Isla Bennett
Thickened toenails are usually harmless and often caused by a fungal infection called onychomycosis, which thrives in warm, moist environments. Other causes include injury to the nail bed, congenital disorders, and chronic illnesses. Toenails can also get thicker as people age, and the condition can be inherited. Treatment options are chosen based on the underlying cause, and thickened toenails can be filed thinner while they grow out. While cuticles may overgrow, it is important not to cut them as they help prevent infection. Instead, gently pushing them back with a cuticle stick is recommended.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should you remove thickened toe nail cuticles? | No, cuticles should not be removed as they help prevent infection. |
| How to treat thickened toe nail cuticles? | Clean nail grooming tools before use, gently push back cuticles with a cuticle stick, use nail scissors to remove any loose skin, keep hands and cuticles moisturized with lotion or oils, use a nail file to maintain toenails. |
| Causes of thickened toe nails | Aging, injury to the nail bed, fungal infection, congenital disorders, chronic illnesses. |
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What You'll Learn
Don't cut cuticles, push them back gently
Toenails can thicken due to various factors, including fungal infections, injuries to the nail bed, and other medical conditions. While addressing thickened toenails, it is essential to avoid cutting the cuticles and instead gently push them back. Here's why and how to do it:
Cutting cuticles can increase the risk of infection and irritate the delicate skin around the nails. The cuticle serves as a protective barrier, shielding the nail area from bacteria and preventing infection. By cutting the cuticles, you expose the nail to potential pathogens and create an entry point for infections, such as paronychia.
Instead of cutting, gently push back the cuticles after softening them. Soak your nails in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes to soften the cuticles. You can also add jojoba or coconut oil to the water for extra moisturization. After soaking, gently pat your hands dry with a clean towel.
Use a cuticle pusher or an orange stick (a small wooden stick with a rounded, slanted edge) to gently push back the cuticles. If you have sensitive skin, wrap the tip of the orange stick in cotton before use. You can also push back the cuticles with a soft cloth, a cotton swab, or even your fingers, but an orange stick provides a cleaner look.
After pushing back the cuticles, moisturize your nails and hands with a high-quality hand cream or cuticle oil to keep them hydrated and promote nail health.
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Moisturise with lotions or oils to prevent dryness
It is important to keep your hands and cuticles moisturised with lotions or oils to prevent dryness. Nail polish remover, hand sanitiser, and even frequent hand washing can dry out your cuticles. Therefore, it is essential to replenish the moisture in your skin to maintain healthy cuticles.
You can use a variety of lotions or oils to keep your cuticles hydrated. Some people prefer to use natural oils, such as coconut oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil, as they are rich in vitamins and easily absorbed by the skin. These oils can help soften and moisturise your cuticles, promoting healthy nail growth.
Alternatively, you can opt for commercial cuticle creams or lotions specifically designed to nourish and protect your cuticles. These products often contain ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E, and aloe vera, which help lock in moisture and prevent dryness. They can also help improve the overall health and appearance of your nails, making them look shiny and well-groomed.
Applying lotion or oil to your cuticles is simple and can be incorporated into your daily routine. After washing your hands or whenever your cuticles feel dry, massage a small amount of the product into your cuticles and the surrounding skin. This will help keep them soft and supple, preventing cracks or tears in the delicate skin around your nails.
Remember, cuticles act as a protective barrier against bacteria, dirt, and fungus, so maintaining their health is essential for nail care. By moisturising your cuticles regularly, you can prevent dryness and promote healthy nail growth, ensuring your nails look and feel their best.
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Clean nail grooming tools before use
Clean nail grooming tools are crucial to maintaining healthy nails and preventing the spread of infections. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to clean your nail grooming tools before use:
Step 1: Prepare the Workspace and Gather Tools
Before you begin, ensure your workspace is clean and clutter-free. Have a separate, designated scrubbing brush with soft bristles for your nail tools to avoid cross-contamination. Gather all the nail grooming tools you intend to use and inspect them for any visible dirt or debris.
Step 2: Wash with Soap and Water
Fill your sink with warm to hot soapy water. Use the scrubbing brush to thoroughly clean each tool, removing any nail residue, dust, or debris. Pay special attention to crevices and joints in the tools where dirt might accumulate. Rinse the tools with clean water afterward.
