How to soften or steam toenails with fungus

A healthy human nail is thin, smooth and shiny. The nails on the feet are somewhat thicker than on the hands. With age, the nail plates become coarser and become denser. It is difficult to cut them, so they use products that help make them soft.

Thickening, accompanied by deformation of the plate, discoloration, crumbling, peeling of the periungual area - all this indicates onychomycosis. This is nail fungus. Taking care of your nails with this disease is even more difficult. And cutting your hair turns into torture. There are many reasons for thickening nails. These include fungal infection, poor diet, and wearing shoes that don't fit properly. In older people, hard nails are normal. You can cut your hair only after steaming it in a hot bath.

How to soften toenails in older people and why do it? What drugs and remedies will help make nails soft with fungal infection? We will answer these questions in detail.

How to soften toenails with fungus?

If thick nails are one of the symptoms of the disease, you need to cure it.

If you have a fungus, you need to deal with its spores. Miconazole and similar antifungal agents are used in treatment:
Anemia is treated with vitamin complexes. For example, for iron deficiency anemia, iron-containing drugs are prescribed.
In case of allergies, allergens are identified and antihistamines are used.

If problems with toenails in an elderly person are caused by tight and uncomfortable shoes, you need to choose a suitable pair.

At home, you can apply compresses, foot baths, use oils and ointments to soften toenails, and polish them. Such procedures will help improve the appearance of your nails and get rid of pain. After these procedures, soft nails can be trimmed or filed.

The fungus must be treated as soon as its first symptoms are detected. Microorganisms settle under the nails and grow their mycelia in all directions. This is how neighboring nails are damaged. The infection progresses from the exposed ends to the roots. The worse the nail growth, the faster the disease spreads. For this reason, onychomycosis occurs more often in old age.

For the development of microorganisms, nutritious, moist conditions are required. An elderly person's feet should always be clean and dry - if foot hygiene is carefully observed, fungus will not develop.

With fungus, the nails become rough, peel, acquire uneven edges, and become yellow-brown in color.

Treatment of fungus is complex. The patient is prescribed fungicidal medications, as well as antifungal agents for nails. They may contain various acids: lactic, benzoic, salicylic, as well as sulfur and thymol. These are effective helpers in the fight against fungal infections.

Treatment procedures must be regular. Treatment can be long and continues until the nails are renewed and healthy. To do this, you can contact a boarding house for pensioners in the Leningrad region, where they will provide all the necessary qualified assistance.

Ointments and creams

You can buy ointments at a pharmacy or make them yourself. They should be used after processing and preparing the nails.

Salicylic ointment. Another popular remedy for treating fungus. Before applying it, you need to make a steaming bath with manganese, soap and soda. A 5% ointment is applied after a foot bath twice a day in the morning and evening, and on top is a bandage that is kept in place for an hour. After the specified time, the remaining product is removed using a soft cloth.
Ichthyol ointment or Vishnevsky Ointment is a good helper for ulcers and ingrown nails. These ointments are applied in the same way as salicylic acid.
Vitamin cream. You can take any nourishing cream with a fatty base, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil, vitamins A and E. This mixture should be applied to rough areas daily, and after absorption, file off the soft areas. This method is used at the very beginning of thickening of toenails.
Uroderm ointment. The active ingredient urea softens keratinized parts. Apply thin layers twice a day. For fungus, apply the product for half an hour before using the local preparation.
Kanespor. This antifungal kit also helps treat thickened nails in the elderly. Once a day, nails are treated according to the instructions. Within 7-14 hours, the nails become completely soft, then they are removed, and the wounds are sealed with medicinal plasters. The patches must be changed daily for fresh ones.
Nailitis. A nail preparation that will help soften the nail plates and cut them without pain. Before use, you need to make a bath of soap and soda, apply only to the nails, without touching other areas of the skin. Cover with a band-aid and leave for 3-4 days. After the specified time, you need to peel off the patch, take a steam bath and file off the soft parts of the nails.
Nogtimycin. The drug contains urea and salicylic acid, which help effectively fight the fungus. Thanks to this combination, you can easily get rid of a diseased nail.

If the nail plates are very hard and the nail on the big toe has turned yellow, this indicates a fungal infection. Fighting the disease with conventional creams and various folk methods is quite stupid, since the fungus tends to quickly progress and affect healthy areas. This disease can also be transmitted to other people.

