6 Reasons Your Nails Are So Thick & What Our Dermatologist Says You Can Do About It

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Many of us aspire to get stronger and healthier nails. After all, thin, brittle nails chip easily and struggle to grow out. However, your nails can tell you a lot about your health and if they're too thick, that may indicate an underlying health problem. Dermatologist Dr. Hannah Kopelman of Kopelman Hair Restoration exclusively explained to Glam, "Thick nails are most frequently caused by fungal infections, a condition we call onychomycosis." Aside from unusual density, you can tell if you have the condition if you see discoloration, smell a strange odor, and your nails are brittle.

Dr. Kopelman stated that another reason for overly thick nails is recurring trauma, like sports injuries or wearing uncomfortable shoes repeatedly, which is why toenails are more susceptible to developing thickness. The dermatologist pointed out, "Fingernails, on the other hand, are less exposed to these conditions."

The dermatologist revealed that there are at least four other causes of thick nails, including psoriasis, aging, circulation issues, and diabetes. "If untreated, they can become painful, interfere with activities like walking, or lead to secondary bacterial infections, especially in individuals with diabetes or compromised immune systems," Dr. Kopelman warned. As always, if you're concerned about your nail health, visiting your doctor is the best course of action, but our expert exclusively shared with us what steps we can take to treat thick nails at home.

In order to treat nails that are too thick, Dr. Hannah Kopelman advised finding out the root cause first, which is where a doctor may come in. "For fungal infections, I typically recommend anti-fungal therapies, which might include topical treatments, oral medications, or sometimes both," she exclusively told Glam. "For psoriasis-related thickening, managing the overall skin condition is key, often with systemic or topical therapies." According to Dr. Kopelman, there are over-the-counter creams that can help soften thick nails and ease any discomfort your fingers may have. Just be sure to look for products with urea, such as Grocerism's Urea 40% Cream.

Try to keep your nails trimmed regularly, as growing them out can cause soreness around your nail beds and look unsightly. However, Dr. Kopelman urged those with thick nails to do so very gently or go to a professional who is equipped to handle these conditions. And if you have had to treat thick nails in the past, you can take a few steps to fend off any more flare-ups. "Preventative measures include keeping the nails clean, dry, and well-trimmed, wearing properly fitting shoes, and addressing any trauma or injuries promptly," our expert suggested. In short, having thick nails is generally preventable and treatable, as long you're careful not to cause damage and see a professional as soon as you see symptoms. And, once you've dealt with your issues, we recommend trying OPI's Repair Mode Bond Building Nail Serum to keep them stronger than ever.