Onychauxis is a thickening of nails that can be caused by various factors. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause and adopting a special nail care routine. Trimming and filing nails regularly can help, and applying clear or regular polish can disguise the condition.
Onychauxis is a thickening of the nails. It can be seen in both toenails and fingernails and can present in a number of ways. Treatment requires addressing the underlying cause of the thickening of the nail and adopting a special nail care routine to encourage the growth of the overgrown nail so it can be replaced with a healthy nail.
Sometimes only one or two nails are involved, while in other cases each nail shows onycholysis. The nails thicken upwards but may also extend outward and may be yellowish to white, with flaking edges in some patients. The thickness of the nails makes them difficult to trim safely and evenly. As a result, the nails may often grow out and may begin to curl as they get longer.
Some congenital conditions lead to onychauxis, along with other problems. Shoes that don’t fit properly are another culprit, as are conditions like diabetes and circulatory problems in the feet or hands. Nail injuries can also cause this condition as a reactionary response. Skin conditions like psoriasis can sometimes be associated with nail problems, as can nutrient deficiencies where the body doesn’t get the nutrients it needs to grow healthy nails.
Immediate treatment is trimming to reduce nail size. If your toenails are ingrown or severely curled, it may be advisable to seek help from a doctor. The nails will still be thickened, but will look neater. Trimming can also reduce the pain associated with pressing on the toenails and ingrown toenails. Aggressive trimming will need to be continued to keep nails in good condition.
If the cause is treatable or treatable, treating it can resolve thickened nails. Frequent trimming will remove the overgrown nail and make room for new nail growth at the base of the nail. When the cause cannot be addressed, making dietary changes can support healthy nails, and patients may also find that trimming and filing their nails regularly keeps their nails looking neat. In the case of onychauxis involving the feet, carefully fitting shoes can also help people feel more comfortable.
You can apply polish products to thickened nails. A clear varnish can help protect the nail and can smooth the look to make the overgrowth less visible. Regular polishes can also be applied and can help disguise onychauxis from casual onlookers.
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