Toe nails generally tend to be thicker and tougher than fingernails, so they’re more resistant to breakage and wear. This is because toes endure more pressure and strain than fingers, so the nail must be harder in order to protect the toe.
Fingernails tend to be more delicate and prone to breakage and splitting, so they need to be kept trimmed and groomed more often. Toe nails are often more difficult to trim and shape, usually requiring a special type of clipper.
Ultimately, toe nails tend to be harder and more resistant to breakage and damage than finger nails, making them stronger overall.
Table of Contents
Why are toenails so tough?
Toenails are made up of a type of tissue called keratin. Keratin is the same type of protective, tough, and durable tissue that makes up our skin, hair, horns, and hooves. Toenails have an extra-thick layer of this tissue, which makes them incredibly strong and able to withstand a lot of wear and tear.
The extra tough layers of keratin in toenails also protect the sensitive, sensitive areas underneath them. The nails act as a barrier, shielding them from dirt, debris, and other irritants. Additionally, having thicker and tougher toenails is just part of the natural evolution of humans.
Many of our ancestors in the wild relied on their strongest parts, like toenails, to help them hunt, build shelter, and protect themselves from danger. That’s why toenails have become so thick and tough over time.
Why are my toenails extremely hard?
Your toenails can become extremely hard due to a variety of conditions and factors. The most common cause is a condition called onychogryphosis, which is an overgrowth of the toenail due to age-related factors, genetics, or fungal infection.
Genes can play a role in how thick and hard your toenails become over time. Additionally, a fungal infection, such as athlete’s foot, can cause hardening of the toenail. Trauma to the nail may also cause it to become hard and thick, as the body will create scar tissue to repair the damaged area.
Poor nail hygiene and long-term use of certain medications, such as steroids, may also be contributing factors. In rare cases, more serious medical conditions, such as psoriasis or diabetes, can be the underlying cause.
For best results, it is important to visit your doctor to get a proper diagnosis and follow their recommended treatment plan.
How can I soften very hard toenails?
Toe nails can become very hard and difficult to trim. There are many ways to help soften the toenails.
One of the most common methods is to keep your toenails well moisturized with a foot lotion or cream. A good quality foot cream or oil can help hydrate the nails, keeping them soft, flexible and easier to trim.
It’s also important to keep your toenails clean and dry to prevent the build up of bacteria and fungi that can cause infection and further hardening of the nails. Soaking your feet in warm water daily for 10-15 minutes can help reduce hardening and keep your nails soft and healthy.
You can also add Epsom salts or vinegar (which deodorizes foot odor) to help soften the toenails.
Using a gentle nail file or buffer will help take off any ridges or uneven surfaces and make toenails easier to trim. Applying a lemon and/or olive oil to the nails daily also helps to soften them and can be used in place of a foot moisturizer.
If these advice don’t help to reduce the hardness of your toenails, you may need to see a doctor to check any underlying medical conditions.
What makes toenails thick and hard to cut?
Toenails tend to be thicker and harder to cut than fingernails due to the extra pressure placed on the toes caused by activities such as walking and running. The extra pressure pushes more cells together, leading to a thicker and harder nail.
Also, as we age, toenails tend to become thicker and harder to cut because the blood circulation to the feet decreases with age, which can cause the nails to become thicker and harder. Finally, medical conditions such as fungal infections and psoriasis can cause the toenails to become thick and hard.
These conditions can cause the toenails to thicken and lose their natural flexibility and strength, making them difficult to cut.
What is the white hard stuff under my toenails?
The white hard stuff that you may find beneath your toenails is most likely a condition called onychomycosis, commonly known as toenail fungus. This condition is caused by a fungal infection that affects the surface of the toenail.
The white hard material is composed of fungal cells and cellular debris, where the surface of your toenail has thickened and can become yellow, crumbly, and brittle. This condition can also cause an odor and discomfort.
In order to treat this condition, it is best to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Treatment often includes antifungal medications, such as oral antifungal medications or topical creams.
It is important to follow the directions of your doctor carefully and practice good foot hygiene, such as washing your feet regularly, keeping them dry, wearing open-toed shoes, and not sharing shoes with others.
Do thick toenails ever go away?
Thick toenails can go away, but the process takes time and can take different forms depending on the cause of the issue. Generally, once the cause has been identified and treated, the nail can slowly start to return to its normal thickness.
Treatments for thick toenails include prescription strength oral medications, fungal medications, surgery, and laser treatments. In addition to looking for a medical intervention to return the toenail to its normal thickness, there are several lifestyle changes that can help the thick toenail to go away faster.
Examples of these lifestyle changes include taking breaks throughout the day, wearing proper-fitting shoes, avoiding tight socks or hosiery that constrict the toes, and not walking barefoot. Additionally, regular trimming and filing of the nail can help to prevent the occurrence of a thick toenail in the future.
As with most medical conditions, thick toenails should be discussed with a medical professional to ensure that the root cause is identified and treated appropriately.
How do I stop my toenails from thickening?
First of all, make sure you are wearing the proper-sized shoes. When the front of your shoes is too cramped, it can put pressure on your toenails, causing them to thicken. Make sure to keep your toenails trimmed and remove any dead skin or debris in order to keep them healthy.
You can also use antifungal medications to help treat any underlying fungal infections that may be causing the thickening. Additionally, soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salts or apple cider vinegar can help soften the toenails and reduce thickening.
