Yes, there are several creams available to soften hard toenails. These creams may contain various types of active ingredients, such as urea, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and alpha-hydroxy acids. Urea helps to break down the hard layers of the nails and moisturizes the skin around the nails, while salicylic acid helps to soften the surface of the nail.
Lactic acid helps to initiate midsection exfoliation and alpha-hydroxy acids help to smooth and soften the nails. A regular application of a cream that contains these types of ingredients can help to make hard toenails more manageable, which can make it easier to trim them.
In addition to using a cream, it is important to maintain proper hygiene and not to wear footwear that is too tight, as this can contribute to hardening of the nails. If you are concerned about the condition of your toenails, it is best to speak to a healthcare professional.
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How do you soften thick hard toenails?
To soften thick and hard toenails, you can start by soaking your feet in a foot bath of warm water and Epsom salt. Epsom salt is an effective exfoliant and can help to effectively soften thick toenails.
After soaking your feet for around 10 minutes, you can use a pumice stone or a foot file to gently exfoliate the toenail. Doing this regularly can help to soften the nail and make it more pliable.
In addition to using a foot file, you can also use a nail buffer or a rubber-tipped cuticle tool to gently buff the surface of the toenail. This can also help to reduce any ridges or bumps on the toenail and make it smoother.
You may also want to use a moisturizer on your toes after each soak or foot buff. Look for a moisturizer specifically formulated for feet and nails, as this can help to hydrate the nails and keep them from becoming brittle, which can make them more prone to cracking and breaking.
Finally, keeping your feet dry and avoiding tight-fitting shoes can also help to prevent your toenails from becoming thick and hard. Try to wear socks made from wicking fabrics or those that are specifically designed to wick away moisture, and only wear shoes that fit correctly.
This can reduce the likelihood that sweat and humidity will cause your toenails to thicken.
Can thickened toenails be reversed?
Yes, thickened toenails can be reversed depending on the underlying cause. If the cause is bacterial or fungal infection, it is often possible to resolve the issue with antifungal or antibacterial treatments.
Additionally, depending on the cause of the thickened toenails, maintaining good hygiene habits, such as wearing sandals in public bathrooms and shower facilities, can help reduce the risk of infection.
There are also many over-the-counter treatments and home remedies available.
Making lifestyle changes and providing a healthy environment for nails to grow can help regrow the nails. Some of these lifestyle changes include wearing loose-fitting and breathable shoes, trimming nails regularly, and avoiding frequenting nail salons and pedicures.
Applying a moisturizer on the feet is also recommended to keep nails and skin at an optimum humidity and to reduce any accompanying dryness.
If the cause of thickened toenails is unknown, or the treatments above do not work, it may be necessary to seek professional advice. A doctor or podiatrist may recommend a more intense course of treatment, such as medications or surgery.
In some cases, the nail may need to be removed to help reduce the amount of thickening that occurs.
Overall, thickened toenails can often be reversed with lifestyle changes and home remedies. However, seeking professional help may be necessary in more serious cases.
Why are my toenails getting thick and hard?
Thick and hard toenails can be caused by a number of different conditions, or a combination of conditions. A fungal infection, such as athlete’s foot, is a common cause of thick and hard toenails. Fungal nail infections can be caused by warm, damp, and/or tight shoes, which can cause the fungus to spread from the skin to the nail.
Other causes of thick and hard toenails include psoriasis, a condition that causes the nail to thicken and the skin under the nail to harden. The nails can become harder as a result of trauma from an injury, pressure from shoes that are too tight, or even repeated manicures and pedicures.
Additionally, age can also cause the nails to become thicker and harder as the nail grows slower, often due to decreased circulation in the body due to age. If you begin to notice an increase in thick and/or hard toenails, it is advised to talk to your doctor to get a diagnosis, and receive proper treatment.
How can I make my thick toenails thinner?
Making your thick toenails thinner can be done through a variety of different methods. First, it is important to have an accurate diagnosis of why your toenails are thick. It could be due to a variety of things, including fungal infections, injury, or even an underlying medical condition.
Once you have an accurate diagnosis, you can proceed with the appropriate treatment.
There are a variety of home remedies that you can use to thin your toenails. Regular filing can help thin the nails gradually, while Epsom salt soaks can help soften the nail. You can also apply Vicks VapoRub, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, or lemon juice to the toenails in order to help break down the hard nail and make it easier to file.
