What should I do if my toenails become thickened?

Thickened toenails can be treated under a physician’s guidance by gently scraping the nail surface with a small scalpel or nail clippers to remove as much of the abnormal nail tissue as possible. Subsequently, topical application of iodine tincture or a 30% acetic acid solution should be performed twice daily—morning and evening—until new, healthy nail growth occurs. If the thickening is caused by tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), topical antifungal agents—such as imidazole- or allylamine-class medications—may be prescribed according to medical advice. Additionally, adjunctive anti-allergic therapy may be required depending on associated complications.