Thick toenails are a common health issue that often gets ignored, but they could hint at hidden problems needing attention.
They’re caused by things like fungal infections, injuries, or medical conditions such as diabetes and psoriasis.
Dr. Abigail Waldman, a derm at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, points out that feet are a perfect breeding ground for fungi because they’re damp. Infections usually start on the skin and then spread to the toenails.
Conditions like onychomycosis, where a new nail grows under an infected one, and onychauxis, which makes nails curl and turn yellow, are common. Injuries or immune-related problems can also thicken nails.