Treatment of fungus involves the use of medications. The most effective of them:

Dimexide. You can use both ointment and solution. The medicine has a powerful antibacterial effect. It helps to quickly get rid of infection and achieve the desired softness of the nail plates. Cost of the medicine: from 110 rubles.
Exoderil. A medicinal liquid with an antibacterial and restorative effect. The drug relieves itching, kills pathogenic microorganisms and accelerates the growth of healthy nails. Price: from 480 rubles.
Nizoral. The product fights almost all types of fungal bacteria. Available in cream form. The drug is not recommended for use by pregnant and lactating women. Cost: about 140 rubles.

Dimexide will help soften the nail plates

You can also soften fungal nails at home using traditional methods. Foot baths, special compresses, as well as ointments prepared with your own hands according to folk recipes will help with this.

Foot baths

Homemade baths help soften the nail plate. After such procedures, it is easier to shorten nails. Also, such manipulations help prepare the surface for the application of certain pharmaceutical drugs. The following bath compositions are effective:

Soap and soda. Take 3 tablespoons of soda and the same amount of tar soap shavings. Add the mixture to heated water (5 liters), then soak your feet in the mixture for 20 minutes. The procedure is recommended to be carried out daily for a week.
Hydrogen peroxide. Add 5 tablespoons of the drug to 2 liters of hot water. Keep your feet in the solution for 15 minutes. Carry out the procedure every other day, then apply cream to your feet. The drug helps fight fungus on the feet, softening not only nails, but also calluses and corns.
Essential oils. Such compositions help soften nails and also have antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects. Extracts of patchouli, lavender, tea tree and eucalyptus work effectively. You should add only 3-5 drops of ether to heated water (2-3 liters). You need to keep your feet in the bath for about 20 minutes.
Vinegar baths. Add 250 ml of vinegar to 2 liters of water. Keep your feet in the solution for 10-15 minutes.
Herbal collection. You can use sage, St. John's wort, chamomile and celandine for baths. Add the products in equal parts to boiling water, at the rate of 4 tablespoons of raw materials per 2 liters of liquid, and leave for 1 hour. Then strain the infusion, add another 2 liters of warm water and soak your feet in it for 20 minutes.

Foot baths with different products If for some reason it is not possible to take a foot bath, you can resort to softening compresses. This is an equally effective method that is suitable for older people or those patients who cannot undergo the standard procedure due to other diseases. Better compresses:

Using aloe. You need to tear off a leaf from the plant, wash it thoroughly and cut it. Then apply the inner side to the nail plate on the toes and secure with cling film, adhesive tape or bandage. It is advisable to do such compresses at night.
Vinegar based. Soak a cotton pad in 9% apple cider vinegar and apply it to the nail affected by the fungus. Wrap the finger with a bandage or film on top and put on a sock. The compress must be removed after 4 hours. Afterwards, rinse your foot with clean water and apply nourishing cream.
Tea mushroom. Apply a piece of mushroom to the affected nail, then secure with a bandage. Keep kombucha for 8-9 hours.

Self-prepared ointments also help soften toenails with fungus. The most effective recipes for cooking yourself are given below:

You will need 5 drops of Dimexide and the same amount of essential oil. The basis is the usual baby cream (1 tablespoon). You need to mix all the ingredients to obtain a homogeneous consistency. Apply the mixture to the nail in a thick layer. After keeping the product on the nail plate for 1 hour, you can further steam your foot in a hot bath.
Grind a medium-sized onion and a head of garlic. Add a little ghee to the mixture. Apply the prepared mixture while warm to your nails and wrap them in film. If a fungal infection affects the nail plate only on the little finger, then the ointment should be applied to only one appendage. It is recommended to keep the composition on the nail throughout the day. In the evening, steam your feet in water and remove thickening using special tools.

To remove the layer of stratum corneum from the toenail plate that has been affected by fungus, you must first soften the surface. To do this, you can use both pharmaceutical preparations and home-made formulations. This step should not be skipped, because rough thickened nails will flake and crumble even more when you try to shorten them. There will also be an increased risk of damage to nearby tissues and the spread of fungal infection.

It is very difficult to get rid of such a chronic pathology as onychomycosis. The nail affected by the fungus takes on a characteristic appearance: it thickens, becomes lumpy, opaque, and takes on a yellowish or gray tint.

