how to repair my toenails

Full Answer

How often should you cut your toenails?

To properly trim your nails, dermatologists recommend the following tips:

• Soften the nails. ...
• Gather the proper tools. ...
• To trim your fingernails, cut almost straight across the nail. ...
• To reduce your chances of getting an ingrown toenail, cut straight across when trimming your toenails. ...
• Smooth uneven or rough edges using a nail file or emery board. ...
• Leave your cuticles alone. ...

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What is the best remedy for thick toenails?

Remedies. Baking soda has strong antifungal effects. Soaking your thick yellow toenails in baking soda and water can combat fungal infections. Applying 100% tea tree oil to affected toenails twice ...

How to get rid of toenail fungus fast and naturally?

• Always wash your feet with soap and pat them dry. ...
• The fungus is contagious, and it spreads in warm and wet places. ...
• Try to change your diet and make yourself habituated with enough protein-enriched foods. ...
• Put a habit to wear clean socks and shoes. ...
• Do not allow your toenail to grow big. ...
• Use food gel or powder to keep your foot fresh and dry.

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How often do you trim your toenails?

When Should You Not Cut Toenails?

• Wet Nails. First, if you have wet nails, you shouldn’t clip them. ...
• After Insufficient Growth. You also need to make sure that the right amount of time has passed since you last clipped your toenails.
• Without The Right Tools/Equipment. It might sound obvious, but some people don’t follow this rule. ...
• With Thick Toenails. ...
• With Certain Health Issues. ...

How do I get my toenails back to normal?

Home-based treatmentsClean the affected area with soap and water daily.Groom your nails regularly. ... Apply an over-the-counter fungal treatment after you gently file your nails.Apply Vicks VapoRub on your toenail each day. ... Apply tea tree oil twice a day every day.

Can damaged toenails be fixed?

Surgical removal with nail correction system to potential create a new healthier toenail – some damaged toenails are able to repair themselves depending on the severity of nail damage. There is one possible last chance treatment to help create a healthier, attached toenail.

Can you restore toenails?

Nail restoration is quick and painless, and your new nail is ready to go immediately. You can apply polish or nail wraps, put on socks and shoes, and walk around with no wait times. Restoring toenails gives you a smooth, flexible covering that moves with you and behaves much as your normal nail would.

How do you fix a damaged toenail?

Keep the nail bed dry, clean, and covered with petroleum jelly and an adhesive bandage until the nail bed is firm or the nail has grown back. Apply a new adhesive bandage whenever the bandage gets wet. Watch for signs of infection such as increasing heat, redness, pain, tenderness, swelling, or pus.

Will my toenail ever grow back normal?

If your toenail falls off, it'll usually grow back within a few months to a year. However, depending on the cause and the size of the lost toenail, it could take up to two years. Contact your doctor if your toenail won't stop bleeding or you have severe pain.

Can thickened toenails be reversed?

Thick toenails can be reversed if the underlying cause is addressed or proper preventative measures are taken. Polishing rough surfaces to make them smoother is a great way to treat thick toenails. Avoid pedicures because they may cause fungal infection to flare up when cuticles are removed.

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.

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.

What kills toenail fungus instantly?

Hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide can kill fungus that grows on toenails. You can directly wipe hydrogen peroxide on your infected toes or toenails with a clean cloth or cotton swab. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used in a foot soak.

What does a damaged toe nail look like?

You may first notice a white or yellow spot under the tip of a toenail. As the fungal infection makes its way deeper into the nail, your nail will become discolored and thicken. Your nail may also crumble and become jagged at the edge, and spread to other toenails. It can also spread to the surrounding skin.

What does a traumatized toenail look like?

It occurs when the blood vessels break open under the nail, causing blood to pool. Your toenail may look like a black, blue or purple bruise. Other nail trauma is painful and can cause your nail to accidently tear or split (lacerations), fall off completely (avulsion), or it can cause an ingrown toenail.

How do you get rid of thick toenails?

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.

