How to soften toenails so they are easier to trim

Why do my toenails get rough?

Mature people quite often face the problem of hardening of the nail plates. In addition, in order to carry out simple hygiene procedures, you must first soften your nails.

The development of this problem can be provoked by such accompanying factors as:

1. Lack of vitamins and nutrients in the body.
2. Improper and unbalanced nutrition.
3. Nail psoriasis.
4. Receiving an injury that leads to a change in the structure of the nails and the direction of their growth.
5. Incorrect or insufficient foot hygiene. If the nail plates receive irregular care, their growth is disrupted.
6. Wearing uncomfortable and tight shoes, which causes the toes to be in an incorrect and unusual position, results in impaired blood circulation. The nail plates receive insufficient nutrition, which in turn provokes their thickening and deformation.
7. The presence of a hereditary factor. In this case, more thorough and attentive care of the nail plates is required.
8. If the problem constantly recurs, there is a possibility of a fungal infection. In this case, you need to undergo examination by a specialist and begin immediate treatment.
9. The onset of hardening of the nail plates can be the result of the presence of certain diseases of the internal organs, which include pathologies of the cardiovascular system, endocrine disruptions and diseases associated with the functioning and condition of the liver.

Proper and timely care of toenails is an excellent prevention of various lesions of the nail plates. However, it is not always possible to avoid the onset of hardening of nails, which is why it will be useful for everyone to know what methods and means can be used to soften a problem nail.

Prevention

To avoid the problem of ingrown nails, their hardening and fungal infections, you must constantly follow a number of preventive recommendations:

• Once a week/month, use foot baths, and after them apply a softening cream to the entire foot;
• Trim the nail plate in a straight line (do not cut it too short);
• Do not apply compresses to fungus-affected fingers without consulting a doctor;
• To trim your nails, use special tools (nippers or nail clippers);
• At the first signs of illness, contact a podologist;
• Change your socks regularly;
• Don't wear tight shoes;
• Dry your feet after a shower only with a fresh towel;
• In shared saunas and swimming pools, wear personal slippers;
• Don't forget to have hygienic pedicures regularly.

If you are prone to hardening of your nails (hereditarily), it is recommended to soften the plate using baths and special products every month.

Nail care

In general, the prevention of hardening of nails consists only of observing basic hygiene rules and regular pedicures, during which the master softens the nail plates, making them healthier and more attractive.

Folk remedies for softening toenails at home

At home, you can quickly soften your toenails yourself and prepare them for subsequent trimming. The most effective and popular remedies include medicinal compresses and baths, with the addition of various components.

Therapeutic baths

The great popularity of using special baths to soften thick and rough nails is due to the fact that these are one of the most effective and simple procedures. In addition, while taking such a bath you can relax and relieve the stress that has accumulated during the day.

Soda bath (just highlight here in bold)

1. You need to prepare a basin in advance and fill it with hot water (2 liters).
2. Add soda (2 tsp) and previously grated laundry soap to the water. The components are taken in a ratio of 1:3.
3. Place your feet in the prepared solution and wait about 20 minutes.
4. After the specified time has passed, the skin of the feet is wiped dry and you can begin the nail trimming procedure.
5. Instead of laundry soap, you can use a mixture of ammonia (2 tsp) and liquid soap (2 tsp).

Bath with essential oils

1. Add lavender oil (5 drops), rosemary oil (5 drops), tea tree oil (5 drops) to hot water.
2. The duration of the procedure is about 15 minutes.

Chamomile bath

1. You will need to take dry chamomile herb (3 tbsp) and pour boiling water (1 l).
2. The broth is left for an hour to infuse well.
3. Next, a hot foot bath is made and the prepared decoction is added.
4. The duration of the procedure is 15 minutes.

Bath with milkweed

1. Take 3 bushes of a fresh plant, which are filled with boiling water (500 ml).
2. The composition is left to infuse for half an hour.
3. The prepared solution is mixed with hot water.
4. The duration of the procedure is 15 minutes.

Special compresses

This is also a popular and effective way to combat rough nails. If there are no associated pathologies (for example, an ingrown toenail or a fungal infection), the following medicinal compresses should be used:

1. Take raw potatoes (1 piece) and grate them. Add honey (1 tsp) and fresh lemon juice (3-4 drops). All components are mixed, and the resulting slurry is applied to the nail plate, the compress is fixed on top with wax paper and a gauze bandage (you can use an adhesive plaster).
2. The following ingredients are taken in equal quantities: honey, sour cream, olive oil, fresh lemon juice. All ingredients are thoroughly mixed, and the resulting composition is applied to the rough nail. The product should be washed off no earlier than half an hour after application.
3. Softened butter and aloe leaves are taken in equal quantities, which are first crushed to obtain a paste. The components are mixed, the resulting mixture is applied to the problem nail, covered with wax paper and the compress is fixed with a bandage or adhesive tape.