For successful treatment, it is important that antifungal drugs penetrate as deeply as possible into the thickness of the nail plate. For this purpose, nails need to be regularly trimmed and their top layer filed off, which is quite problematic if the nail plate is excessively thick.

Ointments and creams

To soften your toenails, you can use store-bought creams or ointments or prepare them yourself:

Vitamin softening cream. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil, vitamin E and vitamin A to any nourishing fatty cream, apply to rough areas every day and file off the softened areas. This method is mainly used in the initial stages of thickening the nail plate.
Homemade ointment. Take melted butter, natural beeswax, an onion, a clove of garlic and an aloe leaf. All components are finely chopped and mixed. The mixture is heated in a water bath for about 3 minutes, then left to cool. The feet are steamed in hot water for 15 minutes, wiped dry, ointment is applied to the nail plates, and the feet are wrapped in film and a warm blanket. The ointment is left on the nails overnight. In the morning, nails are trimmed. If the ossified tissue has not softened enough, the procedure is repeated up to 3-5 times.
Ichthyol ointment or Vishnevsky ointment. For purulent inflammation and ingrown nails, ointments are applied according to the salicylic principle. They are also effective nail plate softeners.
Salicylic ointment. The pharmacy sells 5% ointment, which is used when the nail plate is affected by fungus. The ointment is applied in a thick layer as a compress in the morning and evening after steaming the legs in a bath with manganese, soda or soap. The bandage is kept for 1 hour. Then remove the remaining ointment with a soft cloth.
Uroderm ointment. A strong product containing urea, which can quickly soften keratinized areas. The ointment is applied to the thickenings 2 times a day in a thin layer. In advanced cases, an occlusive dressing is used. For fungal infections, the product is applied half an hour before applying topical fungicidal agents.
Nailitis. A specially developed product that helps soften nails and trim affected areas without pain. The drug is applied after using a soda-soap bath. Apply it only to the nail, without touching the surrounding areas of the skin, seal it with a band-aid and leave it in this form for 3-4 days. After the specified time has passed, the patch is peeled off, a steam bath is taken again, and the soft parts of the nail plates are filed off.
Kanespor complex. Consists of an anti-fungal preparation, a set of plasters and a scraper. The product is intended to combat thick nails and onychomycosis. The nail plate is treated with the healing solution once a day in accordance with the instructions for use. Within 7-14 hours, the nail completely softens and is removed, covering the wound with a bandage. The patch needs to be changed to a fresh one every day.

All the methods and techniques described above are aimed at eliminating the problem of hard and thick nails and alleviating the condition. But you definitely need to get rid of the reason that provoked this trouble, otherwise all efforts will bring only a temporary effect.

Softening of toenails in older people

How to steam toenails with fungus using special preparations? To treat complex cases, it is best to use pharmaceutical products that have a complex effect. They not only soften the nails, but also have a detrimental effect on the fungal microorganisms themselves, heal the nail plates and promote their rapid regrowth.

Dermatologists recommend using special liquids, ointments or varnishes to soften and remove nails affected by fungus.

The most popular antimycotic agents:

Dimexide. A liquid with a specific “garlic” odor, which is widely used to treat the initial stages of onychomycosis. The advantages of Dimexide are its availability, low cost, and ease of use. Disadvantages include the need for long-term use, unpleasant odor, side effects - itching and irritation of the skin of the fingers.
Exoderil. A popular antimycotic product available in the form of a solution or nail polish. The drug effectively softens deformed nails and successfully fights fungi and pathogenic bacteria. The disadvantage of this product is its high cost.
Nailitis. The most famous nail remover, the main active ingredient of which is stearic acid. This is a relatively inexpensive remedy that can quickly and painlessly remove the affected nail plate, however, it does not affect the fungus and should only be used in combination with other antifungal drugs.
Uroderm. Urea-based ointment that can remove nails affected by mycosis. When using the product, it is important to carefully protect the skin adjacent to the nail to avoid irritation and peeling.
Tinedol. A mild product containing glycerin, wax, vitamin E and essential oils. The ointment is pleasant to use, causes virtually no side effects and is effective against fungus.
Batrafen. Varnish containing ciclopirox. Before using the product, it is important to thoroughly wash your feet and file the top layer of your nails with a nail file. After 2-3 applications of varnish, the affected areas of the nail plate will be completely ready for removal.
Keratolytic patch. A preparation impregnated with a special substance, under the influence of which the nail softens. It is applied for 2-3 days and is suitable for removing nails, especially suitable for the elderly.

