Is there any current info. on the cause and treatment (if any) for the condition which causes thickening and unsightly overgrowth of the toenails and skin on the soles of the feet? My wife seems to have had this condition for nearly 25 years and it seems to be worsening as she ages (she is 51) and she has to keep using a pumice stone to keep it under control. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thank you
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Answer: Thickened nails can be caused by a variety of conditions. Among those that are potentially curable are fungus. Treatment is not quick or inexpensive and will probably involve medications that require periodic blood monitoring (that's what I do). Psoriasis might also be the cause, and this is more difficult to treat. Hereditary contitions can also be involved. A pumice stone is great, but if you go to a podiatrist or some dermatologists, you'll get the nail ground down with a dremel (see your hardware store). Be careful of the feet and toes if your wife is diabetic or has any other reason for poor circulation (which may also be part of the problem with the thickened nails).
Hope this helps. Someone will really have to evaluate her.
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Dermatology Online: Served by Eliot N. Mostow, MD, MPH
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