It is recommended to apply compresses in the evening, before going to bed, since most formulations must be left in place for at least 10 hours, otherwise a positive result will simply not be achieved.

Homemade ointments and creams

How and with what to soften a toenail in order to trim it? The components can be found in your home arsenal of available tools. From such products you can prepare ointments that are effective in softening the rough nail plate.

Most often, softening ointments are prepared from ingredients such as:

• chicken eggs;
• vegetable or butter;
• onion and garlic;
• glycerol;
• vinegar and iodine.

Moreover, as you can see, using some components you can prepare not only ointments, but also foot baths. The effect of homemade ointments can manifest itself either independently or in combination with other pharmaceutical drugs.

One of the recommended ointments is a product prepared from 1 egg, 5 ml of vegetable oil (any), 5 ml of dimethyl phthalate. Prepare an ointment and apply it to the roughened nail. Wrap it in polyethylene and put a sock on top. It is advisable to do the procedure at night. After this, the nail will soften and cutting it will be much easier.

Another good remedy is a homemade ointment made from a tablespoon of vinegar, a couple of drops of iodine and a small amount of glycerin. The prepared product is applied to the nails, wrapped and left overnight. After this, you can perform a pedicure without using foot baths.

How to quickly soften nails for older people?

Age-related changes that occur throughout the body do not have the best effect on the condition of the nails. This is why nails begin to change color and become thick and rough. In this case, it will not be enough to use only baths, so it is best to opt for more effective methods.

Uses of aloe leaves

1. An aloe leaf is taken and the thorns are removed.
2. The leaf is cut lengthwise.
3. Apply half a sheet to the roughened nail.
4. Aloe is fixed with adhesive tape.
5. The compress is left overnight, and in the morning you can begin hygiene procedures.

Uses of pumpkin

1. Take a pumpkin slice.
2. The peel is removed.
3. The pumpkin is cut into small slices and applied to the roughened nail.
4. Fixed with a bandage or adhesive plaster.
5. The compress is left overnight.

Using table vinegar

In this case, you need to take table vinegar 9%, apple cider vinegar will also work. Thanks to the correct use of this product, you can quickly soften hardened nails:

1. Take a cotton pad and soak it in vinegar.
2. Apply to the problematic nail.
3. The compress is fixed with an adhesive plaster or a sterile bandage.
4. After 10 hours you need to remove the compress.

How to soften an ingrown toenail

Recently, more and more people are faced with the problem of ingrown toenails, which can result from hardening and deformation of the nail plate. In this case, to soften the nail, you can use the following means:

1. Vishnevsky ointment is one of the most effective remedies. A small amount of ointment is applied to a bandage, which is fixed on the problem nail. As soon as the nail plate becomes softer, you need to carefully bend it and remove all excess fragments.
2. Baths with the addition of essential oils will significantly improve the condition of your nails. You must first prepare a container into which hot water (2 liters) is poured, then lavender essential oil (3 drops), rosemary oil (3 drops), ylang-ylang oil (3 drops) is added. The feet are placed in the solution. After 20 minutes, the hardened nail plate softens.
3. You can use the following compress - equal amounts of butter and aloe leaves, previously crushed to a mushy state.
4. Combine vegetable oil (1 tbsp) and grated lemon zest (1 tsp). The resulting composition is applied to the nail, which must first be steamed. A layer of wax paper is placed on top, and the compress is fixed with an adhesive plaster.

If you have an ingrown toenail problem, the above remedies help alleviate the condition, but it is important to remember that this is not a simple cosmetic defect. In the most severe cases, surgery will be required.

Nail fungus: how to soften a nail

As a result of damage to the nail plate, its structure is disrupted. The nail begins to peel, the thickness of the plate increases significantly, the edge of the nail becomes uneven, and the color may change. In this case, a comprehensive and correct approach is required. First of all, the overgrown parts of the nail damaged by the fungus should be removed, and antifungal treatment is also important. Only a doctor, after confirming the diagnosis, can prescribe correct and effective treatment. The following procedures will help soften rough nails and carry out the necessary hygiene procedures.