The reasons for changes in toenail color, thickness and shape are varied:

Fungal infection, otherwise known as onychomycosis. The nail becomes duller, lumpier, breaks and gradually peels off from the nail hole.
Psoriasis. Leads to rash and peeling on the plates and epidermis.
Squamous lichen. Symptoms: thickening, ribbing, crumbling of nails.
Impaired blood flow in the nail bed. Because of this, the plate becomes thicker and its structure is disrupted.
Flat feet and injuries.
Regular contact with chemicals.
Chronic diseases, metabolic disorders.
Wearing tight or uncomfortable shoes. Deformation of nails for this reason occurs more often on the big toes.
Accumulation of salts in the body with age. This process also causes thickening of the nails because some of the salts will be deposited in them.
Stress and dietary disorders. Lack of nutrients due to overeating or dieting, strong feelings, hard work - these and similar factors can affect the health of the body in general and nails in particular.

In order to soften the plate, you can use baking soda paste:

Take a tablespoon of baking soda and dilute it with water until it becomes mushy;
Apply the mixture generously to the affected nail;
Squeeze lemon juice (1 tsp is enough);
Spray the area treated with soda with it - a characteristic reaction will occur, a slight burning or tingling sensation may be felt.

After about 3 minutes, when the reaction has passed, the product is washed off, part of the plate is removed and an antimycotic drug is applied.

The next method is more labor-intensive, but quite effective - this is a multi-component ointment:

You will need - ghee, grated onions and garlic, aloe pulp, beeswax (all proportions are equal);
The ingredients are mixed, set to simmer on the fire (2 minutes), beeswax is added last and boiled for about another minute;
The ointment must cool, only after that it is generously applied over the nail;
The finger is wrapped in a cabbage leaf, polyethylene, and secured with a bandage;
The duration of the procedure is 8-12 hours.

Before applying the ointment, it is recommended to first steam your feet a little, this will increase the effectiveness of the product.

In addition to unconventional methods, there are special medications that help soften the nail plate. After using them, you can easily remove the entire affected part of the nail.

These are products such as Onychoplast, Nogtimycin or Nogtivit. They have keratolytic activity (soften the plate and exfoliate it layer by layer). The task of these drugs is to open free access and allow antifungal drugs to penetrate deep tissues to combat the causative agent of the disease.

Use medications in accordance with the instructions.

Thickening of the nail plates in older people occurs due to deformation of the feet and salt deposition in the body. An old person needs to carefully care for their feet so that their nails do not grow into the skin.

It is best to use the following methods:

Applying compresses with aloe. This plant can moisturize even very hard, thick and old nails. Compresses can be made directly from the leaves of indoor aloe. For this procedure, you will need to place pieces of the plant on the nail plates and secure with adhesive tape.
The use of celandine and iodine. It is necessary to mix these ingredients and apply them to keratinized nails. The mixture should be kept for 15-20 minutes.
Using ultra-nourishing gel. Not every softening cream can cope with hard nails of pensioners. For these purposes, only deep-acting agents can be used.

In pharmacies you can purchase compounds that can soften nails and have a detrimental effect on the fungus. They differ from each other in release form, cost and effectiveness.

Salicylic acid

The simplest and most effective drug. Available in ointment and liquid form. An ointment for softening toenails with fungus is more effective. You can buy it at any pharmacy for about 30 rubles.

If you have a fungus, you must first steam your feet in warm water, to which you first add a little soda. Then wipe your feet dry with paper towels and begin treating your nails. Use a cotton swab to grab the ointment and apply a thick layer to the plate affected by the fungus, without touching the surrounding skin in the process. Cover the top of the finger with cling film and leave for 30-40 minutes.

After the specified time, the nail plate will become soft and easier to handle. For this you should use a disposable nail file and clean nail clippers.

Nogtimycin

This cream fights fungal infections and can soften even very thick nails with onychomycosis. The average price in pharmacies is 130-150 rubles.

