Hardened toenails can be treated with the help of a few different techniques. One of the most effective treatments is trimming away the excess or hard parts of the toenail with a pair of sharp clippers.
This enables fresh, healthy nails to grow in their place. After trimming, it is important to ensure proper nail care, such as smoothing out any remaining sharp edges of the nail with a file, making sure to keep the nails trimmed to the normal length, and avoiding artificial nail products such as nail polish.
Additionally, simple home remedies such as soaking the nails in warm water with a few drops of castor oil or tea tree oil can help soften the nails. As with any medical treatment, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before attempting any self-treatment of toenails.
With their help, a customized plan can be designed to treat the condition in an effective and safe way.
What causes extremely hard toenails?
One of the most common causes is a fungal infection, such as athlete’s foot. This is usually caused by an overgrowth of fungi around the toenails, resulting in them becoming thick, yellow, and hard. Other possible causes include trauma to the toenail, such as repeatedly stubbing it or dropping something heavy on it, which can cause the nail to harden in response.
Poor circulation can also lead to thickening of the nails, which can make them hard to the touch. Lastly, people prone to diabetes or psoriasis may also find their toenails growing harder than usual.
No matter the cause, it is important to see a doctor if you find your toenails growing very hard, as it may be an indication of a more serious underlying issue. The doctor may be able to use a special tool to file down the nails, or they can prescribe an antifungal medication to help treat the underlying cause.
What does it mean when your toenails are really hard?
When your toenails become unusually hard, it usually means that you’re suffering from a condition known as onychogryphosis, more commonly known as “ram’s horn nails. ” This condition causes the nails to become thickened, curved, and discolored; they may also become cracked and brittle.
This is typically a sign of a fungal infection, and it is often seen in older individuals due to age-related changes in the nails. Treatment includes antifungal medications, topical solutions, and laser treatments.
In severe cases, it may be necessary to surgically remove the affected nail.
Can thickened toenails be reversed?
Thickening of the toenails, known as “onychauxis,” is typically reversible, depending on its underlying cause. Causes of thickened toenails can range anywhere from a fungal infection like athlete’s foot to diabetes, thyroid disease, cosmetic damage, and psoriasis.
Additionally, trauma to the nail can lead to increased thickness. It is advised to consult a doctor if you suspect that your toenail thickness is due to something more than cosmetic concerns.
If a fungal infection is the culprit, there are a variety of over-the-counter treatments available to help reverse the thickening. A doctor can also provide a prescription-strength antifungal medication or perform in-office treatments such as laser therapy.
For other causes of onychauxis, treatment may include lifestyle changes like a balanced diet, stress management, and possibly medications. As the underlying cause is treated, the nail typically returns to a normal thickness.
If thickening persists, the doctor can provide further recommendations.
Why are my toenails hard and crusty?
It is normal for your toenails to become hard and crusty over time. This is largely due to the keratin in your toenails that makes them hard and thick. This layer of keratin helps protect your toenails from damage and injuries, making them tougher and harder as they age.
In some cases, the toenails may become thick and discolored due to fungal infections, medical conditions, and nutritional deficiencies. If you suspect your toenails have become hard and crusty due to an underlying medical condition or infection, it is best to seek medical advice from your doctor.
They will be able to accurately diagnose and treat the issue more effectively.
How does a podiatrist treat thick toenails?
A podiatrist typically treats thick toenails by removing a portion of the nail (or the entire nail) and then filing down the remaining nail to create a smoother and more even surface. In some cases, the podiatrist may use antifungal treatments to reduce fungal growth.
They may also trim away thickening parts of the nail and reduce or remove any hooks or twists in the toenail. In extreme cases, the toenail may need to be surgically removed. In most cases, the patient may receive instructions on proper nail care and instructions on how to apply topical antifungal medications to further prevent further problems.
Why do old people’s toenails get so thick?
The thickening of toenails in older people is usually called Onychogryposis, and it is caused by a combination of normal ageing factors and lifestyle. As we age, our toenails lose some of their flexibility and become more brittle.
