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. Fingernails appear to thicken less, probably because we tend to them more often with filing and buffing, which thins them.
But in addition to this natural thickening of the nails, other factors may be at play also. Among them are trauma, fungal infections, and impaired circulation. Feet are under constant stress from falling objects, stubbing injuries, poor foowear, closed-in footwear, and athletic activities.
All of these conditions can alter the cells from which the nails grow, and if one tends to stub or injure the same toe, the nail plate can easily become thickened or disfigured.
Peripheral arterial disease , or P. Fungus also plays a key role, as it thrives in the moist, dark interior of a shoe. Besides causing the toenail to thicken, a fungal infection may also cause the nail to yellow, become brittle, separate from the nail bed, and possibly emit a foul odor.
The best way to do this is to put the toe in water while rubbing the Epsom salt into the affected area. The Epsom salt will absorb into the skin and help to soften and dissolve portions of the nail that has become embedded in the skin. Epsom salt is especially good at reducing pain and inflammation that is present in the area as well. Soaking your feet in warm water helps to further soften the nail that is causing the pain to your toe.
When the nail is softer, the pain lessens and the chances of removing the affected portions of the nail increase dramatically. After soaking your feet for about minutes in warm water, try to remove the troublesome portion of the nail with tweezers. Using cotton and dental floss is an easier way to remove portions of the nail that may have grown deep into the skin. After you have soaked your feet and used Epsom salt as well, place cotton around the affected area.
Once this is done, you can use the dental floss to pull out portions of the nail by flossing it out. Be sure to be gentle and not to harsh on the skin, as this is a sensitive area. If you believe your toe has become infected, if you have poor circulation, or if you have nerve damage, then it is recommended that you visit a foot care specialist before the infection spreads and potentially develops into something much worse.
Unless the problem is congenital, the best way to prevent ingrown toenails is to protect the feet from any severe trauma and to wear shoes and socks that fit properly and provide adequate room for the toes. You can try some home-based treatments first and then talk to your doctor about prescription-based options. Topical and oral medications are the mainstays of therapy.
Toenail fungus may require medical interventions as prescribed and recommended by your doctor. These include:. Treating toenails for fungus may require you to stick to the treatment plan for several months. Toenails grow slowly, and they can take 12 to 18 months to grow out. You may experience a recurrence of toenail fungus after treatment.
Here's why your toenails might be yellow and the treatment options. Black toenails are attributed to a variety of causes, some of which resolve on their own. If your nail doesn't get better, you'll need to see your…. But could it also be the cause of yellow nails? If your toenails are discolored, thick, or cracking, you may have toenail fungus.
While there are oral prescription drugs to treat toenail fungus…. Ingrown toenails occur when the edges or corners of a nail grow into the skin next to it, causing tenderness, redness, and even bleeding. Normal, healthy nails appear smooth and have consistent coloring. As you age, you may develop vertical ridges, or your nails may be a bit more brittle. This condition is contagious and can spread to the…. Have you ever noticed little depressions in your fingernails and toenails?
This is called nail pitting. Here's why it happens and what you can do…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.
0コメント