First, steam your feet, then apply Nogtimycin cream to the affected plates. The cream should not come into contact with the skin. Then cover your fingers with a regular band-aid for 3 days. Finally, remove the patch, re-steam your feet in warm water, and you can begin treating already soft nails. Nogtimycin can even soften the nail on the big toe, which can be difficult to work with in onychomycosis.

Salicylic acid and Nogtimycin

Nailitis

The drug was created to soften and treat the nail plate with a fungal disease. First, steam your toenails, then apply the product to the affected appendages, cover with a band-aid and wait 3 days. After the specified time, removing the nail will be simple and painless.

In pharmacies you can buy both Nogtivit cream (200 rubles) and nail polish (620 rubles).

Uroderm

The drug contains urea, so it effectively softens even the thickest and hardest growths on the nails. You need to apply a thin layer of the drug to the nail plate twice a day - morning and evening. You can also make compresses with Uroderm at night. The drug is sold in tubes of 10 g (150-160 rubles) and 35 g (320-340 rubles).

You should not select an emollient yourself. It is recommended to consult a doctor about which pharmacological product is suitable for a particular case.

Softening nails with Nogtivit and Uroderm

Foot baths

Aloe contains beneficial elements

Elderly people are also advised to wear only comfortable, flat shoes. If the nail begins to grow into the skin, you will need to visit a doctor, since such a problem can lead to an inflammatory process. At home, you can steam your legs and try to remove the appendage.

Medications, as well as traditional methods, help restore the softness and elasticity of nails. In pharmacies you can buy a universal softener that will quickly deal with the problem. It should be borne in mind that infectious diseases cannot be cured with such folk remedies and medications.

It is highly not recommended to use folk recipes based on onions or garlic. Such components can cause severe irritation and peeling of the skin.

Softening oils

You can use absolutely any natural oil. For these purposes, jojoba, shea tree, lavender or almond extracts are best suited. Oils should be added to nourishing creams and baths. Such components perfectly nourish the feet, in addition, they saturate the skin with vitamins. It is highly not recommended to use oils individually; for a good effect, it is enough to add 2-3 drops of the product to a ready-made care product.

Natural oils saturate the skin and nails with vitamins

Water and soda

Causes of hard and stiff nail plates

Nails can harden for various reasons, but one of the most important is age-related changes. And the older a person is, the thicker his nail plates are. In addition, there are other factors that appear in both adults and older people.

In adults

In adults, nails harden for the following reasons:

Due to improper hygiene.
When wearing uncomfortable and uncomfortable shoes for a long time.
Due to an incorrectly performed manicure.
After suffering injuries and bruises of the nail plate.
For fungal infection.
With a lack of useful microelements and vitamins.
When eating unbalanced food.
In the presence of bad ecology.
Under stress.

If at least one of the above problems appears, it is necessary to eliminate it as soon as possible, otherwise it can lead not only to hardening of the nails, but also to other serious diseases.

In the elderly

In older people, hardening of nails occurs in the following situations:

For psoriasis.
For endocrine disorders.
For cardiovascular diseases.
If there are a large number of allergens in the body.
For various pathologies of the liver and kidneys.
When treated with certain drugs for a long time.
With vitamin deficiency.
With poor nutrition.
When living in an area with poor ecology.
With constant depression.

Hard nails are a signal from the body that indicates that something urgently needs to be done.

Conclusion

Having learned how to steam toenails with fungus, you should not forget that this procedure is auxiliary. It can produce a temporary effect, but it can defeat mycosis only at the very initial stage. Therefore, steaming the toenails is mandatory before applying the medicine, but not instead. Also note that even traditional medicine recipes may have their contraindications. For example, if you are prone to atopic dermatitis, be careful when taking baths with iodine or essential oil - these substances most often cause allergic reactions - hives, itching.

If you have extremely dry skin, use vinegar baths with caution, or lubricate the skin after the procedure with a rich cream, avoiding the area of the nail itself.

What to do if you have a fungal infection?

Treatment for nail fungus should begin immediately after its first symptoms are detected.

The process of nail damage proceeds as follows. Microorganisms penetrate under the nail and begin to multiply rapidly, infecting all the nails on the toe or hand. The infection develops from the exposed tips of the nails towards their bases. The slower the nails grow, the faster the disease spreads. Therefore, onychomycosis most often occurs in old age.

