Have you noticed that one or more of your toenails look thick, yellow, or different than usual? You’re not alone. Many people deal with changes in their toenails at some point in their lives. At Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists, we help patients understand what’s going on with their nails and how to treat them. We’re your podiatrist office in Holland, PA.
What Causes Thick and Yellow Toenails?
If you notice your toenails are thick, yellow, or look different than normal, there could be several reasons why. Some causes are minor and easy to treat, while others may need more care. At Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists, we often see patients with these nail problems. Here are the most common causes of thick and yellow toenails:
Fungal Infection (Onychomycosis)
This is the most common reason people get thick and yellow toenails. A fungal infection happens when tiny germs called fungi get under your toenail. Once they’re there, they can cause the nail to turn yellow, become thicker, and even smell bad. In some cases, the nail may start to crumble or separate from the toe.
Fungus likes to grow in warm, damp places like public showers, locker rooms, swimming pools, and inside sweaty shoes. You can even catch it by sharing nail clippers or towels with someone who has a fungal infection.
Nail Injury
The nail might change if you’ve ever dropped something heavy on your toe or stubbed it really hard. A nail injury can damage the nail bed (the skin under your nail), which can make your toenail grow thick or discolored. The nail may grow back in a different shape or color. Sometimes, the damage can also make the nail more likely to get infected with fungus later on.
Age
As you get older, it’s normal for your nails to change. Older adults often notice their toenails getting thicker, harder to trim, and slightly yellow. This happens because nail growth slows down, and the nails get more buildup over time. Even though this change is common, it’s still a good idea to have your nails checked by a podiatrist, especially if they are painful or look unusual.
Skin Conditions
Some skin problems, like psoriasis, don’t just affect the skin — they can also affect your toenails. Psoriasis can make your nails thick, yellow, crumbly, or even separate from the toe. Other conditions, like eczema or athlete’s foot, may also cause nail changes if they spread to the nail area. If you already have a skin condition, let your doctor know if your nails start to look different.
Poor Foot Hygiene
Keeping your feet clean and dry is one of the best ways to keep your nails healthy. If you don’t wash your feet regularly, or if you wear tight, dirty, or sweaty shoes, it can create the perfect place for fungus and bacteria to grow. This can lead to thick, yellow, or infected toenails over time. Make sure to wear clean socks, let your shoes dry out, and avoid walking barefoot in public places.
You might notice:
- Nails that look yellow, brown, or cloudy
- Nails that are hard to trim or feel thick
- Cracking or crumbling nails
- Pain or pressure from the nail
- A bad smell coming from the toe
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to visit a foot specialist.
How We Treat Thick and Yellow Toenails
As your podiatrist in Holland, PA, we start by finding the cause of the problem. This helps us create the best treatment plan for you. Here are some common treatments:
- Antifungal Medication: If a fungal infection is the cause, we may prescribe antifungal pills, creams, or medicated nail polish. These help kill the fungus and clear up the infection.
- Nail Trimming and Care: We can safely trim and thin your nails in our office, especially if they’re too thick to manage at home. This helps relieve pressure and pain.
- Laser Treatment: In some cases, we use laser therapy to treat fungal nails. Laser fungal nail treatment targets the fungus without harming the surrounding tissue.
- Surgery (for severe cases): If the nail is badly damaged or painful, we may recommend removing it. Don’t worry, this is usually a quick procedure, and we’ll guide you through it.
To prevent thick and yellow toenails, be sure to:
- Keep your feet clean and dry
- Change socks daily
- Wear breathable shoes
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places
- Trim your nails straight across
Get Comfortable Toe Treatment
If you’re worried about your toenails, don’t wait. Contact your podiatrist in Holland, PA, Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists today at 215.234.3772. You can also schedule an appointment online. We’ll help you get back to healthy, clear nails and more comfortable feet!