Do fingernails thicken as you age? The surprising truth about nail health

Studies show that nail growth slows down by about 0.5% each year after the age of 25. While toenails often thicken significantly with age, do fingernails thicken as you age? The answer is more nuanced and involves several factors beyond just getting older.

Quick Summary

While toenails commonly thicken due to slower growth and repetitive trauma, fingernails tend to become more brittle and develop ridges as a normal part of the aging process. However, pathological issues like fungal infections, poor circulation, and underlying medical conditions can cause significant nail thickening in seniors, necessitating medical evaluation.

Key Points

• Toenails Thicken, Fingernails Become Brittle: As a normal part of aging, toenails tend to thicken and harden due to slower growth, while fingernails typically become more brittle and prone to breakage.

• Fungal Infections are a Common Cause: A fungal infection, or onychomycosis, is a frequent cause of nail thickening, discoloration, and distortion, especially in older adults due to a less efficient immune system.

• Trauma Plays a Major Role: Repetitive trauma from ill-fitting shoes or a significant injury to the nail matrix can cause permanent thickening, particularly in toenails.

• Other Health Issues Can Affect Nails: Underlying conditions like diabetes, psoriasis, and poor circulation can manifest as thick or unhealthy nails, making them a potential indicator of systemic health.

• Moisturize and Protect Nails: Regular moisturizing and protecting nails from harsh chemicals and excessive moisture are key strategies for managing age-related nail brittleness and preventing infections.

• See a Doctor for Concerning Changes: Any sudden, painful, or persistent changes in nail color, shape, or thickness, especially dark streaks, should be evaluated by a medical professional.

The Natural Aging of Fingernails vs. Toenails

Many people become concerned when they see changes in their nails as they get older, assuming any thickening is a normal part of aging. The reality is that there is a distinct difference in how fingernails and toenails are affected by age.

Fingernail Changes with Age

Fingernails typically do not thicken as a primary result of the natural aging process. Instead, they often become more brittle, dull, and prone to breakage. A key reason for this is the decrease in the body's moisture and natural oils over time, which affects nail strength. Many also develop harmless, vertical ridges (onychorrhexis) that run from the cuticle to the tip, which are caused by a slowing of the nail matrix's cell turnover rate. Fingernails are also subject to less repetitive trauma than toenails and are more often moisturized, buffed, and filed, which can help keep them thinner.

Toenail Changes with Age

Conversely, toenails do tend to thicken with age, a condition known as onychauxis. This occurs because the rate of nail plate growth slows down significantly. New nail cells build up more slowly, causing the nail to lose its translucence and become harder and thicker. Toenails are also more susceptible to factors that contribute to thickening, including:

• Repetitive Trauma: Constant pressure from ill-fitting or tight shoes, or micro-traumas from walking, can damage the nail bed and lead to thickening.
• Poorer Circulation: As we age, blood flow to the extremities, including the feet, can decrease. Reduced oxygen and nutrients can contribute to thicker, discolored nails.
• Increased Fungal Exposure: The warm, moist environment inside shoes makes toenails more vulnerable to fungal infections (onychomycosis), which cause significant thickening.

Pathological Causes of Nail Thickening

While some changes are normal, significant or sudden nail thickening is often a sign of an underlying problem that requires attention. It's important to distinguish between normal age-related changes and potential health issues.

Fungal Infections (Onychomycosis)

Onychomycosis is a very common cause of thickened nails, especially in older adults. The fungus, which thrives in warm, moist places like shoes, invades the nail bed and causes the nail to become thick, brittle, yellow or brown, and distorted. It can also cause a foul odor. Because an aging immune system is less efficient at fighting off infections, older individuals are at a higher risk.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Certain systemic diseases can manifest as nail changes. These can include:

• Psoriasis: This autoimmune condition can cause cells to build up rapidly on the skin and nails, leading to thickening, pitting, and crumbling.
• Diabetes: Poor circulation, a common side effect of diabetes, can impair blood flow to the extremities and cause nails to thicken and become discolored.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): This condition impairs circulation and most often affects the feet, resulting in thickened, brittle nails.
• Thyroid Disorders: Hypothyroidism can lead to brittle nails, while other thyroid issues can cause changes in nail health.

Trauma and Environmental Factors

Aside from repetitive trauma from footwear, a single, severe injury to the nail matrix can cause permanent thickening or disfigurement. Harsh chemicals, such as those found in some cleaners or nail polish removers with acetone, can also damage nails over time and contribute to brittleness.

