Onychauxis

What is it?

• Onychauxis is a thickening (hypertrophy) of the nail plate.
• Onychogryphosis is thickening of the nail, in which a curved nail (ram’s horn) occurs.

What does it look like?

• The nail appears thicker and sometimes more yellow.

How do you treat it?

• A chiropodist can use a special hand drill, to reduce the thickness.

How do you prevent it?

• Routine nail care.
• Proper fitting footwear, enough room or width in the toe area of the shoe or boot.
• Avoid repeated trauma to nails – i.e. be aware that repeated trauma such as kicking a soccer ball can cause the nail to thicken.