The use of glycerin, vinegar essence and iodine

1. First, a special mixture is prepared - vinegar essence, glycerin, and iodine are taken in equal quantities.
2. Take 1 part of the resulting mixture and 2 parts of boiled water.
3. Using a cotton swab, the composition is applied to the damaged area of ​​the nail plate.
4. You need to apply the product very carefully, trying not to touch a healthy nail.
5. A cotton swab is placed on top, and the compress is fixed with an adhesive plaster.
6. The compress is left overnight, and in the morning the nail becomes softer and easy to trim.

Kombucha to soften toenails

This remedy helps make the nail plate softer, and also relieves severe itching that accompanies fungal infection. You must adhere to the following scheme:

1. First, kombucha is prepared, which you can buy at a pharmacy or make yourself.
2. The mushroom is divided into thin plates, the thickness of which should not exceed 4 mm.
3. The plate is cut so that the remaining part completely covers the nail affected by the fungus.
4. Part of the fungus is fixed with an adhesive plaster.
5. The patch is wrapped in a layer of polyethylene, and a warm sock is put on top.
6. The compress is left overnight, and in the morning you can carry out hygiene procedures.

Butter and beeswax ointment

To make such a medicine, you need to prepare equal quantities of beeswax, melted butter, grated onion, aloe leaves, ground into a homogeneous paste, and a finely chopped clove of garlic.

1. All components are mixed until the composition acquires a uniform consistency.
2. The mixture is placed on low heat.
3. As soon as the mass begins to boil, boil for no more than 2 minutes.
4. The composition is removed from the stove and left for a while to cool.
5. The remaining mass is applied to the damaged nail.
6. The ointment is fixed with a cabbage leaf, which must first be split, as the cabbage juice should be released.
7. The compress is fixed on top with a bandage, then a woolen sock is put on.
8. After 5–6 hours, the compress is removed.

What are the best nail clippers for thick nails?

Even if you have hard nails, there are special nail clippers that you can use to work on them.

Keeping your nails clean and trimmed isn't just for beauty. If you have a problem like toenail fungus, this may help prevent the fungus from spreading. It can also keep your nails from cracking and crumbling.

However, just like softening nails, there is a process to consider when trimming hard nails. It all starts with finding the best tools.

How to remove thick toenails after softening.

Once you have the right tools, use the following process to trim your hard nails:

• Soften your nails using one of the methods listed above.
• Start with the big toenail. You may have to use a nail sander to get it to an acceptable thickness. Do this while it is still soft.
• Work from the top to the sides of each toenail, trimming the top first and then trimming around.
• Repeat this process with smaller nails.
• Keep your nails as short as possible. Keeping them trimmed carefully will prevent them from cracking and splitting if they are fragile.

Pharmacy products for softening the nail plate

Traditional medicine will not always help soften a hardened nail, so you can use certain pharmaceutical drugs as an alternative:

1. Nailitis
   - the product contains urea, beeswax and tea tree oil. The drug has a softening and antiseptic effect.
2. Uroderm
   - the ointment contains urea, which has a mild effect on the keratinized cells of the nail plate. Apply a thin layer of the product twice a day to problem areas.
3. Fluconazole
   - the active ingredients of the product are salicylic acid, zinc oxide and potassium iodide. The product helps to quickly soften the roughened nail plate and eliminates the reasons that caused its thickening.

All the methods and techniques described above are aimed at eliminating the problem of hard and thick nails and alleviating the condition. But you definitely need to get rid of the reason that provoked this trouble, otherwise all efforts will bring only a temporary effect.

Reasons for increased nail strength in older people

Changes in the condition of the nail plate, shade and strength may be associated with:

• diabetes mellitus;
• disorders of the kidneys and liver;
• manifestations of psoriasis affecting the skin and nail plate;
• diseases of blood vessels and heart;
• significant endocrine changes;
• wearing uncomfortable and tight shoes;
• poor foot hygiene;
• incorrect nail treatment;
• leg injury;
• stress;
• impaired blood circulation in the nail bed;
• lack of vitamins;
• the occurrence of a fungal infection on the nails (cutaneous mycoses and onychomycosis)
• age-related aging of the nail plate;
• deposition of salts in the body.

The choice of a method for softening nails for grandparents should be made after visiting a dermatologist. He will find out the main reason for their strength, prescribe all the necessary tests, and conduct an examination. If the reason lies in aging, and not in disease, then you can quickly soften your toenails before cutting them using the methods below.

Softening nail plates affected by fungus

When affected by a fungal infection, the toenails become hard and peel. Before trimming fungal nails, it is recommended to soften them. Otherwise, they may crack and infection may enter the resulting crack.

