To soften toenails, you can use a variety of creams that are specially designed for this purpose. A few examples include Eucerin Dry Skin Therapy Plus Intensive Repair Foot Cream, Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Cream, and Gena PediBalm Softening Cream.
These creams are formulated with ingredients that are designed to deeply moisturize and soften the toenails, such as shea butter, beeswax, and other natural ingredients. Additionally, the creams contain compounds like urea and alpha hydroxy acids, which have been proven to soften and protect the nails from further damage.
It is best to use the creams at least twice a day, and be sure to massage them into the toenails and surrounding skin thoroughly. This will help the product penetrate deep into the skin and provide the best results.
How do you get rid of thick hard toenails?
Thick, hard toenails can be caused by a variety of factors, including fungal infections, vitamin deficiencies, and contact trauma. The treatment for a thick, hard toenail will depend on what is causing it.
To get rid of a thick hard toenail, first determine the underlying cause. Fungal infections, for example, can be treated with antifungal medications that are often prescribed in the form of tablets, topical creams, or lacquers.
Regular trimming of the toenail can also help. If the nail is not infected, then treating the underlying cause can help. For example, if your nails are thick due to vitamin deficiencies, take vitamins and supplements to help improve the health of the nail bed.
Prescription vitamin and mineral supplements can also help make thick nails become softer and more pliable. Additionally, the medical professional may recommend filing down the hard toenail or may suggest the use of formaldehyde or urea-formaldehyde resin products to soften the nail.
Finally, it may be necessary to completely remove the affected nail in severe cases of nail thickness. The nail can grow back within some months after this procedure. An orthopedic surgeon is often needed for this procedure.
In any case, it is important to seek medical treatment if you have thick and hard toenails, or if you have had them for an extended period of time, to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Can thickened toenails be reversed?
Yes, thickened toenails can be reversed, depending on the cause. Typically, thickened toenails can be due to a fungal infection, traumas to the nail, or impaired circulation.
One of the most common causes of thickened toenails is a fungal infection, and it can be cleared up with medication prescribed by a doctor. Antifungal creams, lotions, or oral medications may be prescribed, depending on the severity.
If a fungal infection is the cause, treating it properly should reverse the thickening caused by the fungus.
Traumas to the nail may also cause them to become thickened. These traumas could range from from tight-fitting shoes to dropping a heavy object on the toe. In many cases, once the underlying cause is addressed, the thickening should reverse itself without any further interventions.
Finally, impaired circulation to the toes may cause them to become thicker. Usually, this is due to underlying health issues like diabetes or poor circulation. In this case, treatment of the underlying health issue is necessary to reverse the thickened toenails.
In summary, thickened toenails can be reversed, depending on the cause. Fungal infections can be cleared up with medication, traumas to the nails should get better if the underlying cause is addressed, and impaired circulation due to underlying health issues must be treated.
Can thick toenails go back to normal?
Yes, thick toenails can go back to normal. The thickening of toenails is generally caused by a fungal infection or an injury. Both conditions can be treated relatively easily, depending on the severity.
To treat fungal infections and reduce the thickness of toenails, you can use a topical antifungal cream and/or an oral antifungal medication prescribed by a doctor. Both of these treatments can help reduce the thickening of toenails, as well as help clear up visible discoloration and flaking.
If an injury is the cause of your thick toenails, there are home remedies you can try, such as soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salt or aloe vera solution, to reduce swelling and promote healing.
In some cases, more severe injuries may require stitches or other medical attention. Consulting a doctor is advised if you have any concerns about your toenails. With proper treatment, thick toenails can go back to normal.
Why are my toenails hard and crusty?
Your toenails naturally become hard and crusty due to keratinization, which is a process of cell growth and repair of the nail. The nail is made up of a protein called keratin, which is responsible for providing the nail with a protective and hard coating.
As the cells of the nail constantly grow, old cells become hardened and form a natural protective layer on the nail. This protective layer helps protect the new cells underneath and provides strength and durability to the nail.
Other factors such as fungal infections, poor hygiene, and tight or ill-fitting shoes can also contribute to your toenails becoming hard and crusty. Keeping your nails trimmed and clean, wearing appropriate fitting shoes, and treating any fungal infections promptly can help keep your toenails healthy.
What does it mean when your toenails are hard and brittle?
When your toenails are hard and brittle, it means that your nails are no longer flexible and can easily be split, cracked, or broken. The toenails may also appear overly thick, so it’s important to seek medical help if you notice any discoloration or if the nail shape changes.
This could be a sign of a fungus, infection, or another underlying medical condition. Additionally, it is not uncommon for toenails to harden and become brittle with age, due to lack of hydration and nourishment.
If this is the case, it’s important to keep your feet hydrated, moisturized, and regularly trimmed. Consider using a foot soak and exfoliant to help remove any built up dead skin, and make sure to apply moisturizer for soft and supple skin.
Additionally, wearing open shoes can help release pressure from the toenails and prevent them from further hardening.
What causes toenails to become hard and brittle?
Toenails can become hard and brittle due to a wide range of causes. One common cause is a fungal infection, such as athlete’s foot, which may cause the toenails to thicken, discolor, and become brittle.
This can also happen due to a condition known as psoriasis, which causes excessive skin cell buildup and can lead to toenails becoming thicker, harder, and more likely to break. Other reasons why toenails may become hard and brittle can include vitamin deficiencies, exposure to harsh chemicals, wearing tight-fitting shoes, and participating in certain types of sports or physical activities.
Injuries, like stubbing a toe or dropping something on the nail, may also result in hard or brittle nails. Additionally, certain medical conditions like psoriasis, diabetes, or even thyroid issues can lead to dry, cracked nails as well.