Additionally, you can use topical treatments like antifungal creams to thin the toenails if you are experiencing a fungal infection.
Whether you are using home remedies or over-the-counter medications, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and take the necessary steps to keep your feet clean and avoid further infections.
If the problem persists or the thick toenails worsen, then you should reach out to a doctor or podiatrist who can provide further treatment options.
How does a podiatrist treat thick toenails?
A podiatrist will use a variety of treatments to address thick toenails. The first and most important step is to ensure that the nail is not infected before beginning any treatment. Once the infection is ruled out, the podiatrist may suggest a variety of treatment options to thin the toenails.
One option is a topical solution that is applied directly to the nail and helps to reduce the thickness. These solutions contain tea tree oil and other ingredients that work to soften the hard nail material, promoting thinning of the nail and enabling healthy nail growth to occur.
The podiatrist may also trim the affected toenail using special clippers with a curved cutting surface or sometimes even surgical cuts. In some cases and depending on the severity of the thick nails, the podiatrist may also use a drill or a laser to remove the thick and hard nail material.
This method should be done carefully as it can damage the nail and surrounding skin if done incorrectly.
Finally, once the thickened nail has been reduced, the podiatrist will likely recommend the use of topical antifungal medications to help prevent further infection and promote healthy nail growth. Additionally, regular trimming and filing of the toenail is recommended to maintain the new healthier shape of the nail.
What is the white hard stuff under my toenails?
The white hard stuff that you are seeing under your toenails is called subungual keratin. It is caused by repetitive trauma to the nail bed. This trauma causes the nail bed to thicken and produce extra layers of keratin underneath the nail.
This is often seen in habitual toe-tappers, dancers, or athletes that expose their feet to a lot of pressure or wear tight fitting shoes. It is nothing to be concerned about as it is a normal reaction of the body to protect the toenail.
To avoid getting this hard keratin underneath your toenails in the future, make sure to wear supportive shoes and minimize any repetitive banging or rubbing of the toenail.
How do you get rid of keratin buildup under your toenails?
However it is important to understand what keratin buildup is and what causes it before attempting to solve the problem. Keratin buildup is a common condition that occurs when the keratin proteins in the nails grow back into the skin.
It often causes painful, yellow or white patches to form under the nails and can be quite difficult to get rid of.
If the keratin buildup is a result of a fungal nail infection, it is important to treat the infection first before attempting to remove any keratin build-up. Talk to a medical professional to determine the cause and find an appropriate treatment plan for the infection.
For any keratin build-up that is not a result of a fungal nail infection, there are some steps you can take to help get rid of it. First, make sure to keep your feet clean and dry by washing them daily with soap and water, and drying them well before moisturizing.
Make sure to cut your toenails regularly and file them properly to help reduce the amount of keratin buildup. You can also try soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salt, which can help to soft the keratin buildup and make it easier to remove.
If these more gentle approaches are not helping, it is better to visit a podiatrist, who can use more specialized tools to trim and remove the buildup.
If these methods do not help and the buildup is particularly hard and stubborn, medication or special ointments can also be used to treat the condition. It is recommended to seek medical advice before trying any medications or ointments, as these could cause additional side effects or damage.
What is the number one cure for toenail fungus?
The number one cure for toenail fungus is a prescription antifungal medication such as terbinafine, itraconazole, or fluconazole. These medications are taken orally over the course of several weeks and work by killing the fungus.
If this type of treatment is unsuccessful, your doctor may suggest laser therapy or topical antifungal creams. For a more natural approach, some people have found success with tea tree oil, which is thought to help kill the fungus.
Additionally, keeping feet clean and dry, avoiding wearing tight or synthetic shoes, and changing socks and shoes regularly can help prevent re-occurrence of the fungus.
What does Vicks VapoRub do for toenails?
Vicks VapoRub has been used for many minor ailments such as sore throat, head congestion and even athlete’s foot. Additionally, it can also help with toenail fungus. It is important to note that Vicks VapoRub will not completely eliminate a toenail fungal infection, as this type of infection can take as long as two years to completely treat, but it can help to control and reduce the symptoms during the treatment period.
Vicks VapoRub works to treat toenail fungus by decreasing the presence of the fungus in the toenail area. The main ingredient in VapoRub, eucalyptus oil, helps to decrease the fungus’ ability to reproduce and spread, causing the infection to weaken over time.
