Can you file the top of your toenails?

Ultimately, for any nail issue that shows “gross distortion,” says Jorizzo, refer the client to a podiatrist or medical professional. 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).

Can you file the top of thick toenails?

How do I cut my thick toenails? It is often very difficult to cut a thickened toenail and you might even break your nail nippers in the process! I would always advise to file a thickened nail rather than cut it, this way you can do little harm to the nail and surrounding skin.

Should you file the top of your toenails?

For example, you can buff the nail down with a file to keep it thin, so the fungus has less of a home to live in. You should also keep the nail trimmed. If you let your toenails grow long, it creates more places for the fungus to grow.

How do you smooth the top of your toenails?

Lightly brush the surface of toenails with a nail buffer or fine grit nail file. Apply some lemon juice with a cotton swab on and around the nail to further remove dead skin and give nails a healthy shine.

How can I file my thick toenail at home?

Soften your nails first by applying urea cream (Aluvea, Keralac) and wrapping your feet in bandages at night. Then, wash off the urea cream, and use a nail clipper and nail file to trim your nails. Apply an over-the-counter fungal treatment after you gently file your nails. Apply Vicks VapoRub on your toenail each day.

What To Do if Your Toenail Falls Off

Can you file toenails instead of cutting?

Filing is the best way to shorten your toenails. Toenails that are filed properly will not catch your socks or stockings unlike the nail clippers!

Can thick toenails be fixed?

Applying a small amount of melted coconut oil can help heal thick yellow toenails. You can purchase over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal nail creams and ointments. Be sure to clip and clean your nails before use to make sure the creams reach deeper layers. Laser therapy can be used to treat a fungal toenail infection.

How do you fix jagged toenails?

Smooth things out. Use an emery board, filing in one direction, to smooth away any jagged edges left from your cuts that could snag your socks or cause the nail to tear. Don't cut the skin. Take care that the tips of the tool don't nick your skin when trimming, and don't cut your cuticles.

Can toenails be reshaped?

Reshaping the nail will allow it to grow properly and eliminate your risk of an ingrown toenail. This is often the last resort, but may provide longer lasting results than other non-invasive methods. It's a quick and easy minimally invasive procedure that takes only 15-minutes!

Can I file toenail fungus?

Toenail Fungus Home Care

Sometimes it's possible to treat your toenail fungus at home. You can try: Over the counter antifungal creams or ointments. File or cut off any white markings on your nails.

What is the white hard stuff under my toenails?

In medical terms this is called onychomycosis or tinea unguium,” says Batra. The fungal infection breaks down the keratin in the nail to form a white or yellow chalky substance under the nail plate. "As keratin debris spreads under the nail, the nail plate typically becomes lifted up off of the nail bed.

Why is my big toenail so thick?

Thick toenails come from a buildup of the cells that make up your toenails. Three possible causes are increased age, nail fungus, and nail psoriasis (an autoimmune disease).

Can you use sandpaper on thick toenails?

Dystrophic Toenails

Dystrophic nails can be thinned through manual sanding, however, the quickest and most effective way to sand very thick toenails is with an electric sanding device. Thick nails should be sanded to avoid ulcerations due to shoe pressure, and can be sanded as thin as you desire.

How does a podiatrist treat thick toenails?

A podiatrist will grind the nail at frequent intervals. In some cases, trauma to the nail is permanent and the nail may require removal under local analgesia. In such cases the nail root matrix will need to be destroyed because damaged growth cells will continue to produce a thick new toenail.

How do you shape your toenails like a professional?

Why are my toe nails not smooth?

They usually happen as you age, but they can also be related to nail trauma or dry skin. In some cases, they might indicate an underlying medical condition or a nutrition deficiency. Vertical ridges are not a cause for serious concern.

Why is my big toenail bumpy?

What causes ridges in nails? Ridges in nails usually come from aging but can also indicate improper nail care, nail trauma, vitamin deficiency, or even a more pressing medical condition, according to 2022 research.

Can you use a Dremel tool on your toenails?

Can a Dremel tool be used to sand a toenail? The answer is yes. You can use a Dremel to sand a toenail but be very careful. Most Dremel toenail sanders are made for animals who have large protruding nails.

What causes thick toenails as you age?

Both fingernails and toenails thicken as we get older. We only notice it with toenails because they're usually not filed and buffed as often as fingernails. The growth rate of nails decreases when people get older. This results in thickening because nail cells pile up.

What shape should you file toenails?

“It's important to avoid cutting your toenails round or angled to prevent the formation of ingrown nails,” says Cunha. “Once the nails are cut flat and straight across, the edges on either side can be filed down so that the corners are less pointy and slightly beveled to follow the shape of the toe.”

How do I stop my toenails from getting thick?

Are thick toenails always fungus?

Although there are many potential causes of thick nails, a fungal infection is the most likely cause in the toenails. Other conditions, such as psoriasis or diabetes, may also cause thick nails to develop. The exact cause of thick nails will help decide a person's treatment to correct the condition.

What does Vicks VapoRub do for toenails?

Vicks VapoRub

Although designed for cough suppression, its active ingredients (camphor and eucalyptus oil) may help treat toenail fungus. A 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a “positive clinical effect” in the treatment of toenail fungus.