Microorganisms require moist and nutritious conditions to grow. Therefore, the feet of an elderly person should be kept clean and dry - then the fungus will not grow.

With fungus, nails break off, split, become rough and turn yellow-brown.

When treating onychomycosis, it is necessary to follow an integrated approach. The patient is prescribed fungicidal medications and antifungal ointments for nails. They contain various acids (lactic, benzoic, salicylic), sulfur and thymol. They fight infection most effectively.

Treatment cannot be carried out carelessly; diseased nails require daily care. If you need qualified help, you can contact a boarding house for pensioners in the Leningrad region.

Foot baths

The most popular way to soften hard toenails is with hot foot baths. After the procedure of steaming your feet, the nail plates soften and are easy to trim.

For better results, you can do one of the following baths at home:

Soap and soda bath. Softens, relieves inflammation, has an antimycotic (antifungal) effect. You will need soda (3 tbsp.) and tar soap shavings (3 tbsp.). Warm 5 liters of water (not higher than 50C), add a soap-soda mixture, soak your feet for 20 minutes. This and all subsequent procedures are recommended to be performed every day for a week.
Essential oil. The product helps soften the plate and has anti-inflammatory and antimycotic activity. It is best to use extracts of tea tree, patchouli, eucalyptus, and lavender. It is enough to add 3-5 drops of ether to warm water (2-3 liters) and lower the legs there for 20 minutes.
Hydrogen peroxide. The product fights fungus, softens rough nail plates, calluses, and corns. Pour 5 tbsp into hot water (2 liters). l. peroxide. The procedure takes no more than 15 minutes. It is recommended to perform manipulations every other day, after which lubricate the feet with cream.
Vinegar baths. The product softens nails and also fights the causative agent of the disease. Pour a glass of vinegar (250 ml) into warm water (2 liters), dip and soak your feet for 10-15 minutes.
Herbal collection. Chamomile, sage, celandine and St. John's wort (1 tablespoon each) pour boiling water (2 liters), leave for about an hour. Strain the infusion and add the same amount of warm water. Carry out the procedure for about 20 minutes.

The time for bathing procedures is 15-20 minutes, until the water cools completely. During this time, the nails will become soft and can be easily cut off. It is worth noting that it is not recommended to add sea salt to the nail softening bath, as this procedure helps strengthen the nail plate.

This method is the simplest and most accessible for softening nails. To create the best effect, the procedure should be carried out daily for 20-30 minutes.

The most common baths contain:

Infusions of medicinal plants (calendula chamomile).
Glycerol.
Vinegar.
Baking soda.
Sea or table salt.
Essential oils.
Iodine and other antiseptics.

Here are the recipes for the most popular baths for treating nails affected by fungus:

Soda-soap composition. Grate 3 tbsp on a coarse grater. l. tar soap, mix the resulting shavings with 3 tbsp. l. baking soda. Then dissolve the resulting mixture in 5 liters of water, preheated to 50–55 degrees. You should steam your feet in such a bath for 20 minutes, after which you need to wipe them dry with a clean terry towel and proceed to further processing - trimming and filing thickened nails.
Herbal bath. For this procedure, you need to pour 2 liters of boiling water into 5 tbsp. l. a mixture of chamomile, St. John's wort, celandine and sage, taken in equal proportions. Leave for an hour, strain and dilute with warm water. The duration of the procedure is 20-30 minutes (until the water cools down).

In addition to the fact that the procedure helps soften the nail plate and calluses, it helps eliminate other manifestations of a fungal infection, such as itching, burning and an unpleasant odor.

When to soften a nail

It is necessary to take measures to soften the nail plate when:

the nail has grown into the soft tissue of the toe;
the nail has changed its color;
spots or stripes appear on the nail;
the nail is rough and hard to the touch;
the nail plate peels off;
during the cutting process, the nail crumbles;
cracks appeared on the nail plate;
the nail plate looks much thicker than it should be.

All these signs are symptoms of onychocryptosis or a fungal infection, which in the process of its development causes dystrophic changes in the nail plate.

There are many ways to soften an ingrown toenail, which can be used at home or by seeking help from a pedicurist. In any case, if the nail is ingrown, it must be treated as quickly as possible in order to prevent all sorts of complications and preserve the nail plate itself.

How to soften toenails for cutting?

