One of the most common causes of a thickening or distorted nail is a result of a toenail fungal infection. They can come from a number of causes such as trauma, sports injury, pressure from shoes or improperly fitting shoes, and other less common symptoms such as psoriasis and diabetes. However, thickening may not only be a sign of a nail fungus and could be due to something completely different. It is important to contact a podiatrist if you have such a symptom. If the thickening goes untreated, the nails do have the potential to detach and fall off.

Some symptoms that go along with nail thickening consist of brittle nails, yellowing of the nails, and rigidness in appearance. Pain is also a factor that pairs along with thickening.

You may begin treating the nail by keeping them short and thin. Do so by filing down the nail using a nail file/grinder, or a debridement machine if you have access to one. Topicals may also be used in conjunction with the filing. Using an antifungal cream may also help avoid ulcers that can develop underneath the nails. Lastly, using antifungal foot spray or powder in your shoes can help in treating the nails and avoiding any further infection.

Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus

If you have caught nail fungus, it can be easily treated using the FDA-approved PinPointe laser, which typically only takes on treatment. Other treatments like topical solutions and oral medication are not as effective. Topical solutions have a very low cure rate. This is because the solution does not penetrate all the way through the nail bed. Oral medication is not recommended by our nail doctors. This is because it can lead to liver toxicity. You would need to have consistent blood tests throughout the course of taking the medication. 

Our nail doctor in Irvine, CA recommends this treatment. The PinPointe Laser treatment has the highest cure rate in the market. It has no side effects and no recovery period. As a result, you can go about your daily activities right after the treatment. Also, it is not painful.

If you have any signs of nail fungus, call us at (800) 672-0625 or visit our website for more information on our doctors at one of our over 150 locations.