on nails can be a clue that damage has occurred and growth has been interrupted.
Aging
It’s common that a person’s toenails begin to thicken as they age. While there’s no treatment for age-related toenail thickening, practicing good toenail hygiene can minimize discomfort
Least Common Causes For Thick Toenails
The causes of thick toenails outlined above account for the vast majority of thick toenail cases. Fungal infections alone account for around 50% – 60% of thick toenails. It’s not always possible to identify the cause of a thick toenail just by looking at it. If you have thick toenails, then we’d recommend making an appointment with your podiatrist.
Some less common causes of thick toenails include:
Yellow Nail Syndrome
Yellow nail syndrome is a rare condition that mostly affects people over the age of fifty. It produces swelling, respiratory symptoms, and changes to the nail, including thickening and discoloration (yellow/green). There’s a lot that’s unknown about yellow nail syndrome, in part because there’s only been around one hundred confirmed cases.
Pityriasis rubra pilaris
Pityriasis rubra pilaris is a group of skin disorders that produces discolored, scaly patches of skin across the body. PRP can affect the nails, causing them to become thickened and discolored. Splinter haemorrhage is also common among patients who present with PRP.
How to Prevent Thick Toenails
The best way to prevent thick toenails is to take action as early as possible. Even in cases where no cure exists, managing the nail early on can minimize the effects. Thick toenails tend to develop over a long time period, and being aware of the early signs of damaged toenails is essential for early intervention.
Some telltale signs of thick toenails include:
- Difficulty cutting nails with standard toe nail clippers.
- Debris under the nails.
- Unpleasant odor.
- Ridges in nails
- Discolored toenail
- Weak, easily damaged nails.
- Discomfort.
Speaking to a doctor or podiatrist can help identify the underlying cause and treatment solutions (if required). There are also home remedies that can make thick toenails more manageable. For instance, using an emery board to file the nail and using a nail anti-fungal stick (if caused by a fungal infection).
The best way to treat thick toenails is to prevent them in the first place. Some effective prevention strategies include:
Practice Good Foot Hygiene
Thick toenails are most commonly caused by fungal infections. You can reduce the risk of fungal infection by avoiding sharing nail clippers and drying your feet well. Moisturizing your feet can prevent skin cracks, making it more difficult for fungal infections to enter the body.
Keep Nails Trim
Keeping your toenails trim by regularly using toe nail clippers can be an effective way to prevent and manage thick toenails. Short nails can help to reduce fungal buildup and generally make it easier to clean and look after your toenails.
Visit Your Podiatrist
Addressing thick toenails early on is paramount for preventing worsening. It’s recommended that adults with no toenail problems have an annual checkup, while an appointment every 3 – 6 months is best for adults experiencing issues.
FAQs
Is a thick toenail always a fungus?
No, it could also be trauma, aging, or medical conditions like psoriasis.
Can I thin a thick toenail at home?
Yes, but always after softening with a soak. After soaking, you can file or trim carefully. For Severe cases, you may need podiatric care.
Why is only one toenail thick?
Likely due to trauma or localized fungal infection rather than systemic causes.
Do thick toenails ever for back to normal?
Yes, with treatment for the underlying cause and consistent care.
Sources:
Swissklip Team
Our blog is authored by the Swissklip founders alongside our trusted medical advisors. What began as a heartfelt solution for Opa’s thick toenails blossomed into a full line of premium self-care tools, all designed with quality and safety in mind. Working closely with podiatrists and dentists, we ensure every article carries medical-grade insights you can trust. Expect practical, expert-backed advice every time.
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