Onychauxis
What is it?
Onychauxis is a thickening (hypertrophy) of the nail plate.
Onychogryphosis is long-standing thickening, in which typically a curved hooked nail (ram’s horn nail) occurs.
What does it look like?
The nail appears thicker and more yellow.
How do you treat it?
A chiropodist can use a special hand drill, to reduce the thickness.
How do you prevent it?
Proper fitting footwear, enough room or width in the toe area of the shoe or boot.
Onychomycosis
What is it?
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nails.
Most commonly, as part of an infection called athlete’s foot.
What does it look like?
Mild infections may produce few or no symptoms.
In severe infections, the nails turn white to yellow-brown in color, thicken, and detach from the nail bed.
How do you treat it?
Keep the toenails trimmed.
Applying a topical antifungal prescription medication.
Oral prescription medication from your family physician.
How do you prevent it?
Always wear flip-flops or sandals in public showers or public areas – this helps prevent contact with fungal infections.
Wash and thoroughly dry your feet.
Change socks and footwear daily.
Avoid trauma to the toenails.