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.
Considering this, how do you treat senior toenails?
Toenail Care for the Elderly
- Cut nails after a shower or bath, or use a foot soak to soften toenails.
- Sanitize nail clippers by boiling or cleaning with rubbing alcohol.
- Wash your hands before and after cutting your toenails.
- Trim nail straight across without curving down at the ends.
- Soak your feet in warm water for at least 10 minutes to soften your nails, and then use a towel to thoroughly dry your feet and toenails.
- Using a nail clipper, make small cuts to avoid splintering the nail and cut straight across.
One may also ask, how do seniors cut their toenails?
Toenails should be kept fairly short. The longer they are, the more you risk them breaking, snagging on clothing, or scratching skin open accidentally. Using nail clippers, clip them down carefully and then file them to a smooth curve using a nail file.
Will Vicks Vapor Rub kill toenail fungus?
Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub is a topical ointment. Although designed for cough suppression, its active ingredients (camphor and eucalyptus oil) may help treat toenail fungus. A 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a “positive clinical effect” in the treatment of toenail fungus.
Does Vicks Vapor Rub soften toenails?
One common thing that comes up are products that contain menthol. So Vicks VapoRub is a common nail remedy for nail fungus. It probably won’t help. But it won’t hurt anything either.
How do I keep my toenails healthy as I age?
With age
- Look for irregularities. …
- Stay warm and dry. …
- Cut toenails properly. …
- Keep elevated. …
- Avoid nail polish. …
- Use lemon. …
- Treat your toenail fungus with mouthwash. …
- Take a walk.
Do toe nails thicken with age?
With age, there is a rapid decrease in the growth rate for both toenails and fingernails, said Dr. Richard K. Scher, head of the nail section at Weill Cornell Medical College. As a result, both kinds of nail thicken, because of the piling up of nail cells, called onychocytes.
How do you cut a toenail if you cant reach?
Is it OK to file down thick toenails?
Luckily, you can take several steps to provide relief and gradually get rid of thick toenails. … For nails that are still intact, it’s acceptable to gently file down the nail as long as you don’t file it too thin (this can increase the possibility of infection).
Can thick toenails be fixed?
Treatment. When thick toenails are not caused by an infection or existing condition, buffing the surface of the nail will be enough to treat it. Otherwise, treatment will be based on targeting the cause.
Can I cut off my toenail fungus?
Sometimes nails can become so toughened and thickened by a fungal infection that a standard pair of toenail clippers just won’t, well… cut it.
What are the best toe nail clippers for seniors?
Best Toe Nail Clippers For Seniors
- Precision Toenail Clippers.
- Effortless Clippers With Diagonal Blade.
- Extra Large Toenail Clippers.
- Basic Toenail and Pedicure Tool For Seniors.
- Kohm Cp-900 Clippers Soft Handle For Seniors.
How do you give a pedicure to a senior?
What are the best nail clippers for thick toenails?
- Harperton Nail Clipper Set Fingernail and Toenail Clipper. …
- Revlon Toenail Clipper, Curved Blade. …
- Tweezerman Stainless Steel Nail Clipper Set. …
- SZQHT 15mm Wide Jaw Opening Nail Clippers for Thick Nails. …
- Mehaz 668 Pro Angled Wide Jaw Toenail Clipper. …
- Green Bell G-1008 Nail Clipper (Takumi No Waza)