Why Our Toenails Thicken As We Age
Many of our podiatry patients remark on how thick their toenails become as they enter middle age. Their toenails become notably tougher to trim, which makes the possibility of cuts to the skin around the nails a real possibility. Thickened toenails also splinter easily.
Toenails thicken due to aging, but other factors may also be at play.
Unfortunately, thickening toenails are a by-product of aging, in most cases. As we age, our toenails – and fingernails – slow their growth rate, and the nails thicken because the nail cells, called onychocytes, sort of pile up. Fingernails appear to thicken less, probably because we tend to them more often with filing and buffing, which thins them.
But in addition to this natural thickening of the nails, other factors may be at play also. Among them are trauma, fungal infections, and impaired circulation. Feet are under constant stress from falling objects, stubbing injuries, poor foowear, closed-in footwear, and athletic activities. All of these conditions can alter the cells from which the nails grow, and if one tends to stub or injure the same toe, the nail plate can easily become thickened or disfigured.
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Studies To Support That Copper Socks Have Antifungal Properties
When a number of participants with toenail fungus were already on their medication, a study was conducted to check what role vaseline jelly can play to treat the fungus.
The research proved how 8 out of 10 participants had experienced smoother nail textures and moisturized nails.
They regularly applied vaseline jelly and cleaned it with a mild alcohol-based solution to avoid any residues.
Thus, it is said to be very effective and people trust vaseline for it has great anti-fungal properties too.
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How Do You Get A Fungal Nail Infection
Most fungal nail infections occur as a result of the fungi that cause athlete’s foot infecting the nails.
These fungi often live harmlessly on your skin, but they can sometimes multiply and lead to infections. The fungi prefer warm, dark and moist places like the feet.
You’re more likely to get a fungal nail infection if you:
- don’t keep your feet clean and dry
- wear shoes that cause your feet to get hot and sweaty
- walk around barefoot in places where fungal infections can spread easily, such as communal showers, locker rooms and gyms
- have damaged your nails
- have a weakened immune system
- have certain other health conditions, such as diabetes, psoriasis or peripheral arterial disease
Fungal nail infections can be spread to other people, so you should take steps to avoid this if you have an infection.
What Company Makes Vaseline
Unilever produces Vaseline, and they have been in the business for many years.
We all know Unilever is a popular consumer goods manufacturer with a solid reputation. They have set such a high standard that other companies need to work harder to attain.
So, we expect the same attention to detail to be given to the Vaseline they produce.
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Baking Soda For Toenail Fungus
People have used Sodium bicarbonate for centuries.
It is a substance that can help us with various conditions, not only with fungus. However, it is especially useful when it comes to skin and nail conditions due to its antifungal and antiseptic properties.
NaHCO is great as it exfoliates surface skin, which in turn destroys layers of fungus located on them. But, that is only a small reason why people use baking soda for toenail fungus. Its alkaline properties are much more important. Sodium bicarbonate creates an acidic environment making it quite hard for fungus to survive.
Baking soda also helps balance the pH level of the surrounding skin. That way, spores are no longer able to reproduce and inhabit the surrounding areas. This localizes the issue, making it easier to eradicate later on.
Another great benefit lies in soda’s ability to absorb moisture. Again, your feet need to be dry at all times. Toenail fungus will affect the whole toenail but is especially persistent beneath them. This area is really hard to dry, unlike surface nail, making it easier for fungus to inhabit. Baking soda effectively puts a stop to it. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should stop paying attention to whether or not your feet are dry. You will also have to do your part in eradicating this nasty condition.
Obviously, there are a lot of pros that should at least persuade you to try it.
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Treatments And Available Drugs
If the fungal infection is mild, there is no need of treatment. However, not treating the infection might lead it to spread to other nails as well. Following are the treatment options available for toenail fungus:
Medication is normally recommended when the fungal nail infection is more severe. Tablets and nail paints are two important medications. Your general physician would recommend if you need treatment or not, if yes, then he would also recommend the type of treatment you need. It is not necessary for the nail to return to its normal shape even after the infection has been treated.
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How Should You Apply Vaseline To Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus needs proper care. Otherwise, the condition could become worse. It could start smelling bad and look unsightly.
Most people with this condition dont feel comfortable exposing their feet. They prefer to leave it in their shoes to avoid embarrassment.
However, toenail fungus treatment varies. Your doctor may approach an individuals toenail fungus differently from the others.
The condition often causes toenails to become yellowish, discolored, hardened, thick, or have in-growth.
Doctors may request you remove the in-growth via a surgical procedure in most cases. They may also administer antifungal medication. Why? The reason is simple. They want to ensure the infection doesnt make its way into your bloodstream, as that would be challenging to treat.
How should you apply Vaseline to your toenail fungus?
Firstly, remember that you can apply Vaseline on your toenails, whether they have fungus infection or not.
To apply the ointment, wash your feet and dry them. Make sure you use a clean cloth or towel.
The next step is to apply Vaseline to the affected finger. You can also apply to other fingers if you wish.
A Handy Tip: If you have a doctor handling your treatment, discuss if you can apply Vaseline on your toenail fungus. Your doctor might be against applying an ointment.
Cutting An Infected Toenail
Start by softening your toenails via our instructions above.
Then, you can proceed to cutting.
But do use the right tools: Medical-grade clippers.
Make small cuts, not big ones. Clip carefully, and avoid what causes you too much pain.
Finish by filing. See a doctor if treatments dont work.
Begin by following the instructions we give on softening your toenails.
If nothing else, be sure to soak your feet for ten minutes in a warm Epsom salt bath before beginning.
