Understanding Thick Toenails: Causes and Treatments
Thick toenails can be caused by a fungal infection. The nails can get thick as one gets older, after an injury, or because of conditions like psoriasis. If you see discoloration along with thick toenails, you may want to see a healthcare professional. Sometimes, discoloration can mean a fungal infection, injury, or other conditions like psoriasis that make the nails feel discomfort. A doctor will know what to look for, can help find the reason, and may suggest treatments or medicine for you.
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Thick toenails can be caused by a fungal infection. You can also get thick nails as you get older, from hurting your nails, or if you have some sickness like psoriasis.
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Some signs to look at are toenails turning yellow or brown, chalky spots, nails that feel weak or split, things showing under the nail, and at times a bad odor.
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You can use home methods, try products from the store, ask your doctor for antifungal medicine, or go see a doctor for nail care. It helps to wash your feet, wear footwear that lets your feet breathe, and protect your feet in wet public areas. These steps stop thick toenails and help keep you safe from reinfection. Thick toenails often appear yellowed, brittle, or oddly shaped, and they may look raised or much thicker than a normal toenail. If you're unsure what thick toenails look like, many reputable medical websites offer pictures for reference so you can compare your toenail to common symptoms.
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It helps to wash your feet, wear footwear that lets your feet breathe, and protect your feet in wet public areas. These steps stop thick toenails and help keep you safe from reinfection.
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If you have diabetes or trouble with blood going to your feet, you need to talk to a doctor about nail changes right away.
Introduction
Thick toenails can happen for several reasons. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that fungal nail infections, which are also called onychomycosis, are one of the most common causes. Other things, like getting older, hurting your toenail again and again, and some health problems like psoriasis, can also make the nails thick. If you notice that your toenails are thick and look different in color, the Mayo Clinic says you should see a healthcare professional. This is because discoloration can be a sign of an infection or another problem that needs to be looked at and treated.
What Are Thick Toenails?
The american academy of dermatology says that thick toenails can look and feel different. Some common signs are:
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Color changes: Nails can turn yellow, brown, green, or look chalky white.
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Texture changes: The nails may feel brittle, crumbly, or uneven.
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Debris or lifting: A pile of debris can build up under the nail, and the nail may lift from the nail bed.
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Odor or pain: A nail that gets thick from fungus may start to smell bad or feel pressure in shoes.
Thickened nails are often caused by fungi. But, the DermNet New Zealand Trust says these nail changes can also be found in people who have psoriasis. You may also see them in those who have had trauma or have some blood vessel problems.
Did you know that having thick nails does not always mean you have a fungus? Sometimes thick nails happen because of trauma, psoriasis, or other conditions that can look like onychomycosis. If you feel unsure, the best thing to do is to ask for a lab test. This test can help you know for sure before you start using antifungal medications for a long time.
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You can feel pain or pressure on your foot when you put on shoes. This can happen when you walk, too.
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A bad odor can be there. This often happens with a fungal infection.
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You might notice cracking in the nail. It can break or have splinters, and it may be hard to cut or trim.
Main Causes of Thick Toenails
Fungal Infections (Onychomycosis)
Thick toenails are mostly caused by fungal infections, says the CDC. Fungi, like dermatophytes and yeast, can get into the nail from small cracks or cuts in the skin near the nail. The toes are often kept in warm, wet shoes. That helps these fungi grow. When they do, the nail can turn thick and change color.
Injury and Repetitive Trauma
The Mayo Clinic says that hurting your toe—like when you bump it or drop something on it—can hurt the part under your nail where new nail cells grow. If you keep injuring this area, from tight shoes or playing sports, your nail can get thicker for good over time.
Aging
As we get older, our nails start to grow more slowly. The AAD says this slow growth means old keratin can build up. Because of this, toenails can get thicker and feel harder. This is normal as people age. But, it can make it harder for us to trim our nails and take care of them.