Step 3: Disinfect
Once your tools are visibly clean, it's time to disinfect them. There are several methods you can use:
- Soak: Submerge your tools in a disinfectant solution of at least 70% isopropyl or ethyl alcohol for 5 to 30 minutes. You can also use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide for this purpose. Ensure the entire surface of each tool is in contact with the disinfectant.
- Boil: For sturdy metal tools, boiling is an effective way to sanitize them. Bring a pot of clean water to a full boil and carefully place your tools in it for at least 5 to 10 minutes. Avoid this method for delicate tools or those with plastic components as the heat can cause damage.
- Autoclave: For professional-grade sterilization, use an autoclave, which employs steam and pressure to sterilize metal tools.
- UV Sterilizer: If you have non-metal tools that cannot handle heat, use a UV sterilizer. It utilizes ultraviolet light to effectively kill microorganisms.
Step 4: Dry and Store
After disinfecting or sterilizing your tools, ensure they are completely dry before storing. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe them down, or let them air dry. Store your clean tools in a clean, dry, and airtight container to keep them safe from dust, moisture, and contamination.
Remember, proper tool cleaning and sanitation are essential to maintaining good nail health and preventing the spread of infections and fungi. Always clean your tools before use and follow the above steps to ensure the highest standards of hygiene.
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File nails thinner to maintain between trimmings
Filing nails is a good way to maintain them between trimmings and keep them from breaking. If your nails are already short, you don't need to cut them, but if they're uneven, cut them all to about the same length.
When filing, it's important to go slowly. If you file too fast, you may take off too much nail and it can be painful if they get too short. Start on one of the outside corners and file toward the middle, then do the opposite corner. File in the same direction and avoid a back-and-forth sawing motion, as this can fray the nail and damage the nail bed and cuticle.
If you want to get rid of extra length, cut the nail before filing. Think of the nail in two sections: the right and the left. Hold your fingers toward your face by making a half-fist, with the underside of your wrist facing up and nails bent toward your face. Start from one of the outside corners and file toward the centre.
You can use a classic emery board, but glass files are often recommended because they are gentler on the nails and easier to clean. Remember to clean your nail file to prevent the spread of bacteria.
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Consult a doctor for appropriate treatments
In most cases, thickened toenail cuticles can be treated at home and do not require medical attention. However, if non-prescription treatments are ineffective, it may be necessary to consult a doctor for appropriate treatments.
A doctor will determine the best course of treatment based on the underlying cause of the thickened nails. For example, if the issue is caused by a fungal infection, such as onychomycosis, a doctor may prescribe oral or topical antifungal medications. This type of infection often results in toenails that appear yellow, green, or brown. In some cases, surgical removal of the nail may be recommended to allow for regrowth. It is important to note that even with surgical treatment, it can take 12 to 18 months for toenails to return to their pre-fungal appearance.
If the thickening is caused by an injury to the nail bed, a doctor may suggest filing the nails thinner to improve their appearance. Additionally, certain congenital disorders or chronic illnesses can contribute to thickened nails, and addressing the underlying condition may help alleviate the issue.
In some cases, thickened nails could be a symptom of an underlying health condition, such as onychauxis, which causes abnormal thickening and a yellow or brownish discolouration. Onycholysis, another condition, occurs when the nail plate separates from the nail bed without pain and can be caused by various factors, including nail injury, allergic reactions, or psoriasis.
While it may be tempting to cut or remove overgrown cuticles, it is generally recommended to avoid doing so. Cuticles act as a protective barrier against infection, and removing them can lead to bacterial, fungal, or dirt buildup beneath the nail. Instead, gently pushing back the cuticles with a cuticle stick is a safer approach.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several reasons why toenails might thicken, including fungal infections, injury to the nail bed, age, and underlying conditions such as congenital disorders or chronic illnesses.
Thickened toenails can be treated by a doctor, who will choose the appropriate treatment based on the cause. This may include surgery to remove the nail and allow it to regrow, or the use of medication to treat a fungal infection.
No, you should not remove or cut your cuticles as they help prevent infection. Instead, gently push back your cuticles using a cuticle stick and remove any loose skin with nail scissors, avoiding the cuticles themselves. Keeping your cuticles and hands moisturized with lotion or oils can also help prevent dryness and overgrowth.
