Thick yellow toenails are usually caused by a fungal infection called onychomycosis. This can be irritating or painful. It's less common, but the infection can affect your fingernails as well. Thick yellow toenails can be prevented by taking certain precautions.
Once your toenail grows thick, it will always be thick, this is a permanent change. There are only two main options when we have a thickened toenail: Conservative treatment where the foot specialist will debride (file) your toenails to their normal flat level.
Blood circulation is when the small blood vessels in our feet begin to narrow and become thicker, making it harder for the blood to flow. This then causes the nail cells to build up causing the nail to thicken from the nail root. This process is called onychoctes.
“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…”
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We chose the Lamisil Terbinafine Hydrochloride AntiFungal Cream as our top pick because it works to address a variety of infections, including toenail fungus. The prescription-strength cream comes highly recommended by Dr. Lipner because it can treat athlete's foot before it spreads to the toenails.
Yellowing of the nail can indicate a fungal infection of the nail, more commonly seen in toenails than fingernails. The discoloration becomes worse with tight-fitting shoes or trauma to the nail plates and can be associated with athlete's foot, as well. The most common fungal infection is from the Trichophyton family.
Even if they're only caused by a fungal infection, yellow toenails don't typically get better on their own. In fact, your symptoms may get worse. A healthcare provider can help you treat the fungal infection or determine what else might be causing your yellow nails.
What Causes Thick Toenails? Even if you do not care to seek treatment for it, you may wonder why your toenails have gradually become thicker. Thick toenails are the common result of four different causes: injury, old age, fungal infection and psoriasis.
Several causes result in developing thick toenails. The main cause is onychomycosis or fungal infection of the nails caused by dermatophytes (nail fungus). Physical trauma, Psoriasis,Lichen planus and diabetes may also cause thick nails to develop. Traditionally, oral antifungal treatments were prescribed.
Are thick toenails always fungus? No, thick toenails are usually not fungus. The toenail root responds to pressure by growing a nail plate that is thicker and sometimes detached from the nail bed — a place where the fungus can hide and grow.
For most people, the cause will be either fungal infection or overuse of nail polish. However, for some people, it could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Unless the cause is excessive nail polish use, people with yellow nails should speak to a doctor.
It's incredibly typical for toenails to change color, thickness, and shape with age—and, although you can't prevent the cause, you don't have to worry about any treatment either.
yellow nails
The skin and nails of patients with diabetes tend to take on a yellow hue, probably due to metabolism of glucose which has become linked to protein. This hue is most evident in the nails, especially distally, but occasionally evident in the skin.
The best type of vinegar to treat toenail fungus is apple cider vinegar, a very acidic and strong solution that destroys toenail fungus at the source. To take full advantage of this, mix one cup of apple cider vinegar with at least 2 cups of water – this will dilute the vinegar so that it won't burn your skin.
Apple cider vinegar is a popular remedy for toenail fungus due to its antifungal properties. If you want to treat your fungus using ACV, you can soak your feet in a mixture of warm water and the vinegar for about 15 minutes, twice a day.
Taking antifungal pills for two months can cure an infection under the fingernails. Usually three months of treatment cures a toenail fungal infection. Antifungal pills, however, can cause side effects. Your dermatologist will watch you closely.
Sometimes it's possible to treat your toenail fungus at home. You can try: Over the counter antifungal creams or ointments. File or cut off any white markings on your nails.
Terbinafine and itraconazole are the 2 medicines most commonly prescribed for fungal nail infections. These usually need to be taken once or twice a day for several months to ensure the infection has completely cleared up. If you stop taking the medication too early, the infection may return.