No matter the cause, it’s important to take care of your feet and visit a doctor if you notice any unusual changes in your toenails.
Should you file down thick toenails?
When it comes to thick, brittle toenails, filing them can be beneficial. Filing thick toenails can help alleviate some pain and pressure on the toes while wearing shoes and make it easier to trim the nail down.
Additionally, filing down thick toenails can reduce the possibility of them growing into the surrounding tissue and causing potential infection.
However, before filing down thick toenails, it is important to be aware of the potential risks. Filing can cause an infection if the tools used are not clean and it can cause irritation to the surrounding tissues.
Additionally, some people may be more sensitive to the sensation of filing and may need to take breaks more often than others.
If filing down thick toenails is determined to be the best course of treatment, filing should be done on a regular basis by a professional. It is important to inform the doctor or pedicurist of any health conditions or sensitivities.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that proper hygiene is used and that the tools used are clean to ensure that no infection is caused.
What is the white hard stuff under my toenails?
The white hard stuff under your toenails is most likely keratin debris. Keratin is a type of protein that makes up our nails and hair. As we walk and wear shoes, the pressure and friction causes the nail to grow slightly uneven, leaving small pockets in which dirt, sweat, and other debris can be trapped.
This can lead to the accumulation of keratin debris, which appears white and hard.
If the buildup of keratin debris is continuously left unattended, it can lead to infection, so it is important to keep the area clean and dry. Regularly trimming nails and file away the debris can help keep the affected area clean.
Additionally, it is important to wear properly fitted shoes that don’t place excessive pressure on the nails, as this can exacerbate the accumulation of keratin debris.
Will Vaseline soften toenails?
Yes, Vaseline can help to soften toenails. When applied directly to the nails, Vaseline acts as a moisturizer and conditioner that can help reduce brittleness and improve the flexibility of the nails.
This can make them less susceptible to cracking or breaking. Additionally, Vaseline helps to seal in moisture and keep the nails from becoming overly dry. It can also help to protect the nails from minor cuts or scrapes.
Applying Vaseline before bed in the evening can be particularly beneficial as it can allow the product to remain on the nails longer and absorb into the nail bed. Be sure not to apply too much Vaseline and remember to carefully wipe away any excess product from the surrounding skin.
What causes toenail thickening?
Toenail thickening is usually due to a condition known as onychomycosis, which is caused by a fungal infection. This is usually caused by contact with moist environments, such as swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms, where fungal spores can be easily picked up and cause an infection.
Other causes of toenail thickening include:
• Trauma or injuries to the nail, such as stubbing a toe, which can cause the nail to become thicker
• Vitamin or mineral deficiencies, such as biotin deficiency
• Certain medical conditions, such as psoriasis or diabetes
• Side effects of certain medications
• Nail psoriasis or nail fungal infections can also cause toenail thickening
• Aging can also cause the nail to become thicker as it grows out
If you think your toenail thickening may be due to a fungal infection, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible to get the right diagnosis and treatment. Treatment for toenail thickening may include antifungal medications, topical creams, laser therapy, and even surgery in some cases.
Why do old people’s toenails get so thick?
Old people’s toenails can become thick and brittle due to a number of factors. The most common reasons include decreased circulation resulting in poor nail growth and aging, which leads to dehydration and a decrease in collagen production.
Additionally, older people often take medications that have side effects that lead to thick nails. In some cases, medical conditions such as psoriasis can lead to thicker nails, and fungi can also affect nail growth and cause thickening.
In extreme cases, a lack of nutrition or a lack of daily, proper foot care can especially cause thick and brittle nails. Prevention and treatment of thick, brittle nails should include regular trimming, topical treatments for fungal infections if present, and any necessary changes to medication.
What does Vicks VapoRub do for toenails?
Vicks VapoRub has traditionally been used as a chest and throat remedy to aid with coughing and congestion, but it has become increasingly popular as a topical ointment for toenails. The medicinal ingredients in VapoRub can help fight certain strains of fungus that cause fungal toenail infections.
When applied directly to the nail and the surrounding skin, VapoRub can help to reduce fungal growth and stimulate the natural defense mechanisms of the body to get rid of the infection. The active ingredients such as menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor are antifungal, helping to keep fungal spores from spreading.
In addition, Vicks VapoRub helps to soften the toenail, allowing it to grow back healthier.
The use of Vicks VapoRub on toenails is not only effective but also quite safe. It is important to note that Vicks VapoRub does not cure any infectious diseases or treat all underlying causes of foot fungus – for this reason, it should be used in conjunction with other treatments prescribed by a physician.
Additionally, it is not recommended to use VapoRub on infants or very young children.
What vitamin deficiency causes brittle toenails?
Deficiencies in a number of vitamins can lead to brittle or cracking toenails. A lack of vitamin C, biotin, and minerals like calcium, zinc, and iron can all lead to brittle toenails. Without these essential vitamins, your body is unable to produce enough collagen and keratin, both of which are important components of your toenails.
Vitamin C deficiency is among the most common causes of brittle toenails as it plays an important role in collagen synthesis and acts as an antioxidant. Biotin helps your body metabolize fats, carbohydrates, and proteins for energy and growth, which is important for toenail health.
Mineral deficiencies, such as a lack of calcium, zinc, and iron can also lead to brittle nails. Additionally, hormonal changes and illnesses like anemia can cause brittle toenails, as well as significant changes in the humidity and temperature, like exposure to high heat or a heater during winter months.
It’s important to address the underlying cause of brittle nails, so talking to a doctor about a blood test and possible vitamin regimen can be helpful. Additionally, moisturizing your toenails daily, cutting your toenails regularly, and wearing protective footwear can help prevent damaging your toenails further.
