Isla Bennett
Thick toenails can be extremely hard to cut and are often caused by fungal infections, injury to the nail bed, poor circulation, or wearing tight-fitting shoes. To cut thick nails, it is important to first soften them. This can be done by applying creams such as urea cream (Aluvea, Keralac) or VapoRub, or by soaking the nails in warm water for 5 to 30 minutes. Once the nails are soft, use professional-grade toenail clippers to cut straight across the nail. Be sure to clean your clippers thoroughly between each use and file down any sharp edges.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soaking nails | Soak nails in lukewarm water for 5-10 minutes |
| Tools | Use professional-grade toenail clippers, nail clippers or nail scissors |
| Cutting technique | Cut straight across the nail, make small cuts to avoid splintering |
| Filing | File nails with an emery board to smooth jagged edges, always file in the same direction |
| Softening products | VapoRub, tea tree oil, urea cream, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar |
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What You'll Learn
Soak nails in warm water for 5-10 minutes
Soaking your nails in warm water is a common practice to soften the nails and cuticles before cutting. The warm temperature helps to loosen dead skin, dirt, and dust, making it easier to clean the nails. It is recommended to soak your nails for 5 to 10 minutes. However, some sources suggest that even a brief soak of 30 seconds is enough to help cut cuticles more cleanly and thoroughly.
To prepare the soak, fill a bowl with warm water. Avoid using hot or cold water as it can shock the skin. Adding a few drops of soap to the warm water can enhance the cleaning effect, helping to remove any residue left after filing and buffing. For an extra nourishing soak, consider mixing in a few teaspoons of moisturising lotion, olive oil, or cuticle oil. These additional ingredients will help to moisturise and soften your hands, nails, and cuticles.
While warm water soaks are beneficial for softening the nails and cuticles, it's important to be mindful of the potential drawbacks. Nails can absorb water, which can lead to swelling and changes in their shape. This, in turn, can cause nail polish to chip or peel more easily once the nails dry and return to their original shape.
If you want to avoid the potential issues associated with water absorption, there are waterless manicure alternatives available. For example, you can use a sugar scrub or a warm lotion or oil soak to soften your cuticles without water.
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Use professional-grade toenail clippers
Thick toenails can be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as a fungal infection, psoriasis, congenital disorders, or chronic illnesses. If you have thick toenails due to medical conditions, age-related changes, or other conditions that require medical care, it is important to seek professional help and use the right tools to trim them.
Using professional-grade toenail clippers is essential for tackling thick toenails. Regular clippers are often insufficient for cutting through thick nails and can lead to painful gnawing. Professional-grade clippers, on the other hand, are designed with sharp and sturdy blades that provide enhanced cutting power. Their wider jaw opening allows them to accommodate thicker nails more comfortably, reducing the need for multiple cuts and minimizing the risk of nail damage.
When choosing professional-grade toenail clippers, opt for reputable brands and suppliers. Medical supply stores, specialty foot care centers, and online retailers are great places to find high-quality nail care tools. Look for clippers made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel or surgical-grade metals, as these will ensure long-lasting performance and precision.
One highly recommended option is the ClipPro nail clipper, which has a jaw that opens up to over 1" wide, making it much easier to trim thick toenails. The top of the blades is slightly curved to contour around your nails, providing a clean and smooth cut. If you have thick nails due to a fungal infection, the PediNova Electric Nail Grinder can be used in conjunction with the ClipPro to grind the thickened nail from the top and sides until it reaches a normal thickness.
In addition to the ClipPro, other professional-grade clippers that have received positive reviews include the Seki Edge SS-112 clippers and the Mehaz 660 Professional Nail Clippers. These clippers are known for their sharp blades, comfortable grip, and precise control, making them a worthwhile investment for maintaining healthy and well-groomed nails.