To soften it, it is necessary to carry out foot baths. You need to add a disinfectant to hot water: iodine, soda, potassium permanganate or chamomile decoction. For softening, antimycotic ointments are used, which contain sulfur, lactic, salicylic or benzoic acid. Exoderil and salicylic ointment effectively cope with the problem. Such products not only soften the nail plate, but also help destroy the fungus.

How to Soften Your Toenails Before Trimming

Toenails and fingernails differ from each other in their structure. They are rougher, stronger and denser, and are often subject to deformation due to wearing tight shoes. To make your nails look aesthetically pleasing, you need to take care of them. Trim in time and prevent ingrowth. For older people, they should be softened before cutting. Standard and quick methods help: baths with warm water, compresses, nourishing creams, ointments.

Steam baths

Using warm foot baths is the easiest softening method. They improve the appearance of the plate and eliminate existing pain. A softened nail is easier to cut and file. To achieve a good result, the procedure must be carried out daily. The advantage of this method is a large selection of products for preparing foot baths, which are safe and have no side effects.

You cannot add regular or sea salt to a bath of water. These ingredients will only help thicken and strengthen the nail plate.

Softening compresses

If an elderly person is unable to take a foot bath due to illness or other reasons, then you can soften a thick toenail by using compresses:

• Compress using aloe. Wash the leaf torn from the plant and cut it. Apply the inner part to the nail. Secure the leaf with cling film, bandage or adhesive tape. It is better to apply this compress at night and remove it in the morning.
• Tea mushroom. Place a piece of mushroom on the problem area and secure with cling film or bandage. After 8 hours, the bandage can be removed. Trimming your nails after this procedure will be easy.
• With vinegar. Soak a cotton pad in apple cider vinegar or 9%. Apply to the damaged nail and wrap your foot with cling film, wearing a warm sock. After 4 hours, you can remove the compress. Next, wash your finger with clean water and apply nourishing cream.

Help in old age

In older people, due to decreased physical activity, the blood supply to the nail plate is disrupted. Against the background of low immunity and chronic diseases, nails become extremely strong.

To soften the toenails of an elderly person, it is recommended to use foot baths. Decoctions of medicinal herbs, such as string, mint, and nettle, help to cope well with the problem. To prepare the decoction, brew 2 tbsp in 3 liters of water for 5 minutes after boiling. l. crushed raw materials. Cool the finished broth slightly, pour it into a basin and keep your feet in it until the liquid cools.

Cotton pads moistened with a concentrated soap solution can be applied to the hard plates as a compress. Tar soap is used as a medicinal substance. Keep the compress for at least 15 minutes; after this procedure, pedicure is much easier to do.

To soften the nail plate, you can prepare a special solution. You need to take table vinegar, iodine and glycerin in equal parts. The components are thoroughly mixed and stored in a glass container in the refrigerator. If necessary, the product, after shaking, is applied with a brush to each nail and covered with an adhesive plaster. It is better to do this at night so that the product remains on the nails for at least 8 hours. In the morning, remove the adhesive plaster and begin trimming the plate.

Mashed potatoes, to which a little honey is added, helps to cope with the problem. In the evening, the puree is applied to the plates in a thick layer, then the fingers are bandaged, socks are put on top and they go to bed. In the morning, wash off the puree with warm water and trim the nail plates.

To make the nails of older people softer in the future, the cut site and the area around it are treated with a vitamin oil product. It will nourish and improve blood circulation.

Preventive measures

To make your nails look aesthetically pleasing and prevent fungus from appearing, you must periodically carry out the following activities:

• Get a professional pedicure from a specialist every few months.
• Use essential oil to prevent fungus.
• Wear only comfortable shoes.
• Do not cut your nails too short or round the edges. This will lead to infection, growth of the plate into the skin and the appearance of pain.
• Take a foot bath with herbs or soda 3 times a month.
• Shape your nails with a file, making movements in one direction - from the edge to their center.
• Wear slippers at the beach, in the pool and in other public areas to avoid fungal infections.
• Do not wear or try on someone else's shoes.
• It is good to dry your feet after taking a bath.

With age, the nail plate becomes wavy and acquires an unpleasant dull yellowish color. And health problems only make the situation worse. Remember! You cannot cut rough, thick nails without steaming, they can crack and come off.

The effect of procedures always depends on the regularity of their implementation. Therefore, to improve the condition of your nails, it is necessary to take a course. Only then will there be real benefit. But results begin to appear, as a rule, already on the fifth day.