Does nail restoration work?

The artificial nail stays in place for up to eight weeks and can easily be replaced. Because it's natural-looking, it restores your toes' appearance and eliminates the unsightliness of your recovering fungal nails. Toenail restoration enables you to enjoy your beautiful feet without feeling embarrassed.

What is toenail restoration?

A popular treatment for people with unsightly nails, toenail reconstruction is a straightforward cosmetic procedure, performed by a podiatrist. The technique uses a specialist gel, layered over the existing nail where it is misshapen or unsightly, in order to build a nail that's more pleasing aesthetically.

How to get nail glue to stick?

Before the application of nail glue, make sure to wash and dry your toenails first. This will improve the likelihood that the glue will cling. If there is dirt on the surface, it may not stick well. You can also soak it in warm water first. Next, dot a small amount of nail glue on the part of the nail that is torn .

How to make a nail polish base coat?

Start by cleaning your toenail and cutting a portion of a clean teabag based on the shape of the affected toenail. Next, apply a layer of clear polish on the nail, which will serve as the base coat. Place the teabag you have earlier cut and press it firmly.

How to fix a broken nail with nail tape?

Use it to cover the affected area of the nail. Before pressing the tape firmly, make sure to align the broken parts of the nail so that they will cling to each other. Trim the excess part of the tape. 2. Use a Nail Glue. Before the application of nail glue, make sure to wash and dry your toenails first.

How to get cracks out of toenails?

First, you should clean your foot and wash it, especially the affected toenail. Next, apply Vicks in your finger and rub it over the nail with crack. Wear socks overnight and in the morning, wash your nail with warm water. Do it repeatedly until crack becomes less visible.

How to fix a cracked toenail?

1. Use a Clear Tape. This is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to fix cracked nail. However, like in the case of most solutions available, keep in mind that this is only temporary. Start by trimming a portion of the clear tape, just small enough to make sure that it will cover the affected toenail. Use it to cover the affected area of the nail. ...

What to do if you have cracked nails?

If you have cracked nails, this is an indication of a bad state of health. Therefore, you should consider improving your diet as the primary solution. Your diet should include loads of fruits and vegetables to have beneficial vitamins and minerals.

Do you dry your nails before wearing socks?

Therefore, it is important to dry your nail properly before wearing socks to prevent the presence of too much moisture. 6. Nail Repair Kit. This is probably the best solution that you can consider, although this can also be the most expensive, depending on the specific product that will be chosen.

How to prevent ingrown toenails?

Your doctor may need to lift the nail or perform a partial or complete removal of the nail, depending on the severity of your symptoms. Wearing proper-fitting shoes and trimming your toenails straight across and not too short can help you prevent an ingrown toenail .

Why is my toenail yellow?

You may first notice a white or yellow spot under the tip of a toenail. As the fungal infection makes its way deeper into the nail, your nail will become discolored and thicken. Your nail may also crumble and become jagged at the edge, and spread to other toenails. It can also spread to the surrounding skin.

How to keep your toenails healthy?

Your toenails experience daily wear and tear, making toenail problems quite common. Taking care of your toenails with proper hygiene and properly fitted footwear can help keep your toenails strong and healthy.

Why do my toes look clubbing?

Nail clubbing refers to changes under and around the toenails that cause your toes to take on a widened, club-like appearance. Clubbing is most often caused by an underlying medical condition, such as heart disease, lung disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and cancer. It can also be an inherited trait in some people.

What are the symptoms of toenail trauma?

Symptoms. Symptoms of toenail trauma depend on the type of injury and may include: pain or throbbing. dark red or purple spot under the nail. split or torn nail. nail lifting away from the skin.

Why do my toenails turn white?

Whitening of the nail can be caused by underlying medical conditions or injury to the toenails. An inherited gene mutation, certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, and heavy metal poisoning can also cause leukonychia. In some cases.

Why do I have toe fungus?

