Toenails are meant to be soft and well-grown, but when they become infected, they become thick, and that thickness is a sign of fungus infection.
It’s important to prioritize your toenail care to prevent any form of infection. Check up, if your toenail is already thickened because there is a remedy for it, and you can as well manage it well.
Yes, it is possible to file down a thick toenail, but it’s important to do so carefully and safely to avoid causing any harm or damage.
In this blog post, we will talk about how to file down a thick toenail. Self-care is important and it’s crucial to know the right way to go about it. Keep reading.
Is It Safe To File Down Thick Toenails?
It is safe to file down a thick toenail when it is done correctly with the right procedure and types of equipment.
Filing down thick toenails can be safe when it’s done gently and not vigorously, the nails are thick because of the nail infection therefore you might want to forcefully fill down the nail, which is not advisable.
Also, you are to ensure to file down the nail in a particular direction. do not file down the nails haphazardly. This might cause the nails to bleed.
Consequently filling down the thick toenail nail is important, you can file it down for 2-3 weeks consistently. This will enable the reduction of nail thickness and an effective decrease in nail growth.
When filing down the nail, ensure your feet are not wet, and your nails are not damped. for effective filing to happen, the nails must be in a dry state.
Additionally, after each filing procedure, ensure to take out the debris and pack out the filed nail fragments to prevent the infection from lingering in the environment.
Moreover, the use of the right equipment is essential to the procedure. Do not use sharp files that might cause your toe to bleed.
Finally, after each filing process, endeavor to moisturize your toenails.
How To File Down A Thick Toenail At Home
Although, it’s a well-known fact that thick toenails are strong and might not be easy to cut or file down.
It’s easier to file down a thick toenail than to cut it for so many reasons, one of which is filing down a thick toenail prevents you from injuring yourself in the process of cutting the thick, hard toenail.
There is a step-by-step procedure on how to file down a thick toenail.
1. Trim the toenail
Use a nail clipper to trim the thick toenail straight across carefully. Avoid cutting too close to the skin, as this can cause ingrown toenails.
2. Soak your feet
Fill a basin or bucket with warm soapy water and immerse your feet for 10-15 minutes. This will soften the thick toenail and make filing easier.
3. Dry your feet
Pat your feet dry with a clean towel.
4. Sanitize the tools
Clean the nail file and nail clipper with rubbing alcohol or antiseptic to minimize the risk of infection.
5. Begin filing
Gently file the thick toenail using a back-and-forth motion with the nail file. Start at one edge of the nail and work your way across to the other edge. Avoid filing too aggressively to prevent injury.
6. File evenly
Aim to file the nail to an even thickness. Be patient and avoid removing too much at once. Check your progress frequently.
7. Check the shape
As you file, shape the nail to match the natural curve of your toe. This can help prevent ingrown toenails.
8. Clean the area
After filing, use a cotton ball or pad with rubbing alcohol to clean the nail and surrounding skin. This will help prevent infections.
9. Moisturize and protect
Apply moisturizing lotion or cream to your feet, paying attention to the nail area. Put on clean socks to protect your feet.
4 Tips To Prevent Thick Toenails
Preventing thick toenails is better than managing them. Here are some preventive tips to maintain healthy toenails:
- Keep Feet Dry and Clean: Regularly wash and dry your feet, especially after physical activity, to prevent fungal growth.
- Trim Nails Properly: Cut your toenails straight across and avoid rounding the corners to reduce the risk of ingrown nails.
- Wear Breathable Footwear: Opt for socks and shoes made from breathable materials to prevent moisture buildup.
- Use Antifungal Sprays: Consider using antifungal sprays or powders in your shoes and on your feet to reduce the risk of fungal infections
Conclusion
Filing down a thick toenail can be a temporary measure to alleviate discomfort and improve the nail’s appearance. However, it is essential to exercise caution and follow the proper guidelines to avoid any complications.
For persistent or recurrent thick toenails, seeking professional medical advice is crucial to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Maintaining good foot hygiene and preventing fungal infections are key to keeping your toenails healthy in the long run.
