How to Treat Thickened Toenails: Remedies and Tips

Thickened toenails are often a response to trauma, which can be either sudden or repetitive. For instance, activities that put consistent pressure on the toes or poorly fitting footwear can contribute to these changes. In some cases, improper foot mechanics can also cause toenails to become lift.

What Causes Thickened Toenails?

healthy nails can often reflect overall health, and changes in nail appearance can signal underlying issues. Thick toenails, in particular, are usually not just a cosmetic concern but can indicate underlying problems such as fungal infections, trauma, or other health conditions.

Thickening of toenails can result from various causes, including fungal infections (onychomycosis), psoriasis, or other dermatological conditions. Trauma to the nail or repeated pressure from ill-fitting shoes can also contribute to thickening.

Here are some common causes of toenails thickening:

Fungal Infection (Onychomycosis): This is one of the most frequent causes of thickened nails. Fungal infections can cause nails to become discolored, brittle, and thickened over time.

Psoriasis: People with psoriasis may experience thickening of the nails, along with other symptoms such as pitting, discoloration, and separation from the nail bed.

Injury: Physical damage to the nail can lead to thickening as the nail tries to repair itself.

Age: Nails naturally thicken with age, as the growth rate slows down and the nails may become more brittle and prone to thickening.

Moisture or chemicals: Prolonged exposure to water or chemicals can damage the nails and cause them to thicken.

How to Treat Thickened Toenails At Home

Here are 7 at-home treatments for toenail fungus:

Baking soda

Baking soda is believed to have fungistatic properties, meaning it can inhibit the growth of fungi. This could potentially prevent the spread of toenail fungus if applied consistently.

If you decide to try baking soda, it can be used by sprinkling it directly on the affected nails or mixing it with water to form a paste. It’s typically applied daily and left on for some time before washing off.

Vicks VapoRub

Using Vicks VapoRub for toenail fungus has gained attention due to its active ingredients, particularly camphor and eucalyptus oil

Camphor and eucalyptus oil, found in Vicks VapoRub, have been studied for their antimicrobial and antifungal properties. These properties suggest that they could potentially inhibit the growth of fungi that cause toenail infections.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, contains compounds such as terpinen-4-ol that have antifungal activity against various fungal species. It recognized for its antifungal and antiseptic properties, which can potentially help in treating toenail fungus.

Dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil or olive oil) if you have sensitive skin. Using a clean cotton swab, apply a small amount of tea tree oil directly onto the affected nail and the surrounding skin twice daily.

Snakeroot extract

Snakeroot extract contains compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which have been found to possess antifungal properties. These alkaloids may help inhibit the growth of fungi, including those responsible for toenail fungus infections.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is known for its antimicrobial properties and has been suggested as a home remedy for treating toenail fungus.

You can apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the infected toenails using a clean cloth or cotton swab.

You can mix 1/8 cup of hydrogen peroxide with four cups of cool water. Soak your feet in hydrogen peroxide solution for 10 to 20 minutes. After soaking, rinse your feet with warm water and pat them dry thoroughly.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) contains acetic acid, which is known to have antimicrobial properties. This acidity may help create an environment that is unfriendly to fungi.

Soak a cotton ball or cotton pad in undiluted ACV. Place the soaked cotton ball on the affected toenail and secure it with tape or a bandage. Leave it on for several hours or overnight.

Garlic

Garlic is believed to have antifungal properties due to compounds like allicin, which has been studied for its antimicrobial effects.

Crush or finely chop garlic cloves to release allicin, the active compound responsible for its antifungal properties. Apply the crushed or chopped garlic directly onto the affected toenail and the surrounding area.

Self-care Tips for Thickened Toenails

The following tips may be maintaining good foot hygiene and managing toenail fungus.

• Trim your toenails regularly to keep them short and prevent debris under the nails.
• Dry your feet thoroughly after bathing or showering, paying attention to the spaces between the toes.
• Use one nail clipper for infected toenails and another for healthy nails to prevent spreading the fungus.
• Wear well-fitting shoes made of breathable materials to reduce moisture.
• Opt for socks made of cotton fabrics to keep feet dry.
• Change socks daily, especially if they become damp from sweat.
• Wash your feet daily with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly afterward.
• Use a separate towel for your feet to avoid spreading fungus to other parts of your body.

Conclusion

While home remedies may offer temporary relief for mild toenail fungal infections. They generally lack the efficacy needed to fully address the problem.