Toenail fungus can be caused by a fungal infection on your foot or from walking barefoot where someone else with an infection has walked, such as saunas or locker rooms. Fungi thrive in dark and damp environments, so people whose feet remain wet for extended periods have an increased risk of toenail fungal infections.

What does it mean when your nails are yellow?

Look at the coloring of the nails, as a green or yellow shade could indicate infection. Feel the surface of the nails to see if you can detect any surface bumps or ridges. Once you make a detailed note of your nails' appearance, then it will make it easier to track improvement and healing over time.

How to get rid of a swollen nail?

Take off your polish, gel, or acrylics and leave your nails bare for a while. Moisturize your hands, nails, and cuticles frequently, and wear gloves when you're cleaning or doing dishes.

How to fix a nail that is brittle?

Apply tea tree oil. With its anti-fungal characteristics, tea tree oil is a great option if your nails are discolored, brittle, or emitting any odor. Apply a few drops of tea tree oil to the damaged nails twice daily . Repeat until the nails begin to improve in appearance.

How to build up nails?

Make an appointment with your doctor if the injuries are severe. Build your nails strength by applying moisturizer frequently and soaking them in natural oils . Following a healthy diet can also build up your nail beds.

How to prevent nail beds from getting dry?

Foods, such as olive oil and eggs, or a good multivitamin can give you these nutrients. Also, make sure to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration and brittle nail beds an dry cuticles. ...

How to prevent fungal infection?

Fungal infections can spread from your fingernails to your toenails, your eyes, and to other people. Wear gloves to prevent contaminating others.

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How to fix a broken nail with a gel coat?

Another potential remedy is to try a gel and silk wrap to hold the nail in place. Similar to the tea bag method, the gel and silk wrap method involves using a nail sized piece of silk wrap, placing it against the broken nail, and applying a gel coat to it. Once set, a person can choose to buff the nail and apply polish.

How to fix nail that is sticking to nail?

Use a tea bag. Another home remedy involves using a tea bag. For this method to work, try cutting a nail sized portion of a tea bag from an ordinary bag of tea. Then, use a brush with adhesive to glue the tea bag in place. Once the glue sets, a person can buff the nail and paint over it if they wish.

What causes red spots on the skin?

Psoriasis is a condition that affects the skin, causing outbreaks of red scaly areas and patches, or plaques. According to a study in the Journal of Indian Dermatology. Trusted Source. , nail psoriasis affects 10–78% of people with the condition. Psoriasis may weaken nails and make them more prone to splitting.

Why do my nails split?

Split nails are common. They can affect both fingernails and toenails and are usually the result of physical trauma, such as an object crushing them. However, wear and tear, as well as nutrient deficiencies, are also potential causes. In some cases, a person can take preventive measures to avoid splitting their nails.

Why do my nails get weaker?

Excessive exposure to moisture. Being well hydrated is important to nail health, but submerging them in or constantly exposing them to water can weaken a person’s nails. People may have excessive exposure to moisture when they: spend a long time in a pool. do the dishes frequently.

How to fix a split nail?

Home remedies for a split nail include glue, a tea bag, and a silk wrap. Most of the treatment options are home remedies. Home remedies usually involve fixing the nail in place and improving its appearance until the break grows out. All home remedies are ways to hide or hold the nail together until the split disappears.

Can psoriasis be treated?

Medical treatments. In some cases, a person may require medical treatment. For example, psoriasis can damage a person’s nail bed. Taking medication to control psoriasis can help prevent damage to the nails. In other cases, a person may have an acute infection from fungi, yeast, or bacteria. These infections require antifungal or antibiotic ...

How to treat ingrown toenails?

Here's how: Soak your feet in warm water. Do this for 15 to 20 minutes three to four times a day. Soaking reduces swelling and relieves tenderness. Place cotton or dental floss under your toenail.

How to get a toenail to grow above the skin?

After each soaking, put fresh bits of cotton or waxed dental floss under the ing rown edge. This will help the nail grow above the skin edge. Apply antibiotic cream. Put antibiotic ointment on the tender area and bandage the toe. Choose sensible footwear.