To prevent future thickening, make sure to keep your feet dry and wear moisture-wicking socks.
What causes thick toenails in seniors?
Thick toenails in seniors is most commonly caused by a fungal infection. Fungal infections of the nail can develop slowly over time and cause discoloration, thickening, and brittle nails. Certain fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, and the enclosed space of a shoe can provide the perfect environment for growth.
Fungal infection can also be picked up from nail salons, leisure pools, or from walking barefoot in public places like locker rooms or locker areas.
Other potential causes of thick toenails in seniors include aging, physical trauma, and deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and/or protein in the diet. Poor circulation to the feet can also cause thickening of the toenails, especially in individuals with diabetes.
Changes in nail color or texture can also be caused by certain health conditions like psoriasis, lichen planus, or the side effects of certain medications.
If a senior notices thickening of their toenails, it is important to have the nails evaluated by a doctor. Treatment can vary, depending on the exact cause of the thick toenails. In the case of a fungal infection, antifungal treatments may be used, either as a topical cream, an oral medication, or drops.
With medical treatment and proper nail care, such as avoiding cutting nails too short and clipping regularly, the thickening should be able to be controlled.
Can thickened toenails be reversed?
Yes, thickened toenails can be reversed, depending on the cause. If the condition is being caused by fungal infection, an anti-fungal medication may be prescribed by your doctor. If the thickening is caused by repeated trauma or an underlying medical issue such as psoriasis, you may need to treat the underlying condition.
Prevention is key with both causes, wearing the appropriate footwear, making sure your nails are kept trimmed and avoiding activities that put excessive pressure on the feet, such as running or jumping.
Additionally, avoiding tight footwear and providing your feet with adequate ventilation are important for avoiding further thickening of the nails. In severe cases, surgery to reduce the thickness of the nail may be an option.
Should you file down thick toenails?
It is not typically recommended that you file down thick toenails as this can cause more damage than good. Filing down thick toenails can lead to an infection by cutting the toenail improperly or weakening the nail bed, making it more susceptible to bacteria, fungus, or other types of infection.
It is also possible to cause pain to the toe or damage to the surrounding skin if the filing is done incorrectly.
Before attempting to file down thick toenails, it is always best to seek medical advice from a podiatrist or doctor and have them diagnose the problem. They may recommend medical or surgical treatments that can help to reduce the unwanted thickness in a safe manner and without a risk of damage or infection.
If you must file your toenails, make sure to use a heavy-duty nail file and take your time, filing gently and not too close to the skin and nails.
How can I make my toenails healthy again?
Making your toenails healthy again can be done through proper hygiene, nourishment, and treatment.
1. Hygiene: First and foremost, the key to healthy toenails is good hygiene. Make sure to wash and thoroughly dry your feet every day. In addition, trim your toenails regularly and make sure they are clean and properly trimmed when you do so.
It’s also important to keep your nails free of any dirt or debris that may cause damage to them or lead to infection.
2. Nourishment: In order to keep your toenails healthy, you should provide them with the nourishment they need through the use of creams and oils. You should also consider taking supplements, such as biotin or zinc, to help keep your nails healthy.
3. Treatment: If your toenails are already damaged or if you’re experiencing any sort of fungal infection (which is quite common with toenails), you may need to seek professional treatment. Your doctor may prescribe topical creams or oral medications that can help clear up the infection.
Failing that, you may require a surgical procedure or laser treatment to restore your toenails to health.
By following these steps and taking care of your toenails, you can make sure that they remain healthy and strong.
What does it mean when your toenails grow faster?
Having toenails that grow faster than usual typically means that your body is trying to compensate for the toenails being trimmed too short. If your toenails are trimmed too short, the body will produce more cells at the bottom of the nail to make up for the removed length.
This causes the toenails to appear to grow faster than they actually are, as they are just replacing the lost tissue faster. In some cases, toenails that grow faster can be a sign of a health issue such as fungal infection, poor circulation, an imbalance of vitamins and minerals, or a metabolic disorder.
If your toenails are growing unusually fast, it is best to consult with a doctor or podiatrist for a proper diagnosis.
Do toenails grow faster as you age?
Yes, the toenails do tend to grow faster as you age. This can be attributed to a number of factors, including the body’s natural aging process and a decrease in physical activity. As you age, the cells responsible for producing keratin, which is what makes up our nails, start to weaken.
This means that the nails grow at a slower rate. However, your overall health also affects the rate of nail growth. If you are not exercising enough or are not getting enough vitamins, minerals, and proteins, your nail growth rate can slow down even further.
As people age, they tend to lead less active lifestyles, which can lead to a decrease in the rate of nail growth. In addition, certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or circulation problems, can also cause nails to grow more slowly.
Other factors, such as dehydration or cold weather, can also affect the rate of nail growth.
How fast should toenails grow?
The rate at which toenails grow varies from person to person. Generally, toenails grow slower than fingernails, and it can take them up to 6 months to grow out completely. The average rate for toenail growth is about 1 millimeter per month, which means it can take up to two months for them to reach the end of the toe.
However, certain factors may affect the rate of growth, such as age, diet, and health. For example, toenails tend to grow more slowly as one grows older. Additionally, nutritional deficiencies have been linked to slower rates of nail growth.
Lastly, medical conditions that affect the blood circulation and hormones may also influence the rate at which toenails grow.