Other Conditions
DermNet NZ says that some medical conditions, like psoriasis, problems with blood flow, and yellow nail syndrome, can make your toenail thick. The APMA also says that people with diabetes or poor circulation need to pay close attention to changes in their toenail. They are more at risk for infections and their cuts may heal slow. It is good for people with these medical conditions to look for changes so they can get help if needed.
Not every thick or yellow nail means it is a fungus. A fast clip from the nail can be looked at with a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. This test helps us find the real cause of the nail problem. It can help the general population avoid many months of wrong treatment.
Who’s at Higher Risk?
The CDC says that about 8 to 10% of adults get fungal nail infections. The risk goes up as people get older. If you have diabetes, problems with your blood vessels, or issues with your immune system, you may be more likely to get these infections. Being around moisture often—like what happens in locker rooms or swimming pools—can also make the risk higher. Going to salons for pedicures where tools are not cleaned the right way makes it easier for an infection to happen.
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Nail growth can slow down as people get older.
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People who have diabetes, vascular disease, or psoriasis can have this happen.
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Those who are around moisture a lot, such as in locker rooms or at pools, or who wear tight shoes that keep their feet from getting air.
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People who get pedicures often and where the tools are not kept clean.
How Doctors Diagnose Thick Toenails
Doctors at the AAD say they check nail thickening by looking at your nail. Sometimes, they also ask you to do some lab tests. Here are some things that usually happen when the doctor is trying to find out what is wrong:
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Nail clipping or biopsy: The doctor might cut a small piece of your nail. They send it to a lab to check if there is fungus or something else causing trouble.
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Debris swab: A doctor can take a bit of what is under your nail with a swab. This helps find out what is making the problem.
The APMA says that if you have thick toenails that hurt, look red, or have pus, you should go see a podiatrist or dermatologist. If you have diabetes or poor blood flow, do not try to cut your toenails yourself in a rough way. This can cause infection or sores that may get worse.
When to Seek Care
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There can be pain, swelling, or pus, or the nail can lift up.
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There can be infections that come back again and again, or more than one nail can have problems.
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If your nail looks different and you have diabetes or poor blood flow, you should get help.
Treatment Options
The American Academy of Dermatology says you can take care of mild thick toenails at home. A good way is to soften the nails first and then trim them safely.
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Soften before trimming: You can soak your feet in warm water for about 15 to 20 minutes. It will help make the nails soft. Putting a urea-based cream on your nails overnight also helps with this. It makes the cutting easier.
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Trim and file carefully: Trim your nail straight across. Do it in small sections, not all at once. Then use a nail file to smooth the edges.
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Maintain hygiene: Try to keep your feet clean and dry. Clean the nail tools you use. Change your shoes now and then so moisture does not build up.
Products that add moisture and make nails feel soft help make trimming easy. NatraCure’s Five-Toe Gel Moisturizing Socks help with deep moisture for nails and the skin around them. They be made to make your care more comfortable and help your nails stay flexible.
Medical Treatments
When thick nails happen because of a fungal infection, you may need medical help. The Mayo Clinic says there are several treatment options.
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Topical or oral antifungal medication: A doctor may give you prescription creams like efinaconazole, or you may take pills like terbinafine. Both can work to kill the fungus.
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Laser therapy: Some doctors use laser therapy to heat the area under the nail bed. This can help destroy the fungus that lives there.
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Surgical nail removal: In severe cases, the whole nail might be removed. This helps the doctor reach and treat the nail bed more directly.
Before you start taking oral antifungals, you should make sure that the diagnosis is correct. These kinds of medicine often need you to get your liver checked.
Pro Tip: Make sure that you really have a fungus before you start to use oral antifungals. These do work, but they take some time. In some cases, you may need to check how your liver is working while using them.
How to Safely Trim Thick Toenails
The AAD and APMA say these steps are good to keep you safe when you trim:
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Soften the nails by soaking them in warm water. You can also use gel socks that help to keep in moisture.
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Cut across the nail straight. Do it in small steps and keep it even. This helps to lower pressure and can stop ingrown nails from happening.
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File the edges so the nails feel smooth. This can help stop them from catching on things.
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Clean your tools each time you use them.