This softens your nails and allows the clipper to work better.
Be sure that youre starting out with the right clipper. Even normal heavy-duty ones might not do the trick.
Try to get medical-grade clippers, which can do a better job of it.
But, if nothing else, heavy-duty clippers will work.
When cutting, aim for smaller cuts, not big ones. Take off what you can, and worry about evening it out with a file later.
Try to avoid things that cause pain or make you bleed. Dont hurt yourself.
Finally, finish off the process by filing your nails down until there are no jagged bits left.
After that, youre done!
Still, having problems?
If you cant cut your nails because of pain or cant get a fungus or other problem to go away, see your doctor about your concerns.
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If I Apply Vaseline Regularly Will My Toenail Fungus Be Cured
No, Vaseline cant cure it. There are no scientific pieces of evidence to back this solution, but it definitely helps with the treatment or relieves the symptoms.
You can try this treatment alongside your medicines or consider it a home remedy.
Miracles do happen but you must consider the fact that vaseline is just an ointment. If the fungus has already entered your bloodstream, you may need to take medicines only.
In such cases, vaseline can only heal the upper layer of the skin.
Common Medical Causes Of Hard Toenails
The most common medical cause of hard toenails is a fungal or yeast infection. Its normally treatable at home.
Hardening may also be caused by prior injury. If you believe this is the case, speak to your doctor.
If your toenails are hardening, and theres a medical reason, its almost certainly one particular one: Fungal or yeast infections.
With so many adults infected with this, its something almost everyone will deal with at one point or another. Its also nothing to be too embarrassed about.
Treatments are easy, with many options not requiring any input or prescription from your doctor.
Only after you have been unable to cure your infection on your own should you make an appointment.
It is worth treating with more than one type of product to make sure that its the infection thats the problem and not what you bought.
On the other hand, if youve experienced an injury to the area in the past, and the hardening is localized to the area or even one toe?
This might be damage to the nail bed. You should speak to your doctor about it at your next checkup, or sooner if youre worried about it.
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How To Soften Thick Toenails
When you set out to cut your infected toenails, you probably struggle considering how thick and hard they are. Thickened nails are a symptom of nail fungus and patients often find themselves at their wits end. Even with a medical-grade nail clipper, cutting your nails can be difficult and painful. In this case, you can use the following simple tips to soften your nails before cutting them.
The main trick is to soak your feet to soften the nails. In a tub or bucket, take enough warm water to reach a depth that would cover your feet. You can opt to add in epsom salts into the water. Then proceed to soak your feet for about half an hour, or more if your nails are very hard. Since you will likely need to do this every time you trim your nails, you may choose to invest in a foot bath for comfort and relaxation.
After soaking your feet, make sure to thoroughly pat them dry, since lingering moisture promotes the growth of nail fungus. Once your feet are dry, apply a nail softening cream of your choice directly to the nails, and leave them overnight. You can then trim the nails the next day.
If you would like to try even further tricks to soften your nails, you can apply vaporub to them, or tea tree oil, and then trim your nails once your nails feel softer. Alternatively, you can also soak cotton balls with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, and dab your nails until they feel softer. Then, you proceed to trim your nails right away.
Natural Ways To Defeat Toenail Fungus
Dont let this sometimes painful condition sideline you. Treat it early with these easy, natural solutions.
The showers at the local gym may have left you with an unwelcome gift: onychomycosis, otherwise known as nail fungus. Or maybe its a souvenir from a barefoot run or just a sign that you arent changing your running socks often enough. Although it starts innocuously enough, as a white or yellow spot underneath your toenail, the nail can start to thicken and even crumble as the fungus penetrates deeper and deeper. And, while it can can appear on your fingers, the fungus is more likely to appear and persist in your toenails because of the warm, moist environment of your shoes, where these little buggers can thrive, and unfortunately, where its most likely to affect your running.
If you see a dermatologist, youll most likely get a prescription for an antifungal oral medication such as Lamisil or Sporanox, which tend to be expensive and carry side effects ranging from skin rashes to potentially toxic liver damage. Thats not pleasant, which is why so many people look for a drug-free alternative, says Joe Graedon, MS, a pharmacologist at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy at Chapel Hill and author of The Peoples Pharmacy. There are newer topical treatments, such as Kerydin, but they also require a prescription and can take up to a year to work. Here are some of Graedons top drug-free remedies for toenail fungus.
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Another way to soften toenails is to get a bowl or basin of water to which you add some mild soap and a little alcohol. Apply white vinegar directly to your affected toenails or soak your feet in one part vinegar to two parts warm water mixture two to three times a day.
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What Side Effects And Drug
The possible side effects of itraconazole include headaches, dizziness, stomach and bowel problems, and rashes. Itraconazole can also interact with a number of other drugs. These include cholesterol-reducing and blood-sugar-lowering medications, as well as certain sleeping pills. It is therefore important to let your doctor know about any medication you take. Itraconazole is not an option for people with heart failure . It also isnt suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Terbinafine can cause gastrointestinal problems and a temporary loss of taste and smell. It can also interact with certain antidepressants and heart medications. Overall, terbinafine has far fewer drug-drug interactions than itraconazole. Nevertheless, its still important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication. As a precaution, this medication should not be taken during pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding.
The studies only rarely reported on how often the different side effects occurred. But most people tolerate nail fungus medications well. Only a few people in the studies stopped treatment because of side effects.
But there is a very small risk of liver damage from taking itraconazole or terbinafine. For this reason, people with a liver disease are only given these medications if its absolutely necessary.
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