Easy Fixes for Common Nail Problems

Dr. Andrea Suarez shows us how:

Getting off on the right foot

We won’t tip-toe around these tips:

• Dealing with hangnails on the fingernails: dehydrated nails crack and lift into painful hangnails, so moisturize nightly with products containing urea and/or glycerin, avoid pulling or tearing hangnails, trim them with manicure scissors instead, and if it seems sensible for your situation, seal a small flap with a drop of superglue to reduce discomfort while it grows out naturally. Do note that excessive cuticle trimming, nail polish, nail polish remover, and/or long nails can dry the nail plate and increase splitting, so it can be a good idea to keep your nails shorter and regularly hydrate them.
• Preventing toenail fungus from spreading: applying a small drop of distilled white vinegar under each toenail may help discourage fungal spread because fungi prefer a more neutral environment, although vinegar won’t cure advanced fungal infections, which often require prescription oral or topical antifungal medications.
• Managing difficulty trimming thick toenails: thick nails from aging, physical trauma, or prior fungal infections can sometimes be softened with salicylic acid and urea products applied overnight for about two weeks, after which gentle filing with a pumice stone can certainly help, though very thick or painful nails should be treated by a podiatrist.
• Reducing thick skin around the toenails: you can soften built-up keratin with a urea-based foot or callus cream before gently scraping it away, rather than cutting dry skin with scissors, because softened skin is easier and safer to remove.
• Preventing ingrown toenails: wear shoes with enough toe room, trim toenails straight across rather than curved, and if a nail starts growing inward, gently lift the edge with a tiny rolled cotton piece tucked underneath using tweezers.

Final note, on when to seek medical care: redness, swelling, drainage, severe pain, or signs of infection around a nail are best tended-to by a podiatrist.

For more on all of this plus visual illustrations, enjoy;

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Want to learn more?

You might also like:

The Foot Book – by Dr. Todd Brennan & Dr. Leslie Johnston

Take care!