The menthol in VapoRub also lowers the skin’s PH level, making it difficult for the fungus to thrive in the environment. Additionally, some people have found relief from toenail fungus after applying VapoRub to the skin around the infected toenails.
However, as Vicks VapoRub does not treat the root cause of the infection, it is important to seek medical advice for long-term treatment.
What does it mean when your toenails are thick and hard?
When your toenails become thick and hard, it likely means that you are suffering from a condition called Onychauxis. Onychauxis is an excessive thickening of the toenail plate, which is the hard outer layer of the nail.
This is often due to an underlying condition such as psoriasis, fungal infection, or aging. Other symptoms associated with Onychauxis include yellowing, fragility, and crumbling of the nails. Depending on the severity, treatments for Onychauxis range from over the counter nail products such as moisturizers and hardeners, to medications or laser treatments prescribed by a physician.
If left untreated, the thickening of the toenail could cause pain and difficulty wearing shoes. It is important to seek proper diagnosis and treatment in order to reduce pain and stop the progression of Onychauxis.
Do thick toenails ever go away?
Thick toenails can go away, although it may take some time and effort. Many cases of thick toenails are caused by fungal infections, and treating these with antifungal medication and topical ointments can help reduce their thickness.
Additionally, avoiding activities that put too much pressure on your toes, such as running and standing for long periods of time, can reduce thick toenails. If your thick toenails are associated with aging, you may be able to reduce them with proper foot care, such as keeping your toenails properly trimmed and filing them down with an emery board.
In either case, it may take several weeks or even months for the toenails to start looking more normal. If the thick toenail does not go away with self-care and treatment, it is best to see a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
What causes hardening of toenails?
Hardening of toenails is caused by a medical condition known as Onychogryphosis, which is also known as ram’s horn nails. It is a gradual process where the nails become thick and brittle, often exhibiting an irregular, curved shape.
It is mostly caused by repeated trauma to the toenail from shoes which are too small, tight or narrow, however it can also be caused by an underlying medical condition such as an injury to the nail or a fungal infection.
It can also be caused by excessive sweating, poor hygiene and excess pressure or friction on the nail. Toenail hardening can be treated with topical ointments or salicylic acid, yet it may require professional medical attention.
To prevent hardening of toenails, it is important to take proactive measures such as wearing shoes that fit properly, keeping toenails trimmed and using well-ventilated shoes.
How does baking soda soften toenails?
Baking soda can be used to soften toenails because it is mildly abrasive, which helps to loosen the bonds among the proteins that make up the nail, allowing them to be pushed and smoothed more easily.
Baking soda also absorbs moisture, which makes it easier to push the toenails back, reducing their size and sharpness. Additionally, when mixed with warm water it can be used as a soak that can help reduce the intensity of fungus and bacterial infections that may cause yellowing and thickening of the nails.
To use baking soda to soften toenails, create a mixture of baking soda and warm water and soak the affected nails in the solution for at least 15 minutes. Then, use a nail file to gently push the edges of the nails down or use an orange stick or cuticle pusher to push the edges gently in place, making them smoother and less sharp.
Why do old people’s toenails get thick?
Older people’s toenails often thicken and grow more slowly than those of younger people. This is due to a variety of reasons, including reduced circulation to the feet and toes, changes in how the nails respond to pressure or trauma, wearing shoes that are too tight, and fungal and bacterial infections.
Additionally, some older adults use medications that affect the growth of their toenails.
Reduced circulation is one of the main causes of thick toenails as people age. The circulation to the feet, legs, and toes diminishes over time, resulting in slower nail growth and thicker nails. Another factor is the way older nails respond to pressure or trauma.
With age, the nails become harder and less flexible, and when they experience trauma, they thicken and become brittle.
Tight shoes are also an issue. Shoes that are too small can put pressure on the toes and cause them to thicken and grow more slowly, leading to fungal and bacterial infections. People with diabetes tend to suffer from bigger and thicker nails, which can make it more difficult to take care of the nails properly.
Certain medications can also affect toenail growth, such as medication for high cholesterol, heart and blood pressure, or thyroid conditions. These drugs can affect the circulation to the feet and toes, leading to slower nail growth and thicker nails.
In conclusion, there are several factors that cause thick toenails in older people. These factors include reduced circulation to the feet and toes, changes in how the nails respond to pressure or trauma, wearing shoes that are too tight, fungal and bacterial infections, and certain medications.
It is important for older adults to take care of their feet and toenails to ensure proper nail health.