This can contribute to the thickening of the nail due to nail layers building up on top of each other as the nail grows out. Furthermore, certain lifestyle habits such as wearing ill-fitting shoes or socks, having fungal infections, or constantly exposing the feet to moisture can also contribute to an increase in the thickness of an older person’s toenails.
Additionally, these thickened toenails can become more painful and difficult to trim which can add further to the discomfort and difficulty an elderly person can experience.
Should you file down thick toenails?
No, it’s not recommended to file down thick toenails as this can cause further damage. Thick toenails may be caused by fungal infections or a medical condition that affects the toenail. Filing down the toenail can cause infection and worsen the existing problem.
It is important to identify the underlying cause of the thick toenails before taking any action. If the condition is caused by a fungal infection, then filing the toenails down can spread the infection to other areas.
To avoid pain and further inflammation, it is better to consult a podiatrist or dermatologist to discuss the best treatment option. The specialist may recommend antifungal medication, debridement of the thickened nails, laser treatment or an option to remove the toenail surgically.
They will also review any potential underlying medical conditions that may be causing the thick toenails. Trying to file the toenails down yourself could lead to further damage and should be avoided.
What is the white hard stuff under my toenails?
The white hard stuff under your toenails is likely debris or keratin buildup, which is caused by certain health conditions or improper nail care. When toe nails don’t receive proper care, keratin can build up in the corners and cause discoloration.
This can also be a sign of a fungal infection, which is typically a yellowish discoloration with debris buildup. It can also be an indication of ingrown toenails, which are caused when pressure from footwear, improper nail trimming, or overly-active toes push the skin and nail together, trapping the nail and causing it to dig into the surrounding skin.
In some cases, it may also be a sign of psoriasis, which is a chronic skin disorder that produces thick skin growths. Ultimately, if you notice your toenails beginning to discolor and harden, it is best to get a professional opinion.
Seeing a doctor or podiatrist can help to determine the underlying cause and provide treatment options.
What does Vicks VapoRub do for toenails?
Vicks VapoRub can be a useful tool in combating the common issue of toenail fungus. The menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil in the VapoRub create an inhospitable environment for fungus and make it much more difficult for fungus to live or reproduce in the skin around the toenail.
Many people use VapoRub to help reduce the fungus in and around their toenails by massaging it into their toes on a nightly basis for several months. Additionally, Vicks is popular for its antifungal properties and can be applied directly to the area where you’re fighting the fungus to help reduce the risk of further growth.
Finally, it’s important to remember that you’ll need to treat the fungal infection for an extended period of time—typically 8 to 12 months—to ensure that the fungus is completely eliminated.
What vitamin deficiency causes thick toenails?
Vitamin deficiency causing thick toenails is a condition known as Onychauxis, which is typically caused by a deficiency in vitamin A, biotin, or other important B vitamins. Vitamin A deficiency is the most common cause of Onychauxis, as this nutrient is essential for healthy nail growth.
With insufficient levels of vitamin A in the body, the nail bed becomes weakened and the nail plate can become rough, thick, and brittle, leading to the growth of an enlarged toenail. People who lack adequate vitamin A in their diet and those with poor absorption of dietary vitamin A are especially prone to Onychauxis.
Deficiencies in biotin, or vitamin B7, and other B vitamins such as B2 and B3 have also been associated with thick toenails and Onychauxis. People with poor B vitamin intake, such as those on a vegan diet, are also at risk of developing thick toenails.
Other known causes of thick toenails include fungal infections, certain medications, and certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis. To prevent and reduce the symptoms of Onychauxis, it is important to ensure that your diet is rich in vitamin A, B vitamins, and other essential nutrients to promote healthy nail growth and prevent nail thickening and discoloration.
Do thick toenails ever go away?
Thick toenails can be caused by factors such as age, fungal infections, physical trauma, certain drugs and medical conditions, and can take a long time to cure. While there isn’t one treatment that fits all cases, the first step is to identify the underlying cause of thick toenails.
