What causes thick ingrown toenails?

badly cut toenails – cutting your toenails too short, or cutting the edges, will encourage the skin to fold over your nail and the nail to grow into the skin. wearing tight-fitting shoes, socks or tights – this places pressure on the skin around your toenail; the skin may be pierced if it's pressed on to your toenail.


Why is my ingrown toenail thick?

Toenails that grow thicker over time likely indicate a fungal infection, also known as onychomycosis. Left untreated, thick toenails can become painful. Prompt treatment can be key to curing the nail fungus. Fungal infections might be difficult to cure and may require months of treatment.

Why are some of my toenails thick?

Thickened toenails are typically a sign of a fungal toenail infection, which can cause changes in the texture and color of the toenail. An infected toenail can often thicken, become brittle or crumbly, and develop white, yellow, or brown discoloration.


How does a podiatrist treat thick toenails?

Podiatry treatment for thickened toenails

Our podiatrists regularly reduce thickened toenails as part of a general foot care treatment (medical pedicure). This involves nail cutting, removal of corns and callus, followed by application of a heel balm, making your feet feel great again.

Are thick toenails always fungus?

Although there are many potential causes of thick nails, a fungal infection is the most likely cause in the toenails. Other conditions, such as psoriasis or diabetes, may also cause thick nails to develop. The exact cause of thick nails will help decide a person's treatment to correct the condition.


How to Fix Ingrown Toenails Easily



How do I get rid of thick toenails?

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.

How can I make my thick toenails thinner?

Soak your toes in warm water for five to 10 minutes. This will help soften the nail and allow you to more easily cut the thick nail.

Can thick toenails go back to normal?

If you have had an injury to your toe and your nail is temporarily thick, it may get better over time. As a new, healthy nail grows out, you can see if it gets better. However, due to the slow growth of toenails, this can take many months.


What is the white hard stuff under my toenails?

This overgrowth is called subungual hyperkeratosis. People with hyperkeratosis may notice a white, chalky substance under the nail. When this occurs in the toenails, the pressure of shoes pushing down on the nails might cause pain.

Should I go to the doctor for thick toenails?

For prompt, effective treatment of your toe nail condition , you should see a podiatrist as soon as possible, especially if you notice certain changes to your nails. These abnormalities may include toenail deformities, discoloration, or thickening.

What does Vicks VapoRub do for toenails?

“Applying Vicks VapoRub to fungus-infected toenails can clear up the notoriously hard-to-treat condition. Michigan State University clinicians found that applying the product daily to the infected nail cleared the condition in 32 of 85 patients, though it took anywhere from 5 to 16 months…”


How do you permanently fix an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail can be permanently corrected with a procedure called a chemical matrixectomy. This procedure involves removing either a portion of the nail that is ingrown or the entire toenail in certain cases.

Can you file down a thick toenail?

I would always advise to file a thickened nail rather than cut it, this way you can do little harm to the nail and surrounding skin. A 'Diamond deb' nail file usually works best, filing the nail 2-3 times a week will usually keep the thickness reduced.

Should I let ingrown toenail grow out?

Home Blog What Happens If I Let My Ingrown Toenail Grow Untreated? Because ingrown toenails are common, many people don't think they're a big deal. However, ingrown toenails can be quite painful, and they can even lead to infection, which can cause a variety of health problems. Ingrown toenails should never be ignored.


How do you get rid of keratin buildup under your toenails?

If your nails are crusted with keratin debris, your podiatrist may remove it to improve the appearance of your nails. In severe toenail fungus cases, toenail surgery may be required to temporarily remove the infected nail so the nail bed can be treated directly.

What does thick toenail fungus look like?

It begins as a white or yellow-brown spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, the nail may discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. Nail fungus can affect several nails.

What causes keratin buildup under toenails?

Your feet are a feast

Keratin also makes up your skin and hair, and other mammals' nails, quills, hooves, and horns. When the dermatophytes find their way to your feet, they feast on your keratin, breaking it down into smaller particles. The crumbly residue on your infected toenails is actually keratin debris.


How do you trim thick overgrown toenails?

Tackling thick toenails
  1. Soak your feet in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften your nails.
  2. Make small cuts with the clipper to avoid splintering the nail. Then cut straight across.
  3. If thickened toenails are too painful or difficult to cut yourself, call us for advice or an appointment.


Does Vicks Vapor Rub help with fungus?

Dr. Ioli, who is chief of the podiatry service at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital, suggested that daily applications of Vicks VapoRub might be at least as effective as most of the topical treatments for toenail fungus that are available by prescription or over the counter.

Is Vicks good for thick toenails?

Conclusions: Vicks VapoRub seems to have a positive clinical effect in the treatment onychomycosis. Toenail onychomycosis is a common diagnosis for primary care physicians.


What tool do you use for thick toenails?

Electric nail files, also known as electric nail drills, are the machines most frequently used in salons on both fingernails and toenails. For thick toenails, whether they're naturally thick or coated in thick polish, you'll need an electric file with enough power behind it.

What is the fastest way to get rid of a ingrown toenail?

You can treat most ingrown toenails at home.
...
Here's how:
  1. Soak your feet in warm, soapy water. Do this for 10 to 20 minutes 3 to 4 times a day until the toe improves.
  2. Place cotton or dental floss under your toenail. ...
  3. Apply petroleum jelly. ...
  4. Choose sensible footwear. ...
  5. Take pain relievers.


How does a podiatrist remove an ingrown toenail?

The doctor can gently lift your nail and insert a tiny amount of gauze, cotton, or a splint in order to separate the nail from the skin. The doctor will also remove and treat the infected tissue, including the skin on top of the affected nail.


When should I see a podiatrist for an ingrown toenail?

You should see a podiatrist immediately if any drainage or excessive redness is present around the toenail. Also, if a short trial of home treatment has not resulted in improvement of the condition, see your podiatrist.

Why do toenails get thick with age?

The growth rate of nails decreases when people get older. This results in thickening because nail cells pile up. The process of nail cells piling up is referred to as onychocytes. Another reason why fingernails don't thicken as much is their growth rate is smaller than the growth rate of toenails.