How to Treat Thick, Discolored Toenails

Toenails that are thick and yellowed can be caused by inadequate nutrition, poor health, fungal infections, or genetics. If home remedies don't work, seek the services of a podiatrist. In the meantime, here are a few steps to help you treat your nails.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cotton Swabs
• Cuticle Creams
• Exfoliating Cleanser
• Foot Buffers
• Foot Lotions
• Nail Brushes
• Nail Buffers
• Nail Cleaners
• Nail Clippers
• Nail Files
• Nail Polish Remover
• Pedicure Kits
• Toe Separators
• Cotton Swabs

1. 

   Wash your instruments in soap and water, and rinse them with alcohol or antiseptic.

2. Mix 2 tbsp. mild household detergent, or betadine solution, into 1/2 gallon of warm water. Dip your foot in the water and soak for 10 minutes.

3. 

   Cut the affected nail straight across with a nail clipper.

4. 

   With a clean nail file and a wisp of cotton, clean out the debris under and around the sides of the nail.

5. Cut a piece of 40 percent salicylic acid plaster to the size and shape of the affected nail. Apply it with the plaster side against the nail, and cover with an adhesive bandage.

6. Keep the toe dry for two days.

7. 

   Take a nail brush or old toothbrush and brush off as much flaky nail debris as possible when you remove the plaster.

8. Thoroughly clean the area with warm, soapy water, and apply an antiseptic solution.

9. Repeat the salicylic acid treatment three to four times.

10. Ask your podiatrist if the cause of your discolored nails is an underlying fungal infection. If so, begin oral or topical antifungal treatments.

Tips & Warnings

• The salicylic acid treatment may cause mild discomfort.
• Avoid stuffing cotton under the nail edge.
• If you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or circulatory problems, consult a physician before self-treating foot problems.
• If severe swelling, redness, heat and pain persist for two days, or if you see a break in the skin and feel feverish, call the doctor.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

[lavieenrose2]

on 8/5/2009 The reason using Vick's Vaporub has achieved some success is due to the petroleum jelly that it contains. Fungus will not grow in an area occupied by oil-based products. You do not have to invest in costly creams to achieve success. You can use baby oil twice a day on your toenails instead of Lotrimen, etc. The key is the "oil."

on 4/13/2007 I had a fungal toenail for years and nothing got rid of it. I started taking prescribed medication, which after a year finally started to leave. It has come back and I have been told that garlic tablets twice daily will rid the fungal infection. So far it has kept it at bay.

on 8/8/2006 My toenails, primarily the large toe and the second toe, had become so thick they were not only ugly, but difficult to cut. I began taking omega 3 fatty acids for general health and mood having no idea that my toenails would be affected. After being on them for a good while I noticed a dramatic change in the thickness of my nails. They are now normal and healthy looking. I think the reason for the thickness was both age and genetics, as I remember my Father having extremely thick toenails. The difference has truly been dramatic.

on 8/8/2006 I've had the fungus on 9 toes for two years. Moderate success with Thymol in chloroform (which my source ran out of), and moderate success with vinegar. I tried tea tree oil for a month, and what a waste, set me back quite a bit. So now its back to vinegar, although I'm thinking of trying Vick's.

on 2/6/2006 Appearex is a supplement (vitamin) for helping grow healthy nails. It is advertised for fingernails but works for toenails, too! Toenails take a long time to grow out (six months), so you need to keep taking it. Look in the nail care aisles of your drug store. I tried it and it worked!