Old people’s toenails are often thick and yellow because the toenails increase in thickness as we get older due to an amalgamation of hardened layers of nail proteins, such as keratin, that accumulate over time.
Additionally, yellowing of the toenails is generally a result of fungal infections, such as onychomycosis, which, unfortunately, become more prevalent as we age because our bodies are less able to fight off infections.
This type of fungal infection tends to cause the layers of the toenail to thicken, become discolored, and change in texture, potentially leading to discomfort and even pain. To address this, it is important to keep toenails clean and trimmed and to seek medical attention if onychomycosis is suspected.
How do you get rid of hard yellow and thick toenails?
Getting rid of hard yellow and thick toenails can be a challenging task. There are various treatments you can take to help remove the unwanted nail, but it’s important to make sure you don’t go too far as this could cause permanent damage to your nails.
If your toenails are yellow and/or thick and you want to get rid of them, the best thing to do is to start by making sure your feet stay clean and dry. Trim your toenails and use an emery board regularly to help keep them neat and tidy.
Soaking your feet in warm water mixed with Epsom salt can help soften and break down tough yellow nails, and rubbing them with a pumice stone can further help remove extra layers of dead skin and yellowed nails.
A visit to the podiatrist may also be necessary, as he or she can prescribe medications like antifungal cream or lotion to help get rid of the yellow and thick toenails. In more serious cases, the podiatrist may opt for laser treatments to remove the hardened yellow nail completely.
It is also important to always wear the right kind of shoes to avoid further damage to your toenails. Make sure your shoes are large enough for your toes to move around inside and that your feet don’t get too hot or sweaty.
It’s also important to wear socks to keep your feet dry.
By following these tips, you can effectively get rid of hard yellow and thick toenails.
How do you fix thick yellow toenails?
In order to fix thick yellow toenails, a number of steps can be taken. These steps include regularly removing any existing nail polish, keeping the feet clean and dry, and trimming the nails frequently.
Additionally, it is important to avoid wearing tight or closed-toe shoes as this will make the nailbeds even more prone to fungal infections or irritation. Additionally, it’s a good idea to remove any existing nail polish when needed and also dry the area adequately with a dry and soft cloth.
Another way to reduce the effects of thick yellow toenails is to limit the amount of moisture that the feet come into contact with. Wearing sandals, shower shoes, or open-toe shoes when showering, at the pool, or in public locker rooms can help prevent excessive moisture from coming into contact with the feet.
Also, keeping the feet dry for long periods of time can help to reduce the chances of developing fungal infections.
In addition, using a foot soak with tea tree oil and Epsom salt can help in giving the feet a natural treatment and soothing the affected toenail. Furthermore, applying tea tree oil directly to the nail can help in killing the infection-causing fungus and restoring the nail to its healthier state.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to use anti-fungal creams and ointments to help treat the infection and prevent further development of the thick yellow toenails.
Finally, it is important to seek medical attention if the thick yellow toenails don’t improve or if they are very painful and uncomfortable. A doctor may be able to diagnose the cause and provide further advice and treatment to help get rid of the toenails.
Why are my toenails getting thick and hard?
Thick and hard toenails are a common problem, and there can be a number of causes. Firstly, it could indicate an underlying medical condition such as fungal infection, psoriasis, or an injury to the nail.
There are also environmental factors that can cause your toenails to thicken and harden, such as footwear that is too small or tight and not allowing sufficient air circulation or exposure to materials that are too rough which can cause toenails to become thick and hard.
Further, some people may naturally have thicker toenails due to genetics, age, or a medical condition and may experience it more in certain seasons. If the issue is severe, and suffered from for an extended period of time, it may be worth consulting a doctor.
How do I get my thick toenails back to normal?
Toenail thickening is often a result of a fungal infection or from pressure from ill-fitting shoes or trauma. It is important to treat any underlying cause to help reduce the thickness. You can apply topical antifungal medications, such as clotrimazole or terbinafine, to treat any fungal infections of the nails.
Also, keeping your nails properly trimmed and filing them regularly can help reduce the thickness. Make sure your shoes are the proper size to prevent pressure on the toes and keep your feet dry to reduce the risk of fungal infection.
