What Should I Do About Thickening Toenails in Elderly People?

The treatment of thickened toenails in the elderly depends on the underlying cause, and can be addressed through medication, nail removal, hygiene measures, and other aspects. Thickened toenails in the elderly may be caused by aging, which does not require treatment. Daily hygiene and regular toenail trimming are sufficient. However, if there are pathological issues, scientific treatment at a hospital is necessary.

1. Oral Medication: Oral antifungal drugs such as griseofulvin, fluconazole, and itraconazole can be used. However, these drugs must reach the nail plate where the fungus parasitizes to exert their antibacterial effects. They have low solubility and slow absorption in water, and are rapidly metabolized, resulting in large dosages and long treatment durations. Oral medications have side effects and are prone to recurrence after discontinuation, so they are not suitable as routine treatment.

2. Nail Removal: Nail removal requires anesthesia and involves a large wound area, bleeding, and a high risk of infection. Post-surgical pain is common, and the treatment is generally not ideal as it only addresses the symptoms and not the underlying cause, leading to easy reinfection and recurrence. Patients with heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and other conditions are not suitable for surgical treatment.

3. Other Methods: Depending on the medication used, other methods such as soaking, topical application, and sealing and shaving may be employed. These treatments require the removal of diseased nails, so they are generally less convenient than oral medications but are safe, painless, and have no side effects. With proper selection of medication, the results can be quite satisfactory.