Toenails are thickened and paler than usual, what is the cause?

In recent times you may have noticed that your toenails appear thicker, harder, and paler than usual. Actually, thickening of toenails is a natural thing. Thickened toenails are one of the “side effects” of aging. Even so, thickened toenails can also indicate a certain disease. Here's the complete info

Why are toenails thickened?

Nails are a part of your body that is made of keratin, which is a type of protein that is also found in your hair. Each nail begins to grow from the nail matrix, a tiny pocket under the skin. As long as there is an adequate supply of blood and nutrients, the nail matrix continually makes new nail cells (oncocytes) and pushes older nail cells up and out towards the fingertips.

As we age, the growth and repair rate of cells slows down. This causes a build-up of oncocytes in the nail bed, which makes the nails appear thickened. Even so, nail thickening due to aging is more commonly seen in toenails. This is because fingernails can grow three times faster than toenails, so the risk of thickening is smaller than that of toenails.

The cause of thickened toenails apart from aging

In addition to naturally occurring as a result of increasing age, thickened toenails can be a sign of certain health problems that require medical treatment. Here's the explanation:

Yeast infection

Foot fungal infection, aka oncomycosis, is the most common cause of thickened toenails, apart from aging. Toenails are prone to mold when the feet are rarely exposed to the sun or fresh air because they are almost always covered in shoes or socks. Mushrooms thrive in warm, humid environments.

In addition, the habit of walking or walking barefoot or using drugs that can lower immunity can also increase the risk of fungal infection of the toenails.

Trauma

When your foot is hit or crushed by a hard object or you get a fall injury during sports, it can cause trauma that can inhibit the growth of your toenails. Trauma or injury to the toenails makes it easier for the nail plate to thicken and harden. Frequent wearing of shoes that are narrow can also result in trauma to the nails.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes the skin to become dry, scaly and swollen with redness. Psoriasis can also affect the growth of the nails on the hands and feet so that they become thickened.

A safe way to treat thickened toenails

Soak feet with warm water for 10 minutes, then dry well
With a small nail clipper, cut straight across the top of your toenail to prevent it from breaking and causing infection.
Don't cut your toenails too deep to avoid injury.
Nail file gently to remove any sharp parts of the nail.

Prevents thickening of toenails

Nail thickening that occurs due to fungal infection or trauma can be prevented with the following tips:

Keep your feet clean by washing them with soap and water regularly. Dry with a towel afterward.
Change your socks several times a day. We recommend that you wear socks made of cotton that absorbs sweat.
Use shoes that match your size.
Use foot powder to keep feet dry.
Wear flip-flops when you are in the pool or other wet places. Don't plug it in.
Trim toenails properly and make sure the clippers are clean.
Be careful when doing sports or carrying heavy objects so you don't fall on your toenails.
Reduce the use of high heels which can make you fall and injure your feet.