Yellow and thick nails oftenly indicate underlying health issues. They don’t cause discomfort, but their appearance can be distressing and may signify a need for attention. In this blog we will try to understand causes of yellow and thick nails, explore treatment options, and discuss preventive measures to maintain healthy nails. Understanding and trying to find the answer of the question, “why my nails are yellow and thick” “is important because it is a most commonly encountered problem. Our nails are composed of a protein called keratin, the main function of keratin is to protect our fingertips and toes. Healthy nails are typically pinkish in colour without any discoloration. However, when nails become discoloured and thickened, it may show an underlying problem. In this blog post we will focus on the following points:
- Causes of yellow and thick nails
- Why does fungal infection occur?
- Symptoms of fungal infection
- People who are commonly affected
- Treatment Options
- Preventive Measures
Causes of Yellow and Thick Nails:
Fungal Infections
One of the main culprits behind yellow thick nails is fungal infections. Fungi love warm and moist environments. Fungi like dermatophytes, yeasts or molds usually affect toenails but sometimes also involve fingernails. Whenever moisture and warmth provided, it will be an ideal home for these groups of fungi. When these dermatophytes ,yeasts and molds infect nails, we use the term, ”Onychomycosis“. So onychomycosis is the infection of nails. Most commonly fungus targets toenails. Fingernails are affected less commonly.
Underlying skin disease
Skin conditions like Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition, can affect nails, causing changes in texture, thickness, and color. Yellowing and thickening of nails are common changes seen in a nail disease related to Psoriasis. Many other skin conditions can also cause yellow brown discoloration of nails and increased thickness.
Nail Injury
Repeated injuries to the nail bed, or poorly fitted footwear, can lead to thickening and discoloration of nails. If blood collects under your nails, it can also cause a yellowish appearance.
Nail Polish
Prolonged use of dark-coloured nail polish without proper nail care can result in yellowing of nails. The pigments in certain nail polishes penetrate the nail plate, causing discoloration over time.
Why Does Fungal Infection Occur?
Warm and Moist climate:
Such environment is favourable to promote fungal growth. Someone who is exposed to such an ideal breeding environment for fungi can easily get fungal infection. So be careful in public areas like swimming pools, gyms, and communal showers.
Poor Foot Hygiene:
If you don’t care about your foot hygiene then get ready for fungal infection affecting your toenails. Good foot hygiene means keeping your feet dry and clean. After taking shower make sure your feet specially areas between toes are dry. If you sweat a lot then drying the feet will be very helpful to keep fungus away.
Trauma:
Injuries during sports or due to wearing poorly fitted shoes make entry points for fungi to infect toenails.
Weakened Immune System:
Individuals having diabetes or other autoimmune conditions like AIDS /HIV are more prone to fungal infections because of weakened immune systems.
Symptoms Of Fungal Infection:
Symptoms vary from person to person according to the severity. Usually, fungal infection starts from the edge of the nails and then goes deep down into the nail bed and causes:
- Thickening of nails making nails distorted and deshaped
- Discoloration of nails that may be yellow, white and brown. In some cases, green or black discoloration is also seen because of accumulation of debris.
- Brittleness of nails, due to fungal infection nails can break easily.
- Discomfort or pain comes when fungal infection is not settled and progresses.
People Who Are Commonly Affected
- Old age people as their blood circulation is poor and nail growth is slow.
- Diabetics or those having any skin disease and also those having any disease in which blood circulation is not good.
- People having repeated nail injuries or those wearing tight shoes.
- Those who are frequently exposed to warm and moist environment.
Treatment Options for Yellow Thick Nails:
Antifungal Medications:
Antifungal medications, topical or oral, are usually prescribed. Most important thing is to follow the treatment consistently. Because fungus does not go easily. So patience is much needed during the treatment. Proper antifungal treatment will help nail to grow back healthier over time.
Topical Treatments:
Topical agents are applied directly to the affected nails and can be effective most of the time when used consistently as directed. Topical agents include creams, lotions and nail lacquers.
Oral Medications:
Oral medication is recommended in severe or recurrent fungal infections. Duration of oral treatment is for several weeks or months and needs monitoring for any possible side effects.
Nail Debridement:
Nail debridement is done to reduce the thickness of nails. It may also relieve discomfort and allow antifungal drugs to penetrate the nails in a better way.
Phototherapy:
Phototherapy, or light therapy, is done in some cases. Affected nails are exposed to Ultraviolet light to reduce inflammation and improve nail’s health.
Home Remedies:
Different home remedies include use of tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil and garlic.
Preventive Measures for Healthy Nails:
Maintaining good foot Hygiene:
It is essential for preventing fungal infections. Keep your feet clean and dry, especially between toes. Avoid sharing items for foot and nail care to minimize the risk of infection transmission.
Wear Good Fitting Shoes:
Choose well-fitting shoes in which you can stand and walk around comfortably. Don’t wear tight shoes for prolonged periods because they can cause nail deformities and discomfort.
Avoid Excessive Use of Nail Polish:
To limit the use of nail polish is necessary so that your nails may have a chance to breathe. It will help to prevent discoloration.
Avoid Nails Injuries:
Try maximum to protect your nails from injuries during sports and other activities.
Avoid Walking Barefooted In Public Areas:
Wear flip-flops or protective footwear in public areas like swimming pools, gyms and locker rooms to reduce fungal exposure.
Trim Nails Properly:
Trim your nails straight across and file down the thickened areas to reduce pressure on nails.
Wear Breathable Shoes and Socks:
It will allow circulation of air around your feet and prevent moisture to build up.
A healthy and a balanced diet:
Comprising essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and protein, is vital for nail health. Eating foods like lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains make your nails strong and healthy. To know more about healthy diet, click here.
Conclusion:
Yellow and thick nails can be a symptom of most commonly fungal infections. Other causes are different skin conditions, injuries or other underlying issues. Focusing on the most common cause of yellow and thick nails, it is important to know the causes of fungal infection affecting toenails. So that we may adopt preventive measures that are very helpful not only to prevent fungal infections but also to get rid of them. Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, can be persistent, may cause pain and discomfort if left untreated. It affects millions of people worldwide. Complete treatment of fungal infection requires consistency as fungus does not go easily.
