Healthy nails are not only flexible to a certain extent, but also grow straight and without discoloration or white spots from the nail bed. They are robust, milky and translucent without losing their shine. Changes in their structure such as thickened toenails or color indicate damage or disease.
What are thickened toenails?
Wooden toenails are often associated with fungal diseases and appear as a symptom of an infection that has not been treated for too long. One of these changes is thickening of the toenail. Colloquially, affected nails are called wood nails. They are not only visually unsightly, but also require clarification by a specialist, as various causes may be present. In the case of thickened toenails, the body produces a large amount of nail substance, which leads to a thickening of the nail plate. Moreover, such a nail hardly grows in length, but mainly in height. It loses not only its transparency, but also its shape and pliability. The term “wood nail” originates from the visual appearance of a thickened toenail. In most cases, the large toenail is affected. If the deformity is not treated, the nail may continue to deform and cause severe discomfort.
Causes
Various triggers and causes are possible for thickened toenails. On the one hand, they can be the result of pressure or mechanical injuries, on the other hand, an underlying disease is also possible. Wooden toenails are often accompanied by fungal diseases and appear as a symptom of an infection that has not been treated for too long. Severe damage in an accident can also be to blame for the deformation. Apart from that, rheumatic diseases, blood circulation problems and advanced age can also be the reason for the development of wooden nails. Moreover, only treatment can limit further pressure on the nail bed.
Diseases with this symptom
- Rheumatism
- Circulatory disorders
- Nail fungus
Symptoms, complaints and signs
Lay people often can not distinguish between fungal diseases and thickened toenails. Therefore, to make a diagnosis, it is necessary to visit a doctor or trained chiropodist. He or she will first ask about the patient’s medical history. If there were injuries in the past in the area of the affected nail, the diagnosis is often made quickly and is very accurate. A typical symptom of thickened toenails is yellowish discoloration. In addition, the nail usually becomes brittle and threatens to split. Usually, the surface of a wooden nail is uneven and rough because the thickening is not uniform. Depending on the case, peeling of the nail is also possible. The nail is often unable to grow in a normal shape and deforms. In some cases, this thickening is irreparable and only relief of discomfort and containment of growth can be done.
Diagnosis and course
In some cases, the diagnostician will take a nail sample, which he or she will examine microscopically to be sure. If a fungus is responsible for the thickening of the nail, it can be seen under the microscope. Depending on the case, the physician will create a culture to identify the fungus. In this way, with the help of the patient, he can treat the fungal disease – and thus the wooden nail – in a targeted manner. How well this treatment responds and whether the thickening can be completely combated depends on the particular cause and can therefore not be generalized.
Complications
Affected people who suffer from thickened toenails also have to deal with various complications in most cases. Besides the fact that the nails are very brittle and fragile, there may be severe pain when wearing shoes that are too tight. It is not uncommon for thickened toenails to break off, thus also causing a very uncomfortable feeling. In some cases, thickened toenails are caused by a fungal infection. In such a case, severe inflammation may occur. In addition, purulent discharge and oozing of the wound are not uncommon, so that in such a case a visit to the doctor is inevitable. However, such an inflammation or complication can be counteracted very quickly with appropriate medication. If thickened toenails are caused by circulatory disorders, there is a risk of further complications.In such a case, there is an underlying disease, such as narrowing of the veins or arteries. Such a complication should also be examined and treated by a doctor. Other complications that can be caused in connection with thickened toenails are very versatile and different. This is due to the fact that the cause of this clinical picture is equally versatile.
When should you go to the doctor?
Thickened toenails, or wooden nails, occur due to various causes. If it is an injury that heals, then the affected person should be patient. A visit to the doctor is only necessary if the injury needs to be treated, or if the thickened toenails lead to an impact on daily life such as wearing shoes or walking. This should then be investigated by a general practitioner. If thickened toenails do not occur due to any apparent reason, then a doctor should also be consulted. Thickened toenails can be a symptom of diseases such as a fungal infection of the foot or even a fungus that directly affects the toenails. In this case, a doctor should be consulted directly. These diseases must be treated, otherwise they can spread and affect other areas of the foot and also other toenails. If the cause of the thickened toenails is malnutrition, this must also be determined by a doctor. Especially in elderly patients, the thickened toenails can be a sign of deterioration of the bones in the foot. This definitely needs to be examined and treated by a doctor. It is best to see a doctor when thickened toenails occur, as they may be caused by a variety of conditions.
