Nails are not just for fashion, they protect the toes and provide a natural barrier. However, nails can become too hard and brittle, which may cause them to break or split. Softening your toenails is essential to protect your feet from injury. You can do many things at home that will help soften your nails, such as soaking them in warm water with Epsom salt for 10 minutes and then using a foot file on an emery board-style nail file (or even better use one like this). If this doesn’t work, it could be time to visit the podiatrist.
You should also avoid nail polish remover and keep your hands moisturized by using hand cream daily. If these steps do not work, consult your doctor as there could be an underlying medical condition causing the problem.
Ways to Soften Your Toenails
You may have heard from a friend or coworker that soaking your toenails in vinegar water can help soften them. This is true, and you can see the results within just a few days. The acid in the vinegar will dissolve any hardened skin on your nails, allowing you to trim them without pain. Give it a try today with this easy recipe: fill a jar with warm water and add two tablespoons of white distilled vinegar. Soak for 15 minutes each day until they are soft enough to trim comfortably.
A lot of people have thick toenails. Some people think it’s a sign of poor health, but in reality, it has more to do with the types of shoes you wear and whether or not you are wearing socks. In addition, if your toes are touching each other when your feet are at rest and/or if they hurt when squeezed together, then you might be dealing with thick nails as well.
Home Remedies for Thick Toenails
Home remedies for thick toenails include soaking your feet in a bowl of warm water with apple cider vinegar, Epsom salt, and lemon juice. This way, you can dissolve the nail from the skin below.
Here are some tips on how you can soften your toenails quickly and easily:
- Massage Your Toes With Cream – The first thing you should do is massage your toes with cream once or twice per day. After a few days, you will find that this will help soften up your nails and make them easier for you to cut back.
- Cut Them Back Slowly – Once the nail has softened up slightly, it is time to trim them back slowly, so they don’t break off when they grow too long. This may take a while, but it will be worth it in the end.
Another option is to put a cotton ball soaked in almond oil on each toe, then wrap it up with gauze or aluminum foil. Cover this for about an hour before removing and wrapping one more time to keep the oils on longer. In addition, wear roomy shoes, so toes have space but are not too big where they slide around when walking.
We have all been there. You get out of the shower and go to put on your favorite sandals only to find that you can’t wear them because of how thick your toenails are, or maybe they’re just really embarrassing and ugly.