Thick stuff under your toenails is usually a sign of a common fungal infection called onychomycosis, which causes buildup, discoloration (yellow/brown/white), and brittleness; other causes include trauma, psoriasis, or aging, but fungus thrives in warm, moist environments like sweaty shoes or public showers, leading to debris accumulation and potential discomfort. It's best to see a doctor (like a podiatrist) for proper diagnosis and treatment, as it can worsen and even lead to nail loss if untreated.
To manage the hardened and thick toenails, you have 2 choices. You can either go to a podiatrist, which I recommend; or, you could be more proactive with your nail care. Soak your feet in a solution of Epsom salt and vinegar. This will help to both kill any fungus and soften the nails making them easier to cut.
What is the gunk that builds up under my toenails? According to Dr. Levine, any unusual thickness or buildup under the nail is probably a fungus. “If you notice white or yellow debris under the nail, it's probably the result of a fungal infection known as onychomycosis,” she says.
Can You Scrape Out Toenail Fungus? No. You may be able to scrape a bit off the top of or from under your nails, but that won't cure the infection.
Toenail fungus is tough to kill permanently, but the most effective treatments are prescription oral antifungal drugs (like terbinafine), followed by strong topical antifungals, often used together, while laser therapy and sometimes nail removal (surgery) are options for persistent cases, though home remedies rarely provide a complete cure and professional help is key for lasting success.
The most common cause of thickened toenails is aging. Toenails thicken with age because the growth rate of the nail plate slows. Other reasons toenails may thicken include: A common skin condition called psoriasis.
The best way to get rid of keratin granulation is to give your nails a several-week-long break from nail polish, nail polish remover and chemicals in conjunction with using moisturizers and/or hand creams to replenish the moisture balance of the nails.
Additionally, biotin deficiency can increase the risk of fungal nail infections and subsequent nail plate discoloration. Changes in nail shape and surface.
If toenail fungus goes untreated, it worsens, causing the nail to thicken, discolor (yellow/brown), become brittle, crumble, and potentially separate from the nail bed, leading to pain, odor, and difficulty walking; it can spread to other nails/skin (athlete's foot) and, in rare cases, lead to serious bacterial infections like cellulitis, especially for those with diabetes or weakened immunity, potentially causing permanent nail damage or systemic issues.
Treatment for thickened toenails
Treatment involves cutting the nails and reducing the thickness with a special file or burr. Our podiatrists also have special tools that can help remove callus or corns from underneath the nail plate or sulcus which is a common cause of pain.
Let it sit overnight, then rinse away in the morning for a noticeable difference. 2) Brittle fingernails. Since our nails are made of the same enamel as teeth, toothpaste can do a lot to help them. Simply give your nails a good scrub with some toothpaste for cleaner, shinier, stronger nails.
Unfortunately, in many cases where the toenail is thickened the result is permanent. This is due to the nail root, or matrix being damaged.
Often mistaken for a fungus, keratin granulations appear as white “chalky” spots or streaks on the nail plate.
What causes the gunk underneath nails?! 👉🏼 What you're seeing is just staining underneath the nail from everyday use. Things like gardening, cooking and cleaning all contribute to this staining. As the nail enhancement grows out, more daily build up can get caught in this space.
Don't use any sharp tools to clean under nails. Using anything sharp makes it easy to puncture the skin, leaving it vulnerable to infection.
The fastest ways to get rid of toenail fungus involve professional medical treatments like prescription oral antifungal medications (Terbinafine) for effectiveness or laser therapy for a quick, non-invasive option, though it may need multiple sessions. For faster results with topical treatments, podiatrist-assisted nail debridement (thinning the nail) helps antifungal lacquers penetrate deeper. Home remedies are generally slower and less reliable than medical routes, according to sources like Healthline and the Mayo Clinic.
You can take a prescribed oral antifungal medication to treat the fungus. Options include terbinafine (Lamisil®), itraconazole (Sporanox®) or fluconazole (Diflucan®). You'll need to take the medication every day for several months (or longer).
The pathophysiology of toenail fungus involves a complex interplay between fungal organisms and the delicate balance of our microbiome. Dysbiosis in the gut and skin microbiomes can create an environment that favors fungal overgrowth, leading to toenail infections.
If the toenail fungus progresses, it can go deeper into the nail, causing discoloration, thick white stuff under the toenail (keratin debris), nail thickening and crumbling, and even transmission to surrounding nails.
Podiatrists recommend a multi-pronged approach for toenail fungus, often starting with prescription oral antifungals (like terbinafine) for moderate to severe cases due to their high success rates, though requiring liver monitoring. They also use topical antifungal lacquers, often combined with professional nail debridement (thinning) for better penetration, alongside laser therapy (PACT) and strict foot hygiene (drying, airing shoes, antifungal sprays) to prevent recurrence, as single treatments often fail.
Using hydrogen peroxide kills nail fungus and creates noticeable but gradual changes over time. Here's what to expect in terms of visible progress: During the first few days, you may see some bubbling or fizzing as peroxide breaks down debris and bacteria on the nail's surface, which makes it look slightly cleaner.
Interestingly, with advancing age (starting from ~25yo) this growth rate tends to gradually decrease by about 0.5% per year. So, by the time we reach 85yo our toenails are growing at about half the rate they were when we were 25yo! Over time, slow nail growth results in unsightly, thickened toenails.
Some medical conditions affect the condition of your toenails. The most common are diabetes and psoriasis. Diabetics often have reduced blood flow to their feet, which may cause thicker toenails or numbness. With psoriasis, the nail may lift away from the toe.
Like other types of melanoma, subungual melanoma develops in melanocytes, the pigment cells that give skin its color. Unlike most types of skin cancer, subungual melanoma isn't related to sun exposure. Nail melanoma often shows up as a narrow brown or black streak or band on the nail.