Treatment and therapy
Similarly, the treatment is also conditioned in the cause. A fungal disease is to be treated differently than rheumatic causes or mechanical injuries. Sometimes a professional foot care is already sufficient. In other cases a therapy with medication is indispensable. The nail fungus can be treated with ointments and antimycotic preparations. Regular use of the prescribed medication is important to effectively fight the disease. The nail cannot recover until the underlying disease is completely eliminated. In addition, there is a possibility of oral intake of preparations that fight the fungus. Usually, however, due to the strong side effects of these drugs, they are not used. Most doctors limit themselves to external treatment, which is usually sufficient to treat wooden nails. In addition, it is important to keep the nail as dry as possible. Heavy sweating should therefore be avoided as much as possible. The moist environment in public swimming pools or visits to the sauna should be postponed by the affected person for the time being in order to provide the fungi with less of a surface to attack. Otherwise, it is difficult to prevent the fungi from multiplying. If the reason for the thickening is a previous injury, regular professional foot care is advisable. In addition, shortening the nail is important. In this case, whether the affected toenail will grow back normally depends on the damage to the nail.
Outlook and prognosis
Thickened toenails can become painful. This is the case when the affected toes are exposed to constant friction. Depending on the appearance, thickened toenails should be examined for fungal infection. If thickened toenails cause pressure points, they may need to be surgically removed. This is particularly necessary for diabetics who are affected by sensory disturbances in the foot. In this condition, pressure points caused by thickened toenails can have dangerous consequences. The prognosis is not particularly good in diabetes if the pressure point is not treated promptly. Thickened toenails can also grow in. They must also then be removed in whole or in part. Under normal circumstances, the prognosis of thickened toenails is good. Such problems are often age-related. Nail thickenings are professionally treated as part of medical foot care. They can be cut and filed better if the feet are soaked in warm water for a few minutes beforehand. As long as the nails are cut and filed with care, inflammation due to injury can be avoided. The purchase of more suitable footwear should also be considered.If possible, no further pressure should be applied to the thickened toenails. In the case of thickened nails caused by a fungal infection, the prognosis is relatively good. The prerequisite is that the fungal nail disease is treated promptly and healed. If necessary, the nail must be removed.
Prevention
To prevent wood nails, it is first appropriate to prevent nail fungus. This can eliminate at least one of the main risk factors. To effectively prevent nail fungus, regular care of toenails should be done. Filing the nails and healthy foot care with daily sock changes can prevent infections. In addition, keeping the feet dry and drying them thoroughly after showering is advisable. Wearing the same shoes every day increases the risk of infection. Germicidal sprays for the shoes help against this. Preparations containing silver also reduce the formation of odors. Accidents, on the other hand, are difficult to prevent. If an injury has occurred in the area of the feet, the nails should be examined at regular intervals. Weekly shortening of the toenails can prevent any complications. This applies anyway to maintain healthy nails and prevent diseases in the area of nails.
This is what you can do yourself
A crucial factor for healthy toes is the shoes. It is important to find the right size and fit for your particular foot. Shoes that taper wider in the front take pressure off the toes and provide relief. Cushioned soles and a soft lining also help reduce pressure. Shoes should not be worn continuously all day and at least two pairs are mandatory to change regularly. Furthermore, increased hygiene is necessary to avoid infections. Clean scissors and files must always be used for nail care. Soft nails are easier to cut. Therefore, they should be soaked in warm water before cutting. After drying, toenails become more supple by applying cream. When shortening the nails, do not cut too deeply. Another important factor is a good foot climate. For this, the feet must be kept dry. Damp shoes and socks should be changed as soon as possible. After showering, it is essential to dry the feet thoroughly, including the spaces between the toes. The use of foot powder helps to keep the feet dry. Going to medical foot care can be the right option in difficult cases. It’s not just the condition of the toes and feet that’s important. Affected individuals should eat a healthy diet in general. This will help the nails to regenerate. Anything that interferes with blood circulation, such as smoking, should be refrained from.
