What causes thick toenails in the elderly

What causes toenails to thicken as you age?

As we age , our toenails – and fingernails – slow their growth rate, and the nails thicken because the nail cells, called onychocytes, sort of pile up. Fingernails appear to thicken less, probably because we tend to them more often with filing and buffing, which thins them.

How do you cut thick toenails in elderly?

To properly cut your thick toenails , follow these steps: Soak your feet in warm water for at least 10 minutes to soften your nails, and then use a towel to thoroughly dry your feet and toenails . Using a nail clipper, make small cuts to avoid splintering the nail and cut straight across.

Can you file down a thick toenail?

For nails that are still intact, it’s acceptable to gently file down the nail as long as you don’t file it too thin (this can increase the possibility of infection). Use clippers to trim the nails, then file them gently, as thickened nails are susceptible to splintering.

Does Vicks cure toenail fungus?

Although designed for cough suppression, its active ingredients, camphor and eucalyptus oil, may help treat toenail fungus . A 2011 study found Vicks VapoRub had a “positive clinical effect” in the treatment of toenail fungus . To use, apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area at least once a day.

What is the buildup under toenails?

This overgrowth is called subungual hyperkeratosis. People with hyperkeratosis may notice a white, chalky substance under the nail. When this occurs in the toenails , the pressure of shoes pushing down on the nails might cause pain.

What causes toenails to thicken?

Your toenails can thicken for many reasons. These include: A common skin condition that causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin (psoriasis) Injury.

Can you scrape out toenail fungus?

To get rid of the infection, you will need to treat all infected areas. Before giving you the diagnosis, your dermatologist may also take some samples. Collecting a bit of debris from beneath a nail , trimming off part your nail , or scraping off a bit of skin can be very helpful.

Does Medicare cover cutting toenails?

En español | “Routine” foot care means toenail clipping and the removal of corns and calluses. Medicare doesn’t cover these except in specific circumstance. If the act of toenail clipping would be hazardous to your health unless done by a professional, such as a podiatrist.

What are the best nail clippers for thick toenails?

IDEAL FOR THICK NAILS – The Kohm KP-700 Toenail Clipper/Nipper is the perfect nail tool for your extra thick and irregular nails due to fungus, age, or other condition causing irregular growth. WIDE JAWS on these heavy-duty professional nail clippers open up to over 1” (3 cm) wide.

How do you treat thickened toenails?

How are thick toenails treated ? Clean the affected area with soap and water daily. Groom your nails regularly. Apply an over-the-counter fungal treatment after you gently file your nails. Apply Vicks VapoRub on your toenail each day.

What causes keratin buildup under toenails?

“Nail keratin debris results from a fungal infection of the nail. In medical terms this is called onychomycosis or tinea unguium,” says Batra. The fungal infection breaks down the keratin in the nail to form a white or yellow chalky substance under the nail plate.

Does filing down a fungal nail help?

For example, you can buff the nail down with a file to keep it thin, so the fungus has less of a home to live in. You should also keep the nail trimmed. If you let your toenails grow long, it creates more places for the fungus to grow.

Does vinegar kill nail fungus?

The antifungal properties also make vinegar soaks a good idea for people who have toenail fungus . Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes daily in a vinegar bath until the infection subsides.

Will Vicks Vapor Rub kill athlete’s foot?

Vicks VapoRub Rub Vicks on the affected area every night, massaging it into the foot . Do this every night for at least a month, or up until a week after the infection has disappeared.

Does Vicks Vapor Rub kill skin fungus?

Tea tree oil is another popular home treatment for fungus infections. Rub it into your skin twice a day but never drink it. And Vicks VapoRub contains eucalyptus oil and menthol, which can fight fungi .