Why do toenails get thicker?

Asked by josie (30934

) July 19th, 2010

Before he died, my dad spent some time in an assisted living center. Part of his regular routine was to get his toenails cut, which I noticed had gotten so thick that they had to use trimmers that sort of looked like side cutters.
As I get older, I keep checking my toenails, looking for evidence of increasing thickness, density and resistance to normal trimming.
Is this a normal feature of aging, or was it just something my dad experienced because of some other systemic problem.
Should I buy some side cutters?

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8 Answers

Fungus infections can make them thick.

JLeslie (65790

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Fungus infections, nutrition, and lack of circulation to the extremities can cause thickening nails. I do not think you need to worry. Aging makes everything harder as the body handles itself differently and is not as active anywhere inside it. Assisted living is a great idea for many people but I am getting off subject.

MaryW (1731

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ewwww

judochop (16124

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@MaryW Well it’s good to know that aging makes everything harder.

josie (30934

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My mothers toe nails are very difficult to cut…. She’s in her seventies now & I’ve arranged to have a chiropodist take care of them for her now.. :-/
The last time I did them I was going to put her foot in a vice & get the angle grinder out!! But she’s a bit ticklish bless her… :-/

Scooby (10294

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