Thick Toenail Treatment

Thick toenails look unsightly and can keep you from flaunting your lovely feet in open footwear. Well, this is a common nail problem that can be caused due to various reasons.

People often realize this problem while trimming off their toenails or after the problem has gone into the second stage leading to a discolored nail. It is best that you pay attention to the problem as soon as you realize it and start treating it at the earliest. So let us move on to know about various causes of and suitable thick toenail treatment.

The primary and most common cause is a fungal infection which can lead to brownish or yellowish discoloration of the nail. Often the toenail might also get separated from the nail bed due to the fungal infection. Individuals going to gyms, spas, swimming pools and other such public places and walking barefoot are prone to such infections.

Skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema are also probable cause of this problem which can lead to inflammation and irritation of skin around the affected nail. Trauma to the root of your toenail can also lead to thickening of toenail.

The same can also be caused due to repeated use of tight footwear which leaves no room for your toes. Well, in any of the cases, opting for the right toenail treatment in time is much essential to avoid worsening of this problem.

When you are looking for fungus treatment it is best to consult your doctor and get oral prescription medications which do not have potential side effects. He/ she might also prescribe you some topical medications to be applied on the nail and skin around it.

In severe cases the toenail might thicken and also start curling. In such a case it is recommended to get the toenail removed so as to cure the problem and have a healthy nail.

Surgical removal of the toenail is usually recommended if the same can't be treated with medications. In this case you will have to take extra precautions and follow the recommended post care to avoid further infections.

A natural treatment where tea tree oil is applied on the damaged toenails is also effective and opted by many individuals suffering from this problem. You can dilute tea tree oil by adding olive oil to it and applying the same on your affected toenail using a cotton ball. Make sure that you repeat this treatment twice a day and follow it everyday till you notice any improvement in the problem.

Another treatment includes use of vinegar foot soak. Soaking your feet in vinegar is known to be a very effective way to cure the problem and get back those healthy and neat toenails.

Take a wide tub and pour warm water in it. Add some apple cider vinegar in it and let your feet stay in the mixture for 20-25 minutes. Your nails will be softer after soaking them in this mixture so that you can now work on them much more easily. Pat dry your feet and nails.

Take a nail buffer and buff your nail surface thoroughly to make it plain and get rid of damaged top layer. Now cut your nails short and file them straight. You need to repeat the treatment at least thrice a week. Applying apple cider vinegar directly on your nails using cotton balls is also an effective remedy for this nail problem.

If natural remedies don't work, make sure that you consult a doctor and get the problem treated soon. He will also be able to know the exact cause and suitable treatment. Do not wear very tight fitting closed footwear.

Also wear flat and open footwear till the thick toenails completely heal. Keep the outer and inner side of your nails clean with a regular pedicure and a foot soak.