Why are my toenails so thick underneath?
Toenails that have grown thicker over time likely indicate a fungal infection, also known as onychomycosis. Left untreated, thick toenails can become painful. Prompt treatment is key to curing the nail fungus. Fungal infections can be difficult to cure and may require months of treatment.
How do you get rid of thick toenails at home?
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.
Should I trim my fungus toenail?
If you do have a toenail fungus, your doctor will likely recommend one or more of the following treatment options: Trimming the Toenail Trimming the toenail is usually combined with medication, but having a podiatrist periodically trim the nail down is helpful and allows the medication to work better, says Sundling.
Can you sand down thick toenails?
Dystrophic Toenails Dystrophic nails can be thinned through manual sanding, however, the quickest and most effective way to sand very thick toenails is with an electric sanding device. Thick nails should be sanded to avoid ulcerations due to shoe pressure, and can be sanded as thin as you desire.
What is the hard white stuff under my toenail?
Nail psoriasis sometimes causes too much keratin to grow under the nail. 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.
How does a podiatrist treat thick toenails?
A podiatrist will grind the nail at frequent intervals. In some cases, trauma to the nail is permanent and the nail may require removal under local analgesia. In such cases the nail root matrix will need to be destroyed because damaged growth cells will continue to produce a thick new toenail.