Thick toenails can be a real pain — literally. Whether you’re dealing with onychauxis, where the nail is simply thicker than normal, or onychogryphosis, where the nail is also curved or ram’s horn-shaped, thick toenails can make life uncomfortable. Symptoms often include pain, difficulty trimming your nails, and that awful feeling of pressure inside your shoes. So, what can you do about it?
That’s where a toenail softener comes in. These products do exactly what the name suggests: they soften your toenails, making them easier and safer to trim. If you’re also treating a fungal infection, a toenail softener might even help your medication absorb more effectively.
This article will explore the world of toenail softeners for thick nails, including:
- Different types of toenail softeners
- How to use them effectively
- Safety precautions and potential side effects
- When it’s time to see a podiatrist
What kind of toenail softener should I use?
If your toenails are so thick that you struggle to trim them, you may benefit from a toenail softener.
There are several kinds:
Over-the-counter (OTC) topical softeners
You can purchase creams, ointments, and other products that will soften your nails, and it’s important to understand the benefits and side effects of the ingredients. Many of these contain urea, which helps to soften the keratin that makes up your nails. A typical concentration of urea is 40 percent. You’ll need to apply it regularly for it to work.
Other products contain lactic acid and salicylic acid, which help to exfoliate the nail, similar to some of the key ingredients in Kerasal Nail Repair. Some products combine urea with lactic acid or salicylic acid.
It’s also important to keep your nails hydrated so they don’t become too brittle. Look for emollients like lanolin, shea butter, and mineral oil.
Home remedies and natural softeners
Some people have success with home remedies, such as vinegar soaks. The acetic acid in vinegar may soften nails and also prevent fungal growth. If you want to try this, be sure to dilute the vinegar with water, and don’t soak for too long.
Epsom salt soaks are another popular home remedy. They may help to reduce inflammation and soften skin.
Finally, some people use essential oils such as tea tree oil or lavender oil. These oils may have antifungal and soothing properties. Be sure to dilute them with a carrier oil before applying them to your skin or nails.
How to Use Toenail Softeners Effectively
If you and your doctor decide a toenail softener is right for you, here’s how to get the best results.
Preparation
Start by cleaning the affected toenail. Wash your foot well with soap and water, and be sure to dry it completely.
If you can, trim away any excess nail. Use clean, sharp nail clippers and trim carefully. Don’t cut the nail too short, which can be painful or lead to infection.
Application Techniques
When applying a topical softener, use a generous amount of product. Focus on the areas where the nail is thickest.
After you’ve applied the softener, cover the toe with a bandage or sock. This helps the product absorb into the nail.
You can also try soaking your foot. Use warm water (not hot!) and soak for about 15 to 20 minutes. When you’re done, pat your foot dry very thoroughly.
Frequency and Duration
Follow the instructions on the product or the recommendations from your doctor about how often to apply the softener. Consistency is key!
Keep in mind that it can take several weeks or even months to see improvement, so checking real reviews and complaints for products like Kerasal can help manage expectations. Be patient and stick to the treatment plan. It may seem like it’s taking a long time, but with regular use, you should start to notice a difference.
Safety Precautions and Potential Side Effects
Like any medication, toenail softeners aren’t risk-free. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Skin irritation: You might notice some redness, itching, or burning. Before you slather it all over your toes, test a small area of skin first. If you get a bad reaction, stop using the product.
- Allergic reactions: Some people are allergic to the ingredients in these softeners. Read the label carefully!
- When to avoid them: If you have any open wounds or infections on your feet, skip the softener. And if you’re not sure whether it’s safe for you, ask your doctor.
- Drug interactions: If you’re already using a topical antifungal treatment on your toes, there could be an interaction with a toenail softener. Double-check with your doctor or pharmacist before combining treatments.
When to Seek Professional Help
While softening and trimming thick toenails at home can be effective, there are times when you need to see a doctor. Look out for any of the following signs, and consider them a signal to seek professional help:
- Signs of infection: If you notice pus, redness, swelling, or pain around your toenail, it’s time to see a doctor right away.
- Home treatments don’t work: If you’ve been consistently using a toenail softener for several weeks and haven’t seen any improvement, or if the condition is getting worse, it’s time to see a podiatrist.
- Underlying medical conditions: Thick toenails can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious health problem, like diabetes or psoriasis. If you have either of these conditions, you should talk to your doctor about the best way to care for your toenails.
A podiatrist can offer treatment options like debridement (removing the thickened nail), prescription medications, or even laser therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my toenails yellow and thick?
Yellow and thick toenails are often a sign of a fungal infection, also known as onychomycosis. Other potential causes include trauma to the nail, psoriasis, aging, or underlying medical conditions. It’s best to consult a doctor or podiatrist for a proper diagnosis.
What does Vicks VapoRub do for thick toenails?
Some people find that Vicks VapoRub can help soften thick toenails due to its ingredients like camphor and eucalyptus oil. While it might not cure a fungal infection, it can potentially make the nail easier to trim and manage, offering temporary relief.
What do podiatrists use to soften toenails at home?
Podiatrists often recommend soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salts or using urea-based creams to soften thick toenails at home. These treatments help to hydrate the nail, making it more pliable and easier to trim. They might also prescribe medicated creams or solutions to address underlying fungal infections.
What do nail salons use to soften feet?
Nail salons typically use warm water soaks, exfoliating scrubs, and foot lotions containing ingredients like urea, lactic acid, or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) to soften skin and nails. They may also use specialized tools like foot files or electric callus removers to smooth rough areas.
Can thickened toenails be reversed?
Whether thickened toenails can be reversed depends on the underlying cause. Fungal infections can often be treated with antifungal medications, leading to improvement over time. However, if the thickening is due to trauma or another underlying condition, complete reversal may not be possible, but symptoms can often be managed with proper care.
In Summary
Thick toenails can be painful and difficult to manage. A toenail softener can make it easier to trim your nails and make you more comfortable. They work by softening the nail, making it easier to cut.
It’s important to use toenail softeners correctly. Always follow the product instructions carefully. If you have diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or other conditions that affect your feet, talk to your doctor before using a toenail softener. If you have an ingrown toenail, or you notice signs of an infection like swelling, pus, or redness, see a doctor right away.
Adding a toenail softener to your foot care routine can help you keep your nails healthy and prevent problems. If you see changes in your toenails, like thickening, discoloration, or pain, it’s important to address it early to avoid complications.