Catherine Vercuiel

Catherine Vercuiel

March 16, 2025

Thick Toenails: Treatments and Home Remedies

Effective Home Care for Thick Toenails

A person in a white lace dress gently dips their foot into a metal basin, surrounded by vintage bottles and soft lighting, evoking a calming foot soak ritual.
Credit: Pexels

While serious cases need medical attention, mild thickening can often be managed at home. Proper nail care is essential. Trim your nails straight across after a shower or bath when they’re softer. Invest in high-quality, sharp nail clippers designed specifically for thick nails. Filing also helps. After clipping, use an emery board to gently thin the nail’s surface. Work in one direction to prevent splitting and wear a mask, as nail dust isn’t something you want to breathe in.

Soaking your feet regularly softens nails and improves their appearance. Try these soaks: warm water with Epsom salt (15 minutes, three times weekly), apple cider vinegar solution (one part vinegar, two parts water), or tea tree oil added to warm water (a few drops in a basin of water).