Comparison of Normal vs. Pathological Nail Changes

Feature	Normal Aging Nail	Pathological Nail Condition
Thickness	Fingernails: Usually no significant thickening; may become more brittle. Toenails: Can thicken, but often uniformly and slowly.	Sudden, significant thickening of fingernails or toenails.
Texture	Fingernails: Develop longitudinal ridges, brittleness, dullness. Toenails: Hardens, may become less transparent.	Crumbling, flaking, or a powdery texture under the nail. Distorted shape.
Color	Fingernails: May become duller, slightly yellowed. Toenails: Often yellowed and opaque.	Yellow, brown, or white discoloration that is patchy or progressive. Dark streaks that appear suddenly.
Growth Rate	Slows down progressively with age.	May be affected by the underlying condition, sometimes resulting in distorted growth.
Pain/Symptoms	Typically painless.	Often accompanied by pain, swelling, redness, foul odor, or lifting from the nail bed.

Caring for Aging Nails and When to Seek Help

Basic Nail Care Tips

• Moisturize Regularly: Applying a moisturizing cream or oil to your hands, feet, and nails, especially after washing, can help combat dryness and brittleness.
• Keep Nails Trimmed: Regularly trim your nails straight across to minimize the risk of ingrown nails and reduce potential trauma.
• Choose the Right Tools: Use a high-quality nail clipper or nippers designed for thicker nails. For filing, use an emery board and move in one direction to prevent splitting.
• Protect Your Hands and Feet: Wear gloves when doing household chores involving water or harsh chemicals. Opt for breathable footwear that fits well to prevent trauma and fungal growth.
• Maintain Good Hygiene: Keep feet and hands clean and dry. Change socks daily to reduce moisture buildup.
• Check Your Diet: Ensuring adequate intake of nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals, supports overall nail health.

When to See a Doctor

While most nail changes are harmless, certain signs warrant a visit to a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist or podiatrist. Don't ignore these red flags:

• Sudden or significant changes in nail thickness, shape, or color.
• Persistent pain, swelling, or redness around the nails.
• Lifting or separation of the nail from the nail bed (onycholysis).
• The appearance of a dark streak under the nail, which could be a sign of melanoma.
• Any changes that don't improve over time as the nail grows out.

For more information on general nail changes with aging, you can visit MedlinePlus. A medical professional can accurately diagnose the cause of any pathological changes and recommend the right course of treatment, such as oral or topical antifungal medication for onychomycosis.

Conclusion

While toenails often thicken with age due to slower growth and trauma, it's a misconception that fingernails do the same. Fingernails typically become more brittle, ridged, and dull as a normal part of aging. However, any significant thickening, particularly if accompanied by other symptoms, could indicate an underlying issue like a fungal infection, psoriasis, or poor circulation. By practicing good nail hygiene and seeking medical advice for persistent or concerning changes, seniors can maintain healthy nails and address any potential health problems early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do fingernails thicken as you age, or is it a myth?

As a natural part of aging, fingernails don't typically thicken; they more often become brittle, dull, and prone to developing vertical ridges. Toenails are the ones that commonly thicken due to slower growth and greater trauma.

What is the most common cause of thick nails in older adults?

The most common cause of thickened nails, particularly toenails, in older adults is a fungal infection called onychomycosis. Other factors include repeated trauma from footwear, poor circulation, and underlying medical conditions.

Are vertical ridges on fingernails a sign of a health problem?

No, vertical ridges (onychorrhexis) that run lengthwise down the nail are usually a normal and harmless sign of aging. They are caused by changes in the nail matrix's cell turnover rate and are not typically a cause for concern.

How can I tell if my thick nail is caused by age or a fungal infection?

While age-related nail thickening is usually slow and uniform, fungal infections often cause more dramatic changes. Look for yellow, brown, or white discoloration, a distorted or crumbling nail shape, or a foul odor. A doctor can confirm the diagnosis.

Can diet help prevent fingernails from becoming brittle with age?

Yes, a diet rich in nutrients can support nail health. Ensuring adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals can help strengthen your nails. Some studies also suggest biotin supplements may be beneficial, but it's best to consult a doctor first.

When should I see a podiatrist or dermatologist for my nail problems?

You should seek medical attention for any persistent or sudden changes in your nails, including significant thickening, discoloration, pain, swelling, or growths. This is especially true if you suspect an infection or see a dark streak under the nail.

Is it safe to get a pedicure if my toenails are thick?

If your thick toenails are due to a fungal infection, a standard pedicure may not be sufficient and could even spread the infection. Medical pedicures performed by a podiatrist or trained medical professional are safer. Always ensure any salon follows strict hygiene protocols.