“Thick toenails that grow out extremely slowly?”
I had ingrown toenails removed on my big toes and the toe to the right of the big toe (on my right foot) and ever since my toenails have grown back really thick and it takes them forever to grow out, I’m talking months. They’re so unattractive that I haven’t worn sandals since. What could’ve caused this? My left toe seems to have a stinky jam that will crust on the bottom of the toenail and the cuticle area that I have no clue where’s it’s coming from of being caused by. Any help would be appreciated.
Female | 25 years old
Complaint duration: 2-3 years
Medications: Omeprazole, prenatal
Conditions: None
20 Answers
Hello, Thank you for your question. We you have to evaluate you and take foot x-rays if needed. Please call our office 973-817-9577 or on our portal drtotten.com for an appointment.
Thank you
Thank you
It's best to be evaluated by a specialist
When an ingrown toenail is treated surgically there are two different methods. Either the side of the nail is removed or the entire nail is removed. With either procedure there can be damage to the nail. That is why it is imperative to perform the procedure meticulously and with care. Even with great care these nail changes can happen, which is a risk of the procedure.
Based on your description, the nail changes most likely happened from the procedure. The nail can take 12 months to grow out. If it has been shorter than this, I recommend that you let the nail grow out longer. If you are getting build-up, pain or other concerning symptoms, I would recommended you follow up with a specialist for evaluation and treatment recommendations.
Based on your description, the nail changes most likely happened from the procedure. The nail can take 12 months to grow out. If it has been shorter than this, I recommend that you let the nail grow out longer. If you are getting build-up, pain or other concerning symptoms, I would recommended you follow up with a specialist for evaluation and treatment recommendations.
It sounds like you may have fungal or a diseased nail matrix where you seek a Podiatrist to do a nail biopsy
Hello,
From your detailed description you may be experiencing a fungal infection and possibly a bacterial infection. I recommend that you consult with a Foot & Ankle Specialist in your area for prompt evaluation and treatment.
Best regards,
Dr J Disabato
From your detailed description you may be experiencing a fungal infection and possibly a bacterial infection. I recommend that you consult with a Foot & Ankle Specialist in your area for prompt evaluation and treatment.
Best regards,
Dr J Disabato
I can't tell from your question why the toenails were removed at your age. It is also unclear whether just the nail plates were removed, or the nail growth plate (matrix cells) were also removed. By your description it sounds as if there has been damage to the nail plates growth matrix cells which will cause permanent abnormal growth of the nail(s). You need to be evaluated and treated by a Podiatric Surgeon for treatment recommendations.
Unfortunately the nail beds on the toes involved may have been damaged permanently and no matter what meds you take internally or put on topically will make them better. They will need to be taken off permanently.
Sounds like you may have gotten a toenail fungus which is treated with medication you take every day for 3 months. It is called Lamisil. I would definitely go back to the doctor who remove the ingrowns and see if they can give you the medication to treat the fungus.
Hello there,
It sounds like you may have a toenail fungus. This is a very common problem that affects the toenails causing them to become thick, discolored, have build up of debris under the nail with a foul odor. I recommend seeing a podiatrist to be evaluated for this problem. Have a great day!
It sounds like you may have a toenail fungus. This is a very common problem that affects the toenails causing them to become thick, discolored, have build up of debris under the nail with a foul odor. I recommend seeing a podiatrist to be evaluated for this problem. Have a great day!
Most likely you have a fungal infection in your toenails. Fungus will called his toes nails to grow very slow, thick and discolored. There are many different treatment options including topical medications, oral medications and laser therapy. Please contact your podiatrist for further evaluation.
Ingrown toenail removal or avulsions can be permanent or temporary. The appearance of the nail will be narrower after permanent removal and the full width of the nail should regrow after temporary removal. Depending on your metabolism, age and nutrition, the rate of growth can be fast or slow. Average rate to grow the full length of the nail varies between 6-9 months. Trauma to the nail bed or the matrix, (area of specialized tissue that produces the nail plate), may have been caused from the surgery. The inflammation to repair the injury may cause a thickening of the nail plate or horizontal ridges. These can look terrible, especially for a young lady wanting to wear sandals. Other explanations to explain the thickened appearance are fungal infection of the nail bed. The options to treat fungal infections are antifungal medications or laser therapy. The foul odor is typical of fungal debris building up under the nail and should be taken care of as soon as possible. You need to see a professional who specializes in the care and treatment of your condition. You should be able to make an appointment with a podiatrist and they will help to solve your problem.
Regards,
Dr. Liddy
Regards,
Dr. Liddy
It sounds like a nail fungus. Go visit a podiatrist for a nail culture and to discuss treatment options.
In rare situations whenever a surgical procedure is performed on toenails a complication can occur, such as thickness this is due to the trauma to the nail matrix.
Treatment by a professional, with urea may help, but it will take a period of time, good luck
Treatment by a professional, with urea may help, but it will take a period of time, good luck
You need to go back to the physician that did the ingrown toenail surgery or to another physician to evaluate the toenail. I can tell you that toenails take at least one year to grow back completely. However, in order to be able to get an accurate answer of what could be done or needs to be done, you need to get a professional opinion from somebody who has viewed these nails.
Thank you,
Dr. Mark Gorman
Thank you,
Dr. Mark Gorman
There is likely fungus in your toenail. (The medical term for this is Tinea Unguam, or Onychomycosis). It is a difficult problem to treat, and usually is simply a cosmetic issue. You can go to your local Podiatrist to have a nail biopsy performed and a fungal culture of the nail may be performed, as well. These cultures do not always show a positive result, as fungus is also difficult to grow and to identify, but if you get a positive culture, there will be a specific strain of fungus identified-this aids in decisions for treatment. But the most successful and common treatment is 3 months of oral medication called "Lamisil." This medication is processed by the liver, so a liver function panel (a blood test) must be performed prior to taking the medication, and you can not be on certain medications and take this particular medication. It takes an entire 9 months to grow a new nail, even with the use of Lamisil, so the medication DOES NOT give immediate results. Other alternatives are topical medications, but they often don't work, and they must be used a minimum of 9 months and up to 2-3 years.
Thickened damaged toenails are usually damaged by trauma. In women, that trauma is usually d/t tight pointy shoes. Usually in women, the damage is to the 1st and 5th toenail sometimes the 2nd. Once a toenail is damaged by a tight shoe, it will always grow slower and be susceptible to fungus which further damages the nail.
I sounds like you've developed toe nail fungus and this is one reason why they are growing slowly. See you podiatrist for treatment options.
Possibility of a nail fungus. Best to see a podiatrist
Unfortunately, it sounds like you have been infected with a nail fungus. You should see your podiatrist as soon as possible to eradicate this condition. Left untreated it will likely spread to your other nails as well.
I recommend you be evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon (podiatrist). There is likely some injury to the tissue below the nail, called the nail bed. Removing the nail plate and repairing the nail bed might be an option
