If your toenail is very thick, file across the surface of the nail to reduce the thickness, this should be in stages, file across for few times then check to make sure you don't file them too thin, which could cause some tenderness. Tip: For metal files clean with a disinfectant after each use.
Gently file each nail across the thickened part 2-3 time weekly to reduce the thickness. The best time to do this is when the nail is dry, before a bath or shower. The length and thickness of the nails can be maintained by also filing in a downwards motion away from your body once a week.
It is much better to file the nail on a regular basis to keep it manageable. However, filing the nail thinner is also probably best left to a podiatrist because the inadvertent damage this might cause to the soft tissue under the nail can lead to infection. A podiatrist will grind the nail at frequent intervals.
The most common cause of thickened toenails is aging. Toenails thicken with age because the growth rate of the nail plate slows. Other reasons toenails may thicken include: A common skin condition called psoriasis.
Nail Grinding Tool: The most effective one we have found is the Beurer Electric Nail and Foot Care Kit – a podiatry-grade electric nail grinder and thinning tool. It comes with bits specifically made to work on thick toenails.
Nail psoriasis sometimes causes too much keratin to grow under the nail. This overgrowth is called subungual hyperkeratosis. People with hyperkeratosis may notice a white, chalky substance under the nail. When this occurs in the toenails, the pressure of shoes pushing down on the nails might cause pain.
Treatment for thickened toenails
Treatment involves cutting the nails and reducing the thickness with a special file or burr. Our podiatrists also have special tools that can help remove callus or corns from underneath the nail plate or sulcus which is a common cause of pain.
The growth rate of nails decreases when people get older. This results in thickening because nail cells pile up. The process of nail cells piling up is referred to as onychocytes. Another reason why fingernails don't thicken as much is their growth rate is smaller than the growth rate of toenails.
If your fungus doesn't clear up at home, you should check in with a dermatologist (a skin, hair, and nail specialist) or podiatrist (a foot doctor.) They may gently scrape under your nail to get rid of some of the fungus or send it to the lab for diagnosis. They can also prescribe stronger medicines.
“Applying Vicks VapoRub to fungus-infected toenails can clear up the notoriously hard-to-treat condition. Michigan State University clinicians found that applying the product daily to the infected nail cleared the condition in 32 of 85 patients, though it took anywhere from 5 to 16 months…”
Thick toenails are not necessarily permanent, and their treatability depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, thick toenails can be treated and eventually return to normal thickness and appearance, while in other cases, the thickening may be permanent.
Medication. Topical softening agents can help with the trimming for extremely thick nails. Anti-fungal medication can be an option as well to treat or rule out discoloration. Testing a nail sample can help confirm this.
Sanding will first allow you to thin the nail in order to cut it effectively. Knowing how to sand nails is essential to learning how to cut thick toenails. Sanding should never be painful or result in bleeding. You should be able to sand all the way down to the skin under the nail without causing pain to your patient.
If your nails are crusted with keratin debris, she scrapes it away with specialized tools. If your infection is severe, she may recommend toenail surgery to temporarily remove the infected nail and treat the nail bed topically. Clearing onychomycosis can take up to a year.
Can Toenail Fungus Cause a Smelly Odor? Yes, toenail fungus can cause a smelly odor that is often described as smelling like cheese. This is due to the potential for fungus and bacteria to grow and multiply under the nail, producing a strong and unpleasant odor.
Keratin granulations are dehydrated superficial layers of nail cells that result in white, rough, and uneven dry patches on the top of the nail. Prolonged use of nail polish – as well as acetone-based nail polish removers – dries out the surface of your toenails and can lead to these keratin granulations.
For nails that are still intact, it's acceptable to gently file down the nail as long as you don't file it too thin (this can increase the possibility of infection).
Revolutionary nail fungus laser therapy has an 80% success rate. Instead of medications or debridement, Dr. Frankel offers a laser therapy treatment with an 80% success rate at permanently treating nail fungus. It's painless and performed in-office with three 10-minute procedures every four weeks.
Within a week, you should begin to see improvements.
Toenail Fungus Home Care
You can try: Over the counter antifungal creams or ointments. File or cut off any white markings on your nails. Soak your nails in water and dry off before you put on the medicated cream.