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Apply VapoRub, tea tree oil, or urea cream
VapoRub is an over-the-counter mentholated ointment that has been used to treat onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nails. In a clinical study, participants were instructed to apply a small amount of VapoRub to the affected nail at least once daily. Results showed that VapoRub had a positive effect on treating onychomycosis, with 83% of participants responding well to the treatment.
Tea tree oil is an essential oil with therapeutic benefits, including antifungal and antiseptic properties. It has been suggested as a potential treatment for nail fungus, specifically the fungus Trichophyton rubrum. To use tea tree oil for nail fungus, it is recommended to dilute it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or sweet almond oil. Apply the diluted tea tree oil to the affected area using a cotton swab, or soak a cotton ball in the mixture and place it on the nail for a few minutes. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil to warm water and soak your feet for 20 minutes. It is important to note that tea tree oil should not be ingested and should be used with caution on sensitive skin.
Urea cream is used to soften thick, rough, or dry skin caused by various skin conditions. It can also be applied to the nails to help soften and remove damaged or diseased nails. For best results, apply urea cream to damp skin after a bath or shower, ensuring that you cover the affected nail generously. Allow the cream to dry, then cover the nail with an adhesive bandage or gauze. The nail can be removed after several days, and the nail bed will harden within 12 to 36 hours.
Always follow the directions on the label when using any of these products, and consult a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns.
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Clean and dry your clippers before use
Clean and dry your nail clippers before each use to prevent the spread of nail fungus and other infections. When you use contaminated nail clippers, you expose your nails and surrounding skin to harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which can result in various infections, including paronychia, cellulitis, and nail fungus.
To clean your nail clippers, start by removing any debris, dirt, and nail clippings from the crevices and blades of the clippers with a small cleaning brush. You can then wash the clippers with mild soap or dishwashing liquid and warm water. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away any remaining dirt or nail residue. Rinse the clippers thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
After washing, you can further disinfect your nail clippers by soaking them in rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes. These solutions are effective in killing harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Alternatively, you can boil your nail clippers in water for approximately 30 minutes to sanitize them. However, this method is best reserved for sturdy metal tools, as the heat can cause warping or damage to delicate tools or those with plastic components.
Once your nail clippers are disinfected, dry them thoroughly with a clean, lint-free cloth. Ensure the cloth is free from any contaminants. You can also use cotton pads or balls to apply rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to the clippers for additional disinfection. Finally, store your clean and dry nail clippers properly to maintain optimal hygiene.
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Cut nails straight across
Thick nails can be softened by soaking your toes in warm water for five to ten minutes. You can also apply VapoRub or tea tree oil to your nails, or soak cotton balls with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar and dab your nails. Once your nails feel softer, you can proceed to trim them.
When cutting your nails, it is recommended to cut them straight across rather than in an oval shape. Cutting nails straight can prevent ingrown nails and reduce the risk of the nail growing into your skin. However, it is important to smooth out the corners slightly instead of cutting them at a sharp angle. This will help ensure that the nail doesn't get too close to the edges of your skin.
If you are experiencing issues with ingrown nails, a simple solution is to cut a 'V' in the middle of the affected nail. As the nail grows back, it will be pulled towards the middle, helping to alleviate the problem.
It is also recommended to work on trimming your nails after a shower or bath, as the nail tissue tends to be softer and easier to cut. However, make sure to fully dry your nails before clipping them to reduce the risk of slipping and tearing.
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Frequently asked questions
Soak your nails in warm water for 10-30 minutes. You can add mild soap or two tablespoons of Epsom salt to the water. After soaking, begin filing the nails down.
Urea cream, VapoRub, tea tree oil, and toenail softening cream are all products that can help soften thick nails.
You should use professional-grade toenail clippers, such as medical-grade clippers or the ClipPro nail clipper, which opens wider than most clippers.
If you have a fungal infection, make an appointment to see your doctor. You can also try home remedies such as applying VapoRub, tea tree oil, or an over-the-counter fungal treatment.
