What causes thick toenails as you age?
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 thick toenails be fixed?
Applying a small amount of melted coconut oil can help heal thick yellow toenails. You can purchase over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal nail creams and ointments. Be sure to clip and clean your nails before use to make sure the creams reach deeper layers. Laser therapy can be used to treat a fungal toenail infection.
Does Vicks Vapor Rub help thick toenails?
Vicks VapoRub 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.
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.
Why do diabetics toenails get thick?
Changes in the diabetic toenails are usually due to: Poor circulation. Trauma – which often goes unnoticed due to neuropathy. General susceptibility to fungal infections – resulting from high levels of glucose in the blood.
How do you cut thick toenails with fungus?
How to cut toenails with fungus
- medical-grade toenail clippers, as standard clippers may not be able to cut all the way through and can slip off the nail and cut your skin.
- longer foot soak (20 or 30 minutes in warm water)
- clipper disinfection using alcohol or diluted bleach.
Does diabetes make your toenails fall off?
Diabetes can also restrict circulation to your feet, which creates the right conditions for fungus to grow and your toenail to fall off. When fungus grows untreated on your foot, it can sever the connective tissue between your toenail and your foot. And eventually, that causes to your toenail falling off.
Why are my toenails and fingernails so thick?
Although, psoriasis is generally associated with red and scaly patches on the skin, it can also affect toenails and fingernails. Apart from thickening the nails, nail psoriasis can also cause the toenails to become loose and separate from the nail bed.
What’s the best way to get rid of thick toe nails?
Oregano oil is highly effective in treating thick toenails naturally because of its strong antiparasitic, antiviral, antifungal and antiseptic properties, keeping the nails free from infections. You can use this oil as a home remedy for thick toenails by applying a few drops of it mixed with a teaspoon of olive oil on the affected toenail.
What causes a fungal infection in the toenails?
Some of the leading causes of fungal infections in the toenails include: 1 athlete’s foot spreading to the toenail bed 2 constant exposure to wet areas 3 smoking 4 constricted footwear 5 weakened immune system 6 medical conditions, such as psoriasis, circulatory problems, and type 1 and 2 diabetes 7 damage to or next to the nail
What causes redness and swelling in toenails?
Paronychia refers to an infection of the skin around the nail and can cause thick toenails. 3 Here, along with thick nails, there may also be redness and swelling around the nail. Chronic paronychia can not only cause thickening of the toenails or fingernails, but can also result in nail discoloration.
What makes toenails super thick?
Causes of Thick Toenails 1. Injuries. In many cases injuries to the toenail can cause them to become thicker as they heal. Those who play sports… 2. Fungus. In some cases, fungus can cause the toenails to become thicker. Fungus growing around the nail can cause the… 3. Some skin conditions can
How do you fix a thick toenail?
Try natural remedies. In less severe cases, natural remedies can be used to help treat a thickened toenail. A mixture of tea tree oil and olive oil applied to the nail can help soften the nail so it becomes less thick. Apply the mixture to the toenail with a cotton ball twice a day until the nail returns to normal.
How do you get rid of thick toenails?
Epsom salts can also be used as a home remedy for thick toenails. Fill a tub or a bucket with hot water, pour the Epsom salts directly on the affected area(they will also mix into the water) and then soak your feet in the tub or the bucket. Soak for at least 30 minutes, twice or thrice in a day to see results.
What is the best way to soften toenails?
The best way to soften hardened, thick toenails is to place them in a bowl, dishpan or bucket of warm water. Soak them for 10-30 minutes, depending on how hard they are. Add a mild soap or two tablespoons of Epsom salt to the warm water before soaking, if desired.