Thickened Nails

Thickened Nails are known as onychauxis, or hypertrophy of the nail. More common in older adults, onychauxis can become more severe if left untreated. The nails may begin to curl, turn white or yellow, and they may become so thick it’s impossible to trim or maintain them. That, in turn, can make treating the nail disorder more difficult.

This thickening of the nail may force the nail plate (the part you paint with nail polish) to separate from the nail bed. Though toenail fungus can cause similar symptoms, onychauxis isn’t caused by a fungus. However, your risk for developing a fungal infection increases if you have this nail disorder.