“What causes toenails to be thick and yellow?”
I'm 33 years old and my toenail is thick and yellow. What could be the cause?
25 Answers
PodiatristDiscolorednails
The most common cause of thick yellow toenails is a nail fungus, but there are also other causes. An examination is recommended to determine the cause and treatments available.
Most common is toenail fungus which can be treated with medicine. The other cause is trauma to the nail if you have lost the toenail a lot it can become thicker to protect itself.
It could be a fungus most likely. Over-the-counter medications do not work for this issue. This will progress if left untreated.
Dr. Jay Mermelstein
Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist) | Primary Podiatric Medicine
Mount Vernon, NY
A possible cause may be fungus, but the other potential reasons to have ruled out. Your best bet is to see a podiatrist or other appropriate health professional. If it is fungus, I have not seen patients with success with store bought topical treatment. One final tip if it is a fungal nail, sanitization of your shoe gear is critical to prevent reinfection.
Fungal infection can cause thick and yellow nails. Nail polish can discolor toenails. Injury to nail root and nail bed can cause thickening of the nail.
You have most likely contracted a fungal infection. The good news is that it is only one toe. You need to make an appointment with your podiatrist to effectively treat this condition before it spreads to your other toes.
There are many reasons to have thick, yellow toenails. The most common one is a toenail fungus infection.
Jonathan M. Kletz, DPM
Jonathan M. Kletz, DPM
Thickened discolored nails could be from poor circulation, trauma or any of the skin diseases can cause nail changes.
Hello,
You could have fungus causing the thickening and discoloration. There is oral medication as well as topical medication both by prescription to treat the problem.
Dr. Lui
You could have fungus causing the thickening and discoloration. There is oral medication as well as topical medication both by prescription to treat the problem.
Dr. Lui
The most common causes of acquiring a thick and yellow nail is onychomycosis or classic nail fungus or a traumatic incident to the nail that causes damage to the nail matrix cells. Treatments are topical and oral antifungals, laser treatment or nail removal. Thank you for your question.
The most common cause is a toenail fungus. This is known as onychomycosis. This fungus infection needs to treated to go away. If left untreated, it can spread to other nails and destroy the nail. The good news is that there are newer prescription topical medicines to kill the fungus and allow the nails to grow out more healthy
You may have a nail fungus infection, and or the nail plate may be damaged. See your doc for a diagnosis and treatment plan. I've found Tolcylen Ointment to be very effective for these conditions, along with proper foot and shoe hygiene.
Toenail fungus. Get it treated sooner than later. Over the counter medications are not very effective for the problem