How to stop a toe from growing back?

This procedure may prevent that part of your nail from growing back. Your doctor will use a chemical, a laser or other methods . Your doctor may also recommend using topical or oral antibiotics , especially if the toe is infected or at risk of becoming infected.

How to treat a toenail infection?

Apply an over-the-counter fungal treatment after you gently file your nails. Apply Vicks VapoRub on your toenail each day. This may help the infection subside. Apply snakeroot extract to the toenail every third day for one month, twice a week in month two, and then just once a week in month three.

How long does it take for a toenail to grow out?

Treating toenails for fungus may require you to stick to the treatment plan for several months. Toenails grow slowly, and they can take 12 to 18 months to grow out. You may experience a recurrence of toenail fungus after treatment.

What does it mean when your toenails change color?

A change in the thickness of your toenails may be just one symptom of a fungal infection. Other symptoms of nail fungus include: toenails that change in color to yellow, brown, or green. a foul odor that comes from the toenail. toenails that can lift up from the nail bed.

Why are my toenails so thick?

Toenails that have grown thicker over time likely indicate a fungal infection, also known as onychomycosis. Left untreated, thick toenails can become painful. Prompt treatment is key to curing the nail fungus. Fungal infections can be difficult to cure and may require months of treatment.

How to treat fungus on toes?

You can try a variety of home-based methods to treat nail fungus: Clean the affected area with soap and water daily. Groom your nails regularly. Soften your nails first by applying urea cream (Aluvea, Keralac) and wrapping your feet in bandages at night.

Where do toenails meet?

where your toenail and nail bed meet. in a crack in your toenail. in a cut in your skin that touches your toenail. The fungus or yeast grows under the nail bed, where it’s moist. The infection is initially minor, but with time may spread and cause your toenail to grow thicker as well as cause other symptoms.

How to keep your feet dry?

Keep your feet as dry as possible: Change your socks a few times a day, wear cotton socks that remove moisture from your feet, rotate your shoes so they can dry out, and purchase shoes that breath and don’t constrict your feet. Try a foot powder that keeps your feet dry.

How to get thick toenails to soften?

In less severe cases, natural remedies can be used to help treat a thickened toenail. A mixture of tea tree oil and olive oil applied to the nail can help soften the nail so it becomes less thick. Apply the mixture to the toenail with a cotton ball twice a day until the nail returns to normal. 3. Soak feet in vinegar.

Why do my toenails turn yellow?

Fungus growing around the nail can cause the nail to separate from the nail bed as the fungus fills in the area. In this case, the nail will often become yellow or brown in addition to becoming thicker. 3. Some skin conditions can also affect the toenails and cause them to become thicker.

How to soften a swollen toenail?

3. Soak feet in vinegar. You can also soak the feet in vinegar for 20-25 minutes a day to help soften them. Fill a tub with warm water and add 3-4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to soak your nails. After the feet have dried, gently buff away the top layer of the nail that has loosened from the treatment.

How to get rid of a toenail infection?

Soak toenails for 10 minutes, and then trim using nail nippers. Surgery to remove the infected nail. Apply a mixture of olive oil and tea tree oil to the nail with a cotton ball twice a day.

What happens when your toenail turns yellow?

What to Do When Your Toenail Thickens. When nails become thick and yellow, they are unsightly and can be difficult to manage. Know the exact causes of thickened nails and how to treat them here! When nails wind up thick and yellow they can become difficult to manage. Thick toenails are not only unsightly, but also can be a sign ...

What is the best way to remove nail build up?

Some acidic gels such as Nonyx gel can be used to remove the excessive layers of the nails that have built up. The high Ph of the gel will help kill off any infections in the area when gently removing the debris that has built up on the top of the nail. 5. Try medical treatment.

How to treat thick toenails?

Both home care and medical treatment can be applied to cope with this condition. 1. Trim toenails carefully. You will need to trim your toenails carefully once they have become thicker.