In some cases, this is down to a decrease in mobility—your parent may find it hard to bend down or to get a grip on nail scissors or clippers. In other cases, toenails that thicken and become harder with age may make trimming really difficult for your parent.

What causes old people’s toenails to get thick?

The growth rate of nails decreases when people get older. This results in thickening because nail cells pile up. The process of nail cells piling up is referred to as onychocytes. Another reason why fingernails don’t thicken as much is their growth rate is smaller than the growth rate of toenails.

What does it mean if your toenails are hard to cut?

Toenails that have grown thicker over time likely indicate a fungal infection, also known as onychomycosis. Left untreated, thick toenails can become painful. Prompt treatment is key to curing the nail fungus. Fungal infections can be difficult to cure and may require months of treatment.

How do you soften old toenails for cutting?

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. To lessen the chance of the nail becoming ingrown, don’t round off the corners.

How do you soften hard toenails?

Soften your toenails by soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes, then dry thoroughly. With a nail nipper, cut straight across the top of the toenail. Use small cuts straight across the toenail to avoid splintering, which may cause an infection.

What causes toenails to become hard and brittle?

Caused by exposure to infected surfaces, such as gyms, pools, or the aforementioned sweaty shoes, fungal toenails cause brittleness, in addition to discoloration, thickening, crumbling, and even warping of the nail.

What is a home remedy for thick toenails?

Baking soda has strong antifungal effects. Soaking your thick yellow toenails in baking soda and water can combat fungal infections. Applying 100% tea tree oil to affected toenails twice daily can help ease symptoms. Olive leaf extract has both antibacterial and antifungal effects.

What cream softens toenails?

Gehwol Nail Softener works quickly and painlessly to soften hard and difficult to trim nails. It makes an excellent home treatment for corns and calluses around toenails, as well as uninfected ingrown toenails.

What is the white hard stuff under my toenails?

Nail psoriasis sometimes causes too much keratin to grow under the nail. This overgrowth is called subungual hyperkeratosis. People with hyperkeratosis may notice a white, chalky substance under the nail. When this occurs in the toenails, the pressure of shoes pushing down on the nails might cause pain.

How do elderly take care of their toenails?

Toenail Care for the Elderly Toenails should be carefully trimmed on a regular basis and kept clean and short. Long nails are more likely to snag, break or accidentally scratch the skin. When trimming, check the area around the nail for signs of an ingrown nail, hangnail or fungus.

What do podiatrists use to soften toenails?

The best way to do this is to put the toe in water while rubbing the Epsom salt into the affected area. The Epsom salt will absorb into the skin and help to soften and dissolve portions of the nail that has become embedded in the skin.

How much do podiatrists charge to cut toenails?

Costs of Nail Trimming If you have diabetes or other health issues, it is safest to visit a podiatrist for your routine foot care. The first time you visit a podiatrist, you may pay a consultation fee which can run between $75.00 and $400.00.

Does Medicare pay for podiatrist to cut toenails?

Generally, podiatry services are not covered by Medicare. Podiatry is also eligible for a rebate under the ancillary or extras table of most private health insurers.

What does Vicks VapoRub do for toenails?

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. To use, apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area at least once a day.