What causes yellow and thick toenails?
Yellow, thickened toenails can be caused by a variety of conditions. Here are some of the most common causes:
Fungal infection
One of the most common causes of yellow, thickened toenails is a fungal infection. Fungal infections occur when tiny organisms called dermatophytes get under the nail and begin to multiply. This causes the nail to become discolored and thicken as debris builds up under the nail plate. Fungal toenail infections account for about 50% of all nail disorders.
Nail trauma
Injury to the toenail, such as dropping a heavy object on your toe, can cause the nail bed to be damaged. This disruption to the nail matrix (where new nail cells are produced) affects nail growth and can result in a thickened, yellowed nail.
Poor foot hygiene
Not properly washing and drying between the toes can allow bacteria and fungi to accumulate and infect the nail. Always be sure to clean and thoroughly dry your feet, especially between the toes, to prevent infections.
Ill-fitting shoes
Shoes that are too tight can put pressure on the toenails and dig into the skin, leading to injury and lifted, discolored nails. Make sure your shoes properly fit your feet.
Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions like diabetes and arthritis can affect circulation and nail growth. Thyroid disorders, skin conditions like eczema, and autoimmune diseases may also be associated with abnormal toenail changes. See your doctor if you have other unexplained symptoms along with nail changes.
Aging
As we get older, nails tend to thicken and become more brittle. Nails may also appear more yellowed. Older adults are also more prone to fungal nail infections.
Smoking
Smoking can stain nails yellow. Tobacco use is also linked to circulatory problems that may contribute to abnormal toenail changes.
Natural causes
In some cases, nails may become thicker and more yellowed due to normal aging or heredity without being caused by any disease. Still, it’s a good idea to see a podiatrist if your nails become excessively thick or discolored.
What are the symptoms of yellow, thick toenails?
Here are the most common signs and symptoms of yellow, thickened toenails:
– Nail plate appears yellow or yellow-brown in color
– Thickening or overgrowth of the nail plate
– Brittleness of nails
– Flaking or crumbling of nail edges
– Debris accumulating under nails
– Foul smell from nail
– Pain or tenderness of nail
– Detached or lifted nail from nail bed
– Change in nail shape or texture
– Discoloration or streaking of nail plate
When to see a doctor
You should make an appointment with your doctor if you have any of the following:
– Persistent thick, yellowed toenails, especially if getting worse over time
– Discoloration affects multiple nails
– Signs of infection like foul odor, pain, redness or swelling
– You have other medical conditions like diabetes or circulation issues
– Nail changes are severely impacting quality of life
Your doctor can examine your nails and determine the underlying cause. Early treatment can help resolve many causes of yellow, thickened nails and prevent the condition from worsening.
Diagnosing yellow, thick toenails
To diagnose the cause of yellow, thickened toenails, the doctor will typically:
– Ask about your symptoms and medical history
– Examine your toenails and feet
– Have you get an x-ray or MRI to check for bone abnormalities or tumors if needed
– Take a nail sample for laboratory testing
A nail sample, called a nail clipping, can be sent to a lab to determine if a fungal infection is present. A potassium hydroxide (KOH) test looks for fungal cell parts under a microscope. A fungal culture tests for growth of the fungus itself.
Your doctor may also order blood tests or a biopsy to rule out other nail conditions.
Treatment for yellow, thick toenails
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause:
Fungal infection treatments
– Oral antifungal medications – Prescription pills like terbinafine or itraconazole can treat fungal infections from the inside out.
– Topical antifungal medications – These solutions like ciclopirox or efinaconazole are painted onto the nails to kill fungal cells on the surface.
– Laser therapy – Laser light applied to the nail destroys fungal cells. Multiple sessions are required.
– Surgical removal – In severe cases, the infected part of the nail can be surgically removed. The nail may look abnormal afterward.
Nail trauma remedies
– Taping or splinting to protect the injured nail and promote proper healing
– Trimming away loose nail fragments
– Applying appropriate dressings and ointments to prevent infection
– Allowing time for new, healthy nail to grow in
Lifestyle and hygiene recommendations
– Keeping feet clean and dry
– Wearing properly fitted shoes and clean socks
– Disinfecting nail tools and files
– Applying antifungal powder or spray
– Treating athlete’s foot or other fungal infections early
Medical treatment
– Diabetes control with diet, exercise, and medication
– Improving circulation with lifestyle changes and medication if needed
– Managing underlying skin, autoimmune, or thyroid disorders
– Biopsies for suspicious areas to rule out melanoma
– Trimming thick nails or removal of ingrown sections if very severe
| Treatment | Methods |
|---|---|
| Fungal infections | Oral antifungals, topical antifungals, laser therapy, nail removal |
| Nail trauma | Taping, splinting, trimming, dressings |
| Lifestyle and hygiene | Cleaning, moisture control, disinfecting, treating other infections |
| Medical conditions | Disease control, circulation improvement, biopsy |
This table summarizes the main treatment approaches for different causes of yellow, thickened toenails.
Home remedies for yellow, thick toenails
You can try some natural home remedies while awaiting medical treatment:
– Soak nails in a mixture of vinegar and warm water – The acidity fights fungal and bacterial infections
– Apply vicks vapor rub – The thymol has anti-fungal properties
– Brush with tea tree oil – Tea tree oil exhibits antifungal activity
– Apply coconut oil – Contains lauric acid to kill microbes
– Garlic paste or crushed cloves – Contains ajoene and allicin, compounds with antifungal effects
– Baking soda paste – Creates an alkaline environment to discourage fungal growth
– Oregano oil – Carvacrol and thymol in oil have antifungal effects
However, check with your doctor before using herbal remedies if you have any medical conditions or take medications. Home remedies alone are often not sufficient to cure a fungal nail infection. See your podiatrist if your nail condition persists or worsens.
Prevention of yellow, thick toenails
You can take these preventive measures to help avoid yellow, thickened nails:
– Wear shower shoes in public areas like pools, showers, and locker rooms
– Disinfect or replace nail care tools regularly
– Wear properly fitted shoes and clean socks
– Alternate shoes to allow them to fully dry out
– Clip nails straight across to prevent ingrown sections
– Treat athlete’s foot, warts, or other infections promptly
– Moisturize feet to avoid cracks in skin near nails
– Trim thickened nails to encourage new growth
– Control diabetes, thyroid issues, and other medical conditions
– Kick smoking habits to improve circulation
– See a doctor at first signs of nail discoloration or thickening
Catching nail problems early makes treatment easier and prevents worsening. See your doctor right away if you notice any abnormal toenail changes.
Conclusion
Yellow, thickened toenails are commonly caused by fungal infections, injury, poor hygiene, improper footwear, underlying medical conditions, aging, smoking, or other factors. See a podiatrist promptly if you notice persistent discoloration and thickening to determine the cause and start appropriate treatment. With the right management, yellow and thick toenails can be cured or controlled. Practicing good foot care and hygiene can help prevent many nail problems. Address nail issues early before they excessively thicken, become painful, or impair your quality of life.