Toenail fungus can lead to thickening of the nails, altering their appearance, and causing pain and discomfort. Immediate treatment is crucial. If you notice changes in the toenails of an elderly loved one, it could indicate an underlying issue, such as psoriasis or a fungal infection known as onychomycosis, which progressively thickens toenails. Changes might also stem from congenital disorders or chronic illnesses, resulting in nail thickening. Untreated, thickened toenails can become increasingly painful. Prompt treatment is vital for resolving this issue. However, be mindful that fungal infections are notoriously challenging to treat, often requiring several months of dedicated treatment.

Causes of Thick Toenails

About 1-8% of the population has a diagnosis of onychomycosis and the number of those affected is consistently growing. This specific condition happens when a fungus or yeast gets into the toenail in one of the following ways:

• Enters the area where your toenail and nail bed meet
• Through a crack in your toenail
• If you have a cut in your skin which touch your toenail

Typically, fungus thrives beneath the bed due to the moisture present in that area. While the infection usually starts off as minor, it can progressively worsen, resulting in thickened toenails among other symptoms. Additionally, toes are particularly susceptible to infection as they frequently encounter wet environments, which facilitates fungal growth.

Symptoms of Thick Toenails

Toenail thickness is often a symptom that your loved one has a fungal infection. Here are some of the symptoms of nail fungus:

• Change in color of the toenails to yellow, brown, or green
• Bad odor coming from the toenail
• Toenail that has lifted from the nail bed
• Toenails that are split or crumbling
• Toenails that look chalky
• Toenails that have visible debris under them

At the early stages of the toenail infection, there may not be discomfort.  However, over time, the condition may become painful.

How do people get thick toenails?

There are various ways people can get toenail fungus. Here are a few:

• Being barefoot in public places such as swimming pools, showers or gyms
• Manicures and pedicures at nail salons
• Exposure to water that is frequent or prolonged
• Constricting shoes
• Shoes and feet that are sweaty
• Toenail that is damaged
• Athlete’s foot that may spread to your toenails
• Medicine that suppresses the immune system
• Genetics
• Smoking

Sometimes toenail fungus happens if due to a preexisting medical condition such as:

• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Circulatory conditions
• Psoriasis

Another reason one may have thick toenails is due to cancer treatments. If you have a preexisting condition and develop a fungal infection, it’s crucial to consult your doctor immediately for an accurate diagnosis and to initiate appropriate treatment.

How are thick toenails diagnosed?

If you notice any changes in your loved one’s toenails, it’s crucial to consult their physician immediately. Addressing a fungal infection promptly is essential to prevent the condition from worsening. The doctor can examine the nails to offer a diagnosis. In some cases, they may refer your loved one to a dermatologist for further evaluation. Dermatologists employ specialized tools to evaluate the nails more closely and may take a swab from beneath the toenail to accurately identify the condition.

Complications from Thick Toenails

Failing to address your loved one’s toenail infection can lead to exacerbated symptoms and worsening conditions over time. As the toenails thicken, they may experience significant discomfort while wearing shoes, potentially hindering their ability to walk. Managing the toenail infection is particularly crucial if they have an existing medical condition to prevent further complications, such as secondary infections or other related problems.

How to Treat Thick Toenails

Although not all cases of toenail fungus need treatment, thick toenails may be a symptom of worsening fungus.

Medical Treatments

Some toenail fungus can require medical intervention such as:

• Topical or oral medications
• Laser treatments
• Toenail removal so that the nail bed can be treated

Treatment at Home

Prescription therapies, such as topical and oral medications, offer significant benefits, and there are several at-home remedies you might explore. Nonetheless, consulting with a doctor beforehand is essential to prevent the toenails from thickening and leading to further complications.

Some remedies for toenail fungus include:

• Daily cleaning of the area with soap and water
• Regular nail grooming
• Over-the-counter fungal treatment
• Vicks VapoRub
• Tea tree oil on the nails twice a day every day

Treating toenail fungus can be a prolonged process, often spanning several months, due to the slow growth rate of toenails. It can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months for them to fully grow out. Despite treatment, there’s a chance that toenail fungus may return. If your loved one experiences recurrent toenail infections, it’s important to consult their doctor for advice.

Prevention of Thick Toenails

There are various ways you can prevent thick toenails. Here are a few:

• Make sure to keep your toes clean by washing them with soap and water regularly, dry them and use powder to keep your feet dry.
• To maintain dry feet, it’s essential to regularly change socks, opt for cotton ones, and alternate shoes to allow them to dry properly. Moreover, ensure that you purchase shoes that provide ample space and do not constrict your feet.
• A foot powder should be used to keep your feet dry.
• When visiting locker rooms or gyms, flip-flops should be worn.
• Toenails should be regularly groomed and trimmed short.
• After toenails are trimmed, the tools should be disinfected.
• If the fungus has been recently cured, new footwear should be purchased.

Professional Senior Care

Do you or a loved one need senior home care? Assisting Hands Home Care can help. We offer a full range of elder care services to seniors in Batavia, IL, and the surrounding areas. Our highly trained staff will take great care of your loved one. Our caregivers have the right tools and experience to care for your loved one with care and compassion. For professional senior home care needs, make sure to give us a call at (630) 948-8193 to learn more.