Different treatment options can then be considered depending on the underlying cause.
It is important to see your doctor if your toenails become thick. By diagnosing the underlying cause, your doctor can provide treatment to help the thick toenail go away, or suggest steps that can help prevent it from getting worse.
Your doctor may recommend taking antifungal medication to treat fungal infections, changing your shoes or trimming your toenails to reduce pressure, or using moisturizers and lotions to nourish the nails.
In some cases, your doctor may also suggest debridement (mechanically or chemically removing the affected nail).
At-home treatments can also be helpful, such as soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salt two or three times a week, moisturizing the skin and nails regularly and wearing comfortable shoes that provide your feet enough room.
It may take months for the thick toenail to go away, however if the underlying cause is treated promptly and correctly, then the toenail will most likely return to its normal thickness.
How can I make my thick toenails thinner?
Thick toenails can be annoying and uncomfortable, especially when wearing shoes. Fortunately, there are several ways to make thick toenails thinner.
The first step is to introduce regular trimming and filing of the toenails. Cut toenails straight across to the desired length, then smooth down the edges of the nail with an emery board or nail file.
Be sure to use a gentle touch and only file in one direction. This will help to reduce the thickness of the toenails and improve their overall appearance.
Second, use an exfoliating scrub on the toenails. This will help reduce the thickness of the nails, as well as helping to remove any dead skin that may have built up around the toenails. Scrubbing the toenails with a mild exfoliation product once or twice a week can help to keep them looking healthy.
Third, use a natural home treatment to help thin out thick toenails. Soaking toenails in a mixture of warm water, apple cider vinegar, and tea tree oil twice a week has been known to help reduce the thickness of toenails and make them easier to cut.
This mixture also helps reduce fungal infections.
Finally, vitamin E or biotin supplements may also be beneficial in thickening thinner toenails. Taking regular supplements of these vitamins can help nourish the toenails and keep them from becoming too thick.
These steps should help reduce the thickness of toenails and make them more comfortable to wear shoes. However, if home treatments don’t seem to be working, it is best to see a doctor for advice, as sometimes toenail thickness can be the result of an underlying medical condition or infection.
Why have my toenails become so thick?
Your toenails becoming thick can be caused by a number of different things. It could be due to a fungal infection, often called “onychomycosis. ” This type of infection is caused by microscopic organisms called dermatophytes, which travel from the nearby skin on your toes into the nail.
The infection can cause thickening, discoloration and other changes in the nail. In addition, certain health conditions like diabetes and psoriasis can cause your toenails to get thicker. Vitamin deficiencies can also be a factor, causing your nails to become thickened, brittle, and discolored.
In some cases, an injury can cause toenails to thicken. Finally, wearing shoes that are too tight and frequently putting pressure on your toes can also cause toenails to thicken. If you are concerned about your toenails, it is important to speak with your doctor or podiatrist to help determine what is causing the issue and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
What causes calcification of toenails?
Calcification of toenails, also known as onychoschizia, is caused by a variety of things. It is most commonly seen in elderly individuals as a result of a fungal infection. Fungal infections are caused by tiny organisms called fungi that feed off keratin, the protein that makes up our nails.
The infection is often accompanied by symptoms such as thickening, thinning, and discoloration of the nail. If left untreated, fungal infections can lead to calcification of the toenail bed, or a buildup of calcium beneath the nail.
Other causes of calcification of toenails include repetitive microtrauma to the nails, psoriasis, and conditions such as Reynaud’s disease. Microtrauma is the result of daily activities such as running, walking, and exercise, which can cause the toenails to become damaged over time.
Psoriasis, an autoimmune disease, can also cause calcification since it causes an excessive accumulation of skin cells in certain areas of the body, including around the nails. Lastly, Reynaud’s, a condition that affects blood circulation, can lead to calcification of the toenails if not managed properly.
In conclusion, calcification of toenails can be caused by a number of different things, including a fungal infection, repetitive microtrauma, psoriasis, and Reynaud’s disease. It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible in order to avoid further damage or complications.