Changes in toenails may be a symptom of an underlying condition. Toenails that grow thicker over time are likely to be a sign of a disease.

It can become painful if left unaddressed. The nail fungus can be cured with prompt treatment. It is difficult to cure and may take months to treat.

A change in the thickness of your toenails is a symptom of a fungal infection.

Other symptoms of nail fungus include:

  • The toenails change in color.
  • A foul odor comes from the toenails.
  • The toenails can lift up from the nail bed.
  • There are toenails that split or fall apart.
  • The toenails look sclerotic.
  • There are toenails with debris under them.

You may not notice any pain in the early stages of the infection. Your toenails may become painful as symptoms build.

Around 1 percent to 8 percent of the population has a diagnosis of onychomycosis, and its occurrence grows. This condition happens when a fungus or yeast enters your toenail:

  • Where your nail bed and toe meet.
  • There is a crack in your toenails.
  • It touches your toe.

The nail bed is moist where the yeast grows. The initial minor infections can be treated, but with time, it can cause your toe to grow thicker, which can lead to other symptoms.

Exposure to wet areas can cause your toes to be susceptible to infections. The moist helps the spread of the fungus.

You might be at risk of getting toenail fungus.

  • Being barefoot in public places with wet floors.
  • Exposure to water can be frequent or long.
  • shoes that make your feet uncomfortable
  • sweaty feet
  • There is damage to a toenail.
  • athlete’s foot that spreads to your toenails
  • The medications suppress your immune system.
  • Genetics
  • smoking

If you have a medical condition, you are more likely to get toenail fungus.

There is a chance that cancer treatments may increase the chance of nail fungus. It is important to treat a preexisting condition as soon as possible.

If you notice a change in your nails, call a doctor. It is possible to prevent a worsening of a fungal infection by treating it in its early stages.

Your doctor will look at your nails to see if there is a problem. The doctor can take a sample under the nail or a piece of the toe.

Untreated toenail infections can cause more serious problems. Symptoms may become more severe as the infection gets worse. Toenails can make it difficult to walk, and they can also make it more uncomfortable when you try to wear shoes.

Treatment is important if you have a medical condition that could cause a secondary infections or cause a serious injury.

Thick toenails may be a symptom of worsening toenail fungus.

There are several ways to treat toenails. You can try some home-based treatments first and then talk to your doctor about prescription-based options. Therapy is based on oral and/or cream medications.

Home-based treatments

You can try a variety of home-based methods to treat nail fungus. It is always a good idea to talk with your doctor before you go to the store to get home remedies. You can try home remedies.

  • The affected area should be cleaned with soap and water daily.
  • Groom your nails regularly. Soften your nails first by applying urea cream (Aluvea, Keralac) and wrapping your feet in bandages at night. Then, wash off the urea cream, and use a nail clipper and nail file to trim your nails.
  • After you file your nails, apply an over-the-counter treatment.
  • Apply Vicks VapoRub on your toenail each day. This may help the infection subside.
  • Apply tea tree oil twice a day every day.

Medical treatments

Toenail fungus may require medical interventions that involve prescriptions and recommendations from your doctor. These include:

  • The medications are on the skin.
  • The oral medications are not in pill form.
  • The treatments are done with lasers.
  • The nail bed needs to be treated with the removal of the toenail.

Some oral medication can affect the liver, so you may need to have your blood tested.

Treating toenails for fungus may require you to stick to the treatment plan for several months. Toenails grow slowly, and they can take 12 to 18 months to grow out.

You may experience a regrowth of toenail fungus after treatment. If you have chronic infections, you should talk to your doctor.

You can reduce the risk of toenail fungus by using a number of ways.

  • You can keep your feet clean by washing them with soap and water. After that, dry them off with a towel.
  • “Change your socks a few times a day, wear cotton socks that remove water from your feet, and buy shoes that don’t make your feet feel tight.”
  • Try a foot powder that keeps your feet dry.
  • You should wear flip-flops or other shower shoes when you are in the pool or locker room.
  • Your feet should be groomed properly.
  • Use the right tools when trimming your nails.
  • If your nail fungus has been cured, you should buy new footwear.

Toenails that grow thicker over time may indicate a fungal infection. The good news is that if an infection is diagnosed, prompt treatment can help cure it.

There are a number of ways to lower your risk of toenail infections, including wearing sandals or shoes in locker rooms, keeping your feet dry during the day, and practicing good foot hygiene.