For a pedicure, you must treat your feet and soften your nails. Only after this should you use special scissors.

Foot softening is carried out in three main stages:

Preparing the bath. The water should be purified and warm; you can add 5-7 tablespoons of chamomile solution to it. It is advisable to let the bath sit for 1.5-2 hours.
Steaming the feet. First, you need to dip your feet in the prepared water, and then slowly add boiling water. You should monitor the temperature of the liquid so that the person does not get burned.
Treatment of the nail plate. The already quite soft nail needs to be additionally covered with moisturizer.

After performing these procedures, dry nails can be trimmed and varnished. Many experts recommend using a Scholl file, as it helps make the skin smooth and removes dead skin particles.

Apply polish to dry nails

Classic soap and soda solution

Recipe for making a classic soap-soda solution:

Add 15 grams (about 1 teaspoon) of baking soda to 1 liter of water.
Additionally, laundry soap is grated.

This composition has good antiseptic properties, quickly cleansing the skin and periungual plate from bacteria and pathogenic fungi. In addition, this recipe is easy to make at home and affordable.

Effect of antifungal patches

Antifungal patches are convenient for use by patients of all ages. It is enough to stick the patch on the infected nail, check the strength of its adhesion and walk like this for 24 hours. If the nail is not in a bad state, you can remove the patch 5-6 hours after gluing. Then the patch must be removed, and the nail plate must be additionally treated with ointment or varnish.

What will help the fastest?

If the pathological process is started, the nails have acquired a pronounced yellow color, a dense and loose structure, urgent measures must be taken. In this case, you can soften your nails in the following quick ways:

Medical pedicure. Specialists in the medical institution will do all the necessary manipulations themselves - they will steam the nails, put the affected tissues in order, and prescribe high-quality medications for further care and treatment. This service is not free, but it is the most effective if you need to get rid of onychomycosis in a short time.
Special preparations. We wrote about them above. These include Uroderm and Nogtivit - medicines that soften nails, based on urea. After their application, the affected tissue plates come off on their own within a few days. And in their place, a new nail begins to grow. The drugs act comprehensively; in addition to the softening effect, they treat fungal infections.

Steaming nails in the bathroom

In order to increase the effectiveness of treatment, it is important to follow a number of simple rules. It is best to steam your nails at night, before going to bed, immediately before applying antifungal ointment or cream.

Algorithm of actions during the procedure:

Prepare a solution for steaming (add soda, sea salt, essential oils or herbal decoction to the water).
Pour several liters of warm solution into a shallow bowl.
Immerse your feet or hands in water and hold for 20 minutes until cool.
Dry your feet thoroughly with a terry towel.
Trim or file your nails.
Apply an antifungal drug.

After finishing the foot bath, it is very important to wipe your feet dry, special attention should be paid to the spaces between the toes, since it is in them that foci of fungal infection are most often localized.

Can I cut my nails immediately after the procedure?

This must be done while the tissues are soft and amenable to mechanical stress. After the procedure, the affected areas are cut off with nail scissors, trying to capture as much of the nail as possible, and its surface is polished using a nail file (disposable or pre-disinfected), pumice stone or sandpaper, achieving maximum cleansing.

The result of this treatment is an increase in the effectiveness of antifungal drugs, which are recommended to be applied immediately after cutting.

Compresses

Many patients treat their nails with compresses. In order for the nail plate to become soft and pliable, they should be used daily for 3-5 days.

Compresses based on:

Vinegar. A cotton pad must be moistened in a 9% solution of table vinegar, squeezed thoroughly, and applied to the affected nail. Wrap with plastic wrap and insulate the top with a sock. Keep the compress for 20-30 minutes.
Aloe. This medicinal plant is widely used for almost all diseases. To treat onychomycosis, apply an aloe leaf cut lengthwise to the nail, wrap it with a band-aid or wrap it in cling film. Leave overnight.
Soda. To prepare a soda compress, you need to dissolve a small amount of baking soda in water until it becomes pasty, apply the mixture to the nail and sprinkle with lemon juice. The bubbling mixture should be left on the nail for 3-5 minutes, then rinsed off and treated with an antifungal agent.

