How to Soften Thick Toenails

Soak and soften thick toenails.

Thickened toenails are often a sign of trauma or poor circulation to the nail area. Senior citizens often experience thicker toenails as a side effect of aging. Whatever the root cause, thick toenails prove difficult to trim or cut. Rather than damage or split your toenails by trying to chip away at them with a nail clipper or manicure scissors, you can soften them in advance and make cutting them much more simple.

Things You'll Need

• 1 gallon warm water
• Bathtub, dishpan or deep basin
• 2-1/2 tbsp. salt
• Towel
• Toenail softening cream

Instructions

1. Pour at least 1 gallon of warm water into a bathtub, dishpan or deep basin.

2. Add 2-1/2 tbsp. of table salt for each gallon of warm water you have in the bathtub or container.

3. Soak your feet for 10 to 30 minutes until your toenails are sufficiently soft. The thicker the toenail, the longer you should soak it.

4. Remove your feet from the water and pat dry with a towel. Apply toenail softening cream to your toenails.

5. Cut your nails immediately, if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Toenail softening cream is available at many drug stores.

• Hard, tough toenails can split easily. Keep them trimmed to avoid this situation.

• Check with a podiatrist if your toenails can't be sufficiently softened via soaking and softening cream.

References

• "You, Being Beautiful: the Owner's Manual to Inner and Outer Beauty"; Michael F. Roizen et al.; 2008
• "Toward Healthy Aging: Human Needs and Nursing Response"; Priscilla Ebersol et al.; 2004