Additionally, you can soak your feet in a vinegar solution to help reduce and thin the nails. To make the solution, mix one part vinegar and two parts warm water and soak your feet for 15 minutes a few times a week.
Regular professional pedicures may also help remove the excess nail thickness.
Can thickened toenails be reversed?
Yes, it is possible for thickened toenails to be reversed. Thickened toenails are caused by an infection or trauma, such as dropping something on your toe. Treating the underlying cause is the most effective way to reduce the thickness and restore the nail.
Depending on the cause, the nail may improve on its own, or treatment may be required. This may include taking antibiotics, or using a topical cream or ointment. In some cases, a healthcare provider may need to file down the nail or remove a portion of it to allow the nail to grow back in a normal thickness.
Regularly filing the nail with an emery board or nail file can also help. Additionally, wearing proper-fitting shoes with enough room for the toes may help reduce the thickening of the toenail.
What are thick toenails a symptom of?
Thick toenails can be a symptom of a variety of conditions, such as fungal infections, psoriasis, athlete’s foot, contact dermatitis, lichen planus, nail trauma/injury, age-related changes, and psoriatic arthritis.
Fungal infections are the most common cause of thick toenails and occur when fungi enter through cuts or spaces between the toenail and nail bed. These infections can thicken and discolor the nail, making it appear yellowish-brown in color.
Psoriasis is another common cause of thick toenails, which can cause the nail to thicken, become cracked or crumbly, and appear yellow or whitish-gray in color. Contact dermatitis can also cause thick toenails due to the skin’s reaction to an allergen or irritant.
Nail trauma or injury can also cause thickening as the nail grows out and in most cases can be reversed when the nail grows out. Age-related changes can lead to thickened toenails due to a decrease in the amount of oil produced by sebaceous glands.
Psoriatic arthritis, which is a form of inflammatory arthritis, can also cause thickening of the nails. If thick toenails are accompanied by other symptoms such as infection, redness, inflammation, pain, or yellowing of the nail it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to diagnose the condition.
What is the white hard stuff under my toenails?
The white hard stuff under your toenails is likely to be a build-up of keratin, the fibrous protein which is the major component of nails and skin. As this buildup accumulates over time, it gradually becomes thicker and harder to remove naturally.
This can be caused by a fungal infection, as well as poor hygiene or not trimming your toenails. Toenail fungus can cause a white or yellowish discoloration at the base of the toenail, often accompanied by a chalky, powdery substance which gathers beneath the nail.
It can also cause the toenail to become thicker and brittle, leading to the white buildup. Looking for other signs like pain in your nails or redness and inflammation around the nail can help to confirm if you have a fungal infection.
Treating the infection with anti-fungal medication from your doctor should reduce the buildup of keratin and make it easier to manage. Additionally, making sure to regularly clean, trim and file your nails is a great way to reduce the buildup and decrease the risk of a fungal infection.
What vitamin deficiency causes thick toenails?
A vitamin deficiency that can cause thick toenails is a vitamin B7, otherwise known as biotin, deficiency. Biotin is a B complex vitamin that helps your body convert food into energy and plays an essential role in maintaining healthy skin and nails.
When your body does not receive enough biotin, it affects the overall health of your nails. This can lead to thickening, yellowing and other changes in the color or texture of your nails. Without enough biotin, your toenails may become ridged and brittle, and in some cases even discoloured.
Other symptoms of biotin deficiency can include dry skin, hair loss, cracked or scaly skin around the eyes, nose and mouth, and inflammation of the mouth and tongue. If you believe you may suffer from biotin deficiency, its important to speak with your healthcare provider to discuss treatment options.
What does Vicks VapoRub do for toenails?
Vicks VapoRub can be used to help with the health and appearance of your toenails. It has antifungal properties that can fight common foot and toenail fungus, such as athlete’s foot. To use Vicks VapoRub on your toenails, begin by washing your feet and toes with soap and warm water.
Once they are clean and dry, rub a generous layer of the ointment over your toenails with your fingertips. Allow the ointment to stay on your toenails until they are dry. The menthol contained in the product helps give toenails a healthy, shiny look and can keep your feet smelling fresh.
