Fingernails and toenails are protective parts of the body, made of keratin, which is quite hard to protect the tips of the fingers and toes. Some bacterial and fungal infections can cause toenails to become wavy, thick, or rough, and develop ridges, which might be normal. However, they could also signal underlying health issues. Let’s explore the reasons why toenails become wavy with BuyBulkWhey.com!
Can Fingernails and Toenails Have Diseases?
Fingernails and toenails are composed of keratin, rich in sulfur, and have a hard texture that protects the fingertips during daily activities and work. Like other body parts, nails can suffer from various diseases due to bacterial or fungal infections.
Wavy toenails can result from various causes, such as trauma, skin diseases (like psoriasis, nail fungus), bacterial or fungal infections, nail tumors, or systemic diseases (such as cardiovascular issues, bronchiectasis, or dermatomyositis symptoms). When nails thicken and exhibit other symptoms, they may include:
- Unusual nail colors, such as yellow, brown, or black.
- Nails may become dry, brittle, and prone to breaking.
- Horizontal or vertical ridges might appear, or a fine sand-like coating could cover the nails.
- Prolonged conditions can lead to pain, swelling, bleeding, or pus under the nails, causing a foul odor, peeling, and damage to the nails and surrounding areas.
Why Are Toenails Wavy?
Why Are My Toenails Wavy?
Candida Nail Fungus
Candida nail fungus is often the cause of unusually thick and wavy toenails. Besides thickening and roughness, Candida can be identified by:
- Toenails becoming slightly yellow or brown-black.
- Toenails becoming crumbly and more prone to breakage.
- Damage beneath the toenails, leading to peeling and detachment.
Initially, only one or two toenails might show these symptoms. Without treatment, the condition can spread to other toes. Candida infection often stems from prolonged exposure to warm, damp environments.
To effectively treat Candida nail fungus, consider the following:
- Improve your living and working environment to be cooler and more ventilated.
- Clean your toes properly after working in damp environments or handling food.
- Use prescribed medications correctly. Common treatments include topical creams like Lamisil and Nizoral, or oral medications like Fluconazole, Itraconazole, and Ketoconazole.
Dermatophyte Fungi
Apart from Candida, dermatophyte fungi can also cause toenail thickening and waviness. The most common fungus is Trichophyton rubrum, which can cause symptoms beyond wavy toenails:
- Toenails thicken and become brittle.
- Nails erode from the top down, eventually affecting the entire nail.
- Nearby skin or other body areas may become infected.
Fortunately, this condition is treatable, and toenails can regrow normally. Treatment involves improving living conditions, maintaining cleanliness, and using antifungal medications as prescribed by a specialist.
Nail and Periungual Inflammation
Wavy toenails due to inflammation might relate to contact dermatitis. Frequent exposure to chemicals like detergents, bleach, cleaning solutions, and nail polish increases the risk of nail inflammation, worsening with infections.
Symptoms include:
- Redness, pain, and possible pus around the toenail.
- Long-term nail thinning and discoloration to yellow, green, or black.
- Rough nail surfaces with ridges.
- Nails may detach from the nail bed.
- Severe cases might develop nail bed abscesses.
Treatment involves avoiding chemicals and water exposure, refraining from nail polish, and using corticosteroid medications to eliminate fungi.
Nail Separation
Nail separation is another common condition, possibly linked to psoriasis, fungal infections, medications, chemical exposure, or trauma. Causes and treatments include:
- Psoriasis or fungal infections require treatment as per medical guidance.
- Trauma or chemical exposure can cause nails to separate gradually, initially affecting parts of the nail and eventually leading to a large gap between the nail and its base.
Treatment requires time and regular specialist check-ups, avoiding injuries or direct chemical exposure that could break the nails.
Aging and Thickening Toenails
Wavy toenails with long, rough ridges and thickening are common in older adults. Doctors suggest this is due to slower cell growth, a normal part of aging.
Aging signs like iron deficiency, anemia, or vitamin B12 deficiency may also cause this. It’s advisable to consult a doctor for diagnosis and timely treatment.
Health Issues Indicated by Wavy Toenails
Wavy and unusually thick toenails might indicate serious health problems, as toenails reflect functions of the kidneys, thyroid, blood vessels, and diseases like:
- Kidney disease.
- Mumps.
- Thyroid disorders.
- Diabetes.
- Syphilis.
Home Remedies for Wavy Toenails
Garlic Treatment for Rough Toenails
Garlic is effective in combating skin and toenail fungus. Allicin in garlic helps reduce inflammation and inhibits parasites, fungi, or bacteria causing nail infections.
Ingredients:
- 10 fresh garlic cloves
- 1 cup of warm water
Method:
- Boil water or crush peeled garlic cloves.
- Boil the garlic-water mixture for 5-10 minutes, then cool.
- Soak affected toes for about 15 minutes, then dry thoroughly.
- Repeat 3-4 times a week for noticeable improvement.
Betel Leaf Treatment for Rough Toenails
Betel leaves have high antibacterial properties, helping reduce nail fungus and unpleasant odors from infections.
Method:
- Select fresh betel leaves and crush them.
- Boil with water and a pinch of salt for 5-10 minutes.
- Cool slightly, soak affected nails, and gently scrub.
- Do this 4-5 times a week for effective results.
This article from BuyBulkWhey.com explains why toenails become wavy and how to address the issue. Regularly check your toenails to quickly identify and treat potential problems. Thank you for reading!
