Your toenails can reveal surprising insights about your health. While some thickening comes with age, noticeable changes often warrant closer attention.
Fungal infections cause about half of all nail thickening cases, typically making nails yellow and brittle. These stubborn infections require consistent treatment – either medicated polishes for mild cases or prescription antifungals for severe ones.
Injury-related thickening might appear months after stubbing your toe or wearing tight shoes. Unlike fungal cases, these nails usually maintain normal color but grow abnormally thick.
Most concerning are thickness changes linked to conditions like diabetes, psoriasis, or circulation problems. These systemic issues often affect multiple nails and may accompany other symptoms.
Simple self-care helps manage most cases: keep nails trimmed (but not too short), wear comfortable shoes, and maintain good foot hygiene. For persistent problems, a healthcare provider can identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