If you find it hard to trim your nails, you can see a podiatrist or try a medical-grade pedicure. This will help you get safe nail care.
Prevention: Keep Nails Healthy
As the CDC and AAD say, it is better to stop nails from getting thick because of fungus or injury before it happens. Later, it can be hard to fix.
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Wear shoes that fit your feet well and let them breathe.
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Always put on sandals when you use public showers or pools.
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Change into clean socks every day. If your feet sweat a lot, do this more often.
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Go to salons that are known for using clean tools.
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Make sure to keep your nails clean and put on some moisture. Do not let too much moisture get stuck between your toes.
Adding NatraCure’s foot care products to your daily plan can help keep your skin soft and healthy. This can also stop dry skin that might make nails weak or break easily.
Conclusion
Thick toenails are something that can make your toes hurt. It can also bring infections and damage your nails for a long time. Fungus, getting hurt, or getting older can be why you get thick toenails. You should work to fix this problem soon. Try to use the right tools like nail clippers. It is important to keep your nails clean. Trim them in a safe way and use care that helps. These things really can help your nails.
If your toenails get just a little thick, taking good care of them at home could be enough. But if your nail problem is strong or does not stop, it is good to talk to a healthcare provider. A healthcare expert can help you know what to do and give you the right care.
Add softening and trimming tools to your foot care routine. A good product to try is NatraCure’s Five-Toe Gel Moisturizing Socks. These help make your feet feel good and keep the nails soft. If you keep clean and do this often, your toenails will be more healthy for a long time, especially if you go to a nail salon that puts hygiene first.
Medical Disclaimer: The info on this page is meant to help you learn. This is not a replacement for advice, checkups, or care from a trained healthcare provider. If you feel worry about your thicker toenails, feet, or any medical conditions, the right thing to do is to talk to a healthcare provider. This is extra important for people who have diabetes, problems with blood flow, or a weak body defense system. A healthcare provider will help you with these medical conditions.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for information only. It does not take the place of advice from a healthcare provider. If you have any questions about your toenails, feet, or your health, always talk to a qualified healthcare provider. This is very important if you have diabetes, trouble with blood flow, or if your body fights sickness in a poor way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common causes of thick toenails?
Onychomycosis means the nail has a fungal infection. This may happen when the nail gets hurt many times. Older adults, as they get older, may have this happen more. Some health problems, like psoriasis or issues with blood flow, can also bring changes and complications to the nails. Finding out what is causing the problem is important. A good diagnosis will help you and your doctor find the best way to treat it.
How are thick toenails diagnosed?
Clinicians will look at the nail. They may cut off a small piece of the nail or take some debris from it. This sample goes to the lab. There, the lab checks if there is fungus. The lab can also find out about other reasons for the nail problem, like how well some treatments, such as tea tree oil, work.
How can I safely trim thick toenails at home?
First, make your nails soft. You can do this by soaking your feet or hands in warm water for a bit. After that, trim straight across. Start at the corner of the nail and work in small sections. Then, use a nail file to smooth out the edges. Be sure you clean your tools well before and after you use them. If you have diabetes or any issues with your blood flow, talk to a professional before you cut your nails.
How are thick toenails treated?
Thick toenails can be treated through various methods, including trimming and filing to reduce thickness, using antifungal medications for infections, or applying topical treatments. In severe cases, a healthcare professional may recommend nail removal or surgery to address underlying issues effectively. Regular foot hygiene is also essential for prevention.
When should I see a podiatrist?
If you feel pain, see swelling, have pus, notice your nail lifting, get infections again and again, or see any nail changes, it is important to get help from a professional. This matters even more if you have diabetes or any problems with blood flow. Getting help early can stop more serious complications, like foot ulcers. This is very important for your health.
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About the Author: Anna Hibschman Ferguson
Anna leads content and education at NatraCure. She joins with others to gather real advice from clinics. They make it simple so you can follow easy foot care tips with her help at home. She helps you keep an eye on the appearance of your toenails.
Last Updated: October 14, 2025