The following remedies will help soften a nail affected by fungus:

Vinegar. It disinfects and perfectly softens the plate. A cotton swab soaked in 9% vinegar is applied to the affected area, wrapped in polyethylene, and worn over the sock;
Vinegar vegetable oil. Both ingredients are mixed in equal proportions, soaked in gauze cloth and applied to the affected nail. They also wrap it in film, put on socks, and leave it overnight;
Tea mushroom. Softens the plate, removes unpleasant symptoms. Cut off a piece of the mushroom, apply it to the nail, and secure it with a bandage. In the morning, remove and treat the affected area with water and vinegar. The result is noticeable after the first procedure;
Aloe. It has an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, softening effect. Cut the sheet lengthwise (after removing the thorns) and apply the cut to the nail, secure with polyethylene and a bandage, and remove in the morning.

In the same way as aloe, you can use the leaves of golden mustache or Kalanchoe.

Important!

Before carrying out any manipulations, make sure that the product you choose will not cause allergies; to do this, apply it to the inside of your elbow and rinse off after 15 minutes. If there are no unpleasant symptoms (rash, itching, severe redness), feel free to use folk medicine.

If an elderly person is unable to take a foot bath due to illness or other reasons, then you can soften a thick toenail at home using compresses:

Compress using aloe. Wash the leaf torn from the plant and cut it. Apply the inner part to the nail. Secure the leaf with cling film, bandage or adhesive tape. It is better to apply this compress at night and remove it in the morning.
Tea mushroom. Place a piece of mushroom on the problem area and secure with cling film or bandage. After 8 hours, the bandage can be removed. Trimming your nails after this procedure will be easy.
Vinegar and vegetable oil. Both ingredients are mixed in equal proportions, soaked in gauze cloth and applied to the affected nail. They also wrap it in film, put on socks, and leave it overnight;
With vinegar. Soak a cotton pad in apple cider vinegar or 9%. Apply to the damaged nail and wrap your foot with cling film, wearing a warm sock. After 4 hours, you can remove the compress. Next, wash your finger with clean water and apply nourishing cream.

What else is suitable for a foot bath?

Foot baths for pedicures can be prepared from a variety of ingredients. Their main purpose is softening and disinfection. In addition to the presented baking sheet options, you can prepare them in the following options:

With the addition of onions and garlic. The only drawback of such a bathroom is the smell.
With the addition of iodine and vodka.
Based on natural ground coffee. The product not only softens, but also acts as a scrub.
With kiwi pulp. The juice of this fruit has high acidity, which helps to better soften the skin and disinfect.

Prevention

To avoid the problem of ingrown nails, their hardening and fungal infections, you must constantly follow a number of preventive recommendations:

Once a week/month, use foot baths, and after them apply a softening cream to the entire foot;
Trim the nail plate in a straight line (do not cut it too short);
Do not apply compresses to fungus-affected fingers without consulting a doctor;
To trim your nails, use special tools (nippers or nail clippers);
At the first signs of illness, contact a podologist;
Change your socks regularly;
Don't wear tight shoes;
Dry your feet after a shower only with a fresh towel;
In shared saunas and swimming pools, wear personal slippers;
Don't forget to have hygienic pedicures regularly.

If you are prone to hardening of your nails (hereditarily), it is recommended to soften the plate using baths and special products every month.

Nail care

In general, the prevention of hardening of nails consists only of observing basic hygiene rules and regular pedicures, during which the master softens the nail plates, making them healthier and more attractive.

Preventive measures

To make your nails look aesthetically pleasing and prevent fungus from appearing, you must periodically carry out the following activities:

Get a professional pedicure from a specialist every few months.
Use essential oil to prevent fungus.
Wear only comfortable shoes.
Do not cut your nails too short or round the edges. This will lead to infection, growth of the plate into the skin and the appearance of pain.
Take a foot bath with herbs or soda 3 times a month.
Shape your nails with a file, making movements in one direction - from the edge to their center.
Wear slippers at the beach, in the pool and in other public areas to avoid fungal infections.
Do not wear or try on someone else's shoes.
It is good to dry your feet after taking a bath.

With age, the nail plate becomes wavy and acquires an unpleasant dull yellowish color. And health problems only make the situation worse. Remember! You cannot cut rough, thick nails without steaming, they can crack and come off.

The effect of procedures always depends on the regularity of their implementation. Therefore, to improve the condition of your nails, it is necessary to take a course. Only then will there be real benefit. But results begin to appear, as a rule, already on the fifth day.