Thick toenails typically result from fungal infection, trauma, aging, or conditions like diabetes and psoriasis[1]. Getting rid of thick toenails quickly is challenging, as most effective treatments require consistent use over several months; however, several strategies can help address the problem as quickly as possible:
- Trim and thin the nail: Before trimming, soften thick nails by soaking your feet in warm water or using urea-containing creams[6]. Gently file and clip the nail after softening to make it more manageable and prepare it for topical treatments[3].
- Use prescription medications: Oral antifungal medications like terbinafine, itraconazole, or fluconazole are usually the most effective and fastest approach, but may require weeks to months for full results and can come with side effects[2].
Topical prescription medications, such as ciclopirox nail lacquer, can be effective for mild to moderate infections, though they often take several months to work[5]. - Try over-the-counter and home remedies:
- Apply OTC antifungal creams or medicated nail lacquers to help slow fungal growth[4].
- Use Vicks VapoRub, tea tree oil, or soak nails in vinegar solutions to help manage milder cases or complement medical treatments[3][4][5].
- Baking soda, coconut oil, and olive leaf extract may offer additional antifungal benefits[4].
- Laser therapy: Certain FDA-approved laser treatments may offer a quicker improvement in some cases, though cure rates are generally lower than with oral medication, and lasers are not usually a first-line option[2][5].
- See a doctor or podiatrist: If thick toenails are severe, painful, or resistant to home care, a podiatrist can debride (thin and trim) the nail, prescribe faster-acting medications, or offer advanced treatments like laser therapy[1].
Because toenails grow slowly, even the fastest treatments take weeks to months for a new, healthy nail to grow in[3]. Persistent care and prevention (new shoes, disinfecting clippers, etc.) are important to prevent recurrence[5].
References
- [1] What to Do With Thick Toenails – Lexington Foot & Ankle Center
- [2] Toenail Fungus (Onychomycosis/Tinea Unguium) – Cleveland Clinic
- [3] Thick Toenails: Diagnosis, Pictures, Causes, and Treatments – Healthline
- [4] Remedies for Thick Yellow Toenails – WebMD
- [5] Dealing with thick, discolored toenails – Harvard Health
- [6] Nail fungus – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
Leave a Reply