The most common cause of thick toenails is a fungus infection similar or identical to the fungus that causes “athlete’s foot.”
Symptoms of Thick Toenails
The nail usually takes on a yellowish cast and may be difficult to cut. The problem usually becomes painful when closed shoes are worn since the thick nail is pressed down into the skin underneath. Although the big toe (hallux) is most commonly affected, the nails of the other toes are also often involved.
Treatment
In some cases, this problem may be best treated with oral and/ or topical antifungal medicine.
- In more severe cases, the affected thick toenail is removed and a chemical is used to dissolve the entire nail root so that the thickened nail will not grow back.
