Thick Toenails is also known as Onychomycosis, It is caused by Fungal infection, trauma to nail, poor circulation or certain medical conditions like Diabetes.
· Over 14% of people are affected all over the world
· Mainly seen in older people
Thick Toenails can also be seen in individuals with nail fungus (onychomycosis), Psoriasis and thyroid.
Toenails grow around 1mm per month where fingernails grow about 3 times fast
RISK FACTORS
· Wearing shoes that do not fit well
· Swim, shower at the gym, walk barefoot in a locker room
· Have poor foot hygiene (e.g., leave on sweaty shoes, don’t wash your feet, don’t keep nails trimmed)
· H/O Foot injury
· Have a weak immune system (e.g., from a disease or medications)
SYMPTOMS:
· Brittle, discoloration (yellow, white or brown)
· Bad Odor from the nail
· difficulty cutting or trimming nails
· splitting or cracking of the nail occurs easily
· pain or discomfort
TREATMENT OPTIONS
A recent development in the treatment of thick toenails was rich plasma therapy (PRP) and others includes:
· Topical Antifungals
· Oral Antifungals
Home Remedies
· Soak the toes for atleast 10 minutes in Apple cider vinegar/Epsom salt/Baking Soda
· Apply 100% tea tree oil twice a day every day (By using this oil 60% of people are having cure rate)
· Clean the affected area with soap and water daily.
· Apply Vicks VapoRub on toenail each day. It may help the infection clear.
· Groom nails regularly. First Soften the nails by applying urea cream (Aluvea, Keralac) and wrapping feet in bandages at night. Then, wash off the urea cream and use a nail clipper and nail file to trim the nails.