The antifungal properties contained in the Vicks VapoRub can also help combat the infection responsible for foot and toenail fungus. Additionally, it’s been said that the cooling sensation of Vicks VapoRub on your feet can be soothing, helping to improve circulation.
To ensure your toenails are receiving the most of the product, wear a pair of socks over them to keep in the moisture. Be sure to use Vicks VapoRub regularly to maintain the effects and combat toenail fungus.
What are the signs of b12 deficiency nails?
Signs of B12 deficiency can sometimes be seen in the nails. This includes a flame-shaped pattern of red spots located at the base of the nail (known as “red lunulae”). In more severe deficiencies, the nails may become brittle and develop ridges running up and down the nail.
Nails may also become dark yellow or gray in appearance. In some cases, the nails may even curve into a spoon-like shape or begin to thicken. In rare cases, nails may curve from side to side, a condition known as koilonychia.
Additionally, a general absence of the usual glossy sheen may be apparent in nails with B12 deficiency.
As with all signs of B12 deficiency, appearing nails do not always indicate a B12 deficiency and may be caused by another condition. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment for any symptoms of B12 deficiency.
What your toenails say about your health?
Your toenails can tell you a lot about your overall health. Toenail abnormalities, such as discoloration, thickening, and changes in shape, can be indicators of underlying health issues such as fungal infections, trauma, psoriasis, and a variety of other conditions.
Toenail discoloration can be a symptom of poor circulation, thyroid disease, diabetes, or congestion in the lungs. Thickening of the nail can be a sign of vitamin deficiencies, and changes in shape, such as a separation of the nail layers can be a sign of psoriasis or fungal infection.
If you notice changes in your toenails, it’s important to talk to your doctor to determine the underlying cause. In some cases, a simple vitamin supplement may be enough to bring the toenails back to health.
More serious issues will require additional treatment. In any case, it’s important to keep a close eye on your toenails and address any changes as soon as possible, as some of these conditions can lead to further health problems.
What can you do for thick toenails in elderly?
For thick toenails in the elderly, there are several things that can be done. The first step is to visit a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment plan. They may prescribe oral or topical medications to help reduce inflammation and treat an underlying infection.
They may also suggest special tools and techniques for the elderly person to use to help them take care of their feet, such as having them wear special footwear, using appropriately sized grooming tools, or wearing socks and shoes that provide additional cushioning and support.
It is also important for elderly people to keep their toenails properly trimmed and cleaned to help prevent them from becoming thick and discolored. Regular trimming of the nails should be done but care should be taken to avoid cutting into the nail bed.
In addition to trimming and cleaning, a foot soak in warm, soapy water can help keep toenails healthy and can help reduce dryness.
Finally, elderly people should maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise, which can help strengthen the bones and improve circulation. This can help reduce the risk of thick toenails.
If you have any questions or concerns about thick toenails in the elderly, be sure to speak to your podiatrist for more advice.
How often should elderly have toenails cut?
Many experts recommend elderly individuals have their toenails cut every 4 to 6 weeks. This is particularly important for those with diminished capacity for movement, as their toenails can become longer than normal and may need to be cut more frequently to reduce the risk of ingrown and infected toenails.
Additionally, having the toenails clipped regularly helps to keep them from becoming overly brittle and prevents debris from accumulating underneath them. The elderly should also have their feet checked at least once a year for any signs of trouble, such as thickening of the nails, warts, or other changes in the nail’s appearance.
Lastly, cutting elderly toenails should be done in a safe, clean and well-lit environment, preferably one with antiseptic footbath available.
What home remedy gets rid of thick toenails?
A common home remedy for thick toenails is to dip the feet in a mixture of equal parts warm water and hydrogen peroxide. Toe nails should stay submerged in this mixture for at least 20 minutes. Also, using a toothbrush or nail file to thin out the affected toenail can help remove some of the thickness.
Another home remedy is to apply Vicks VapoRub directly to the toes. This can soften the toenail and provide some relief. Additionally, some people find relief by taking over-the-counter antifungal medications such as Lamisil and Sporonox.
Soaking the feet in a Epsom salt and warm water bath may also help to thin out toenails.
It is important to consult a doctor if home remedies do not work. Thickening toenails can be an indication of an underlying medical condition, and it’s important to have this checked out.