Why do my toenails look thick and crusty?

As you age, your toenails tend to thicken. Your nails can also thicken if they’ve been traumatized by a blow, or even as a result of repeated rubbing against your shoe.  

A fungal infection called onychomycosis might also cause your thick, crusty toenails. Other causes of thick or deformed toenails include conditions such as psoriasis and hypothyroidism.

What causes onychomycosis?

Onychomycosis is a variant of ringworm infection. You can pick up onychomycosis by walking barefoot in public areas that are warm and moist, such as showers, gyms, pools, and steam rooms.

What causes an ingrown toenail?

Your toenail may start to grow underneath your skin instead of outward if you wear shoes that are too tight in the toe box. You also may be cutting your toenails too short or at an unhealthy angle.

Other causes of ingrown nails include medical conditions such as pincer nail and congenital deformities.

Why is my toenail black?

When your toenail is traumatized, blood can collect underneath the nail, giving it a blackened look.

You may have traumatized your toenail by dropping something on your toe or by merely exposing it to repetitive pressure, such as walking or running in shoes that don’t fit properly. If you don’t have your blackened toenail treated by a podiatrist, it may fall off.

How do I fix a broken toenail?

If your toenail is cracked or broken, don’t try to fix it yourself. To avoid the chances of an ingrown toenail or an infection, consult Dr. Boyuka so that she can repair your broken toenail and restore it to health.

How can a podiatrist restore my toenails?

Dr. Boyuka uses state-of-the-art minimally invasive treatments, including Lunula LaserⓇ and Aspen Laser Systems, to resolve common toenail issues. She avoids prescribing oral antifungal agents whenever possible.

The Lunula Laser resolves onychomycosis in five to six treatments. Dr. Boyuka gives you a topical antifungal to enhance your therapy and prevent reinfection. She also treats your footwear with ultraviolet light to kill the fungus.

Dr. Boyuka repairs and protects cracked, infected, or damaged nails with the KeryFlex™ Nail Restoration System. She uses the patented resin to create a flexible, nonporous, false nail that lets your toenail look beautiful and natural while it heals from damage or infection.

When you’re ready to repair your toenails, book an appointment at spa-like Southern Tier Podiatry by using the online form or calling the friendly staff.