18 DIY Remedies Get rid of horizontal ridges on toenails

DIY Remedies Get rid of horizontal ridges on toenails – Horizontal ridges on toenails are caused by ingrown toenails. They are also known as “spoon nails” because they resemble a spoon shape. The nail grows into the skin and causes pain and discomfort.

See also: Why do i have lines on my nails and how do i remove them?

Ingrown toenails are often caused by wearing shoes that are too tight. If you wear high heels, you may notice that your toes start to hurt after a while. It could be due to the pressure on the foot.

If you want to get rid of these painful lines, try using an exfoliating scrub. Exfoliation helps remove dead cells and dirt from the surface of the skin. It also makes the skin softer and smoother.

You can use a homemade recipe or buy a commercial product. Try to find a product that contains glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is a natural ingredient found in sugar cane. It works by dissolving dead skin cells and making the skin soft and smooth.

Another way to treat this problem is with laser therapy. Laser treatment uses light energy to stimulate collagen production. This stimulates new cell growth which results in thicker, stronger nails.

Laser treatments usually take about 30 minutes per session. You will need several sessions over time for the best results.

How to Get Rid of horizontal ridges on toenails

1. Moisturize your nails regularly

“Keeping your nails hydrated with a hand cream or oil can minimize the appearance of ridging and protect the keratin of the nail,” says Donna Hart, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Texas. Use a moisturizer that contains ceramides or alpha hydroxy acids, which trap in moisture and nourish your nails, such as Aquaphor Healing Skin Ointment nails are also on the brittle side, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends moisturizing your skin and nails thoroughly before bed and wearing light cotton gloves to help your nails absorb the moisturizer while you snooze.

2. Don’t file them down

“The more you cut off the top layer of your nail, the faster it’ll grow back,” Dr. Hart explains. “So don’t go crazy filing away.” Instead, she suggests gently buffing your nails with a pumice stone or emery board until they’re even and polished.

3. Get some sleep

Drinking alcohol or taking sedatives like Ambien can cause dryness and crack around the edges of your fingernail beds, so if you have trouble sleeping, consider switching out those nighttime meds for something milder—like melatonin—that won’t affect your ability to fall asleep.

4. Keep up with manicures

A clean, well-groomed look goes a long way toward keeping your hands looking their best. So make sure to keep your nails trimmed short enough not to irritate your fingertips when you wash dishes or do other chores. And if you’ve got any hangnails, give yourself a quick trim every week or two.

5. Wear comfortable footwear

Wearing uncomfortable shoes can lead to calluses and corns, both of which can contribute to ingrown toenails, according to Dr. Hart. She advises choosing shoes made specifically for feet instead of generic athletic sneakers. Also, avoid sandals because they put extra stress on your big toe joints.

6. Avoid hot showers

Hot water dries out your skin, leaving it vulnerable to infection. To prevent ingrown toenails during bathing, apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly to your feet first thing in the morning. Then soak your feet in lukewarm water for 10 to 15 minutes.

If you prefer warm baths, try soaking your feet in Epsom salts mixed into warm water.

7. Be careful what you eat

Ingrown toenails often occur after eating certain foods that contain high levels of sugar, including candy bars, cookies, cakes, ice cream, soft drinks, and fruit juices. The culprit: When these sugary treats break down quickly in your mouth, they create an environment where bacteria thrive. That’s why experts recommend avoiding all sweets from sunrise to sunset.

8. Take care of your toes.

If you notice signs of inflammation or swelling in one of your toes, see a podiatrist right away. He may be able to treat the problem without surgery by removing dead tissue and applying antibiotic ointments directly onto affected areas.

9. Consider laser treatment

Laser treatments remove damaged cells from the surface of your nail plate, allowing new healthy ones to take over. They work better on smaller problems rather than larger issues. But since lasers aren’t always covered by insurance plans, ask your doctor about whether this is a good option for you.

10. Try home remedies

While there are no proven cures for ingrown toenails at present, many people find relief through simple measures such as using foot powder, wearing cotton socks, and massaging your feet daily. You might also want to switch to flip flops or shower slippers, which provide less friction between your soles and floors.

11. See a dermatologist

Dermatologists specialize in treating conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails. These doctors know how to diagnose and treat common ailments, such as fungal infections, psoriasis, eczema, and acne. Your dermatologist will likely prescribe topical creams and lotions designed to help heal your condition. In some cases, he or she may suggest oral medications or even perform minor surgical procedures.

12. Get regular pedicures

Pedicure services include exfoliating your cuticles and filing them smooth.

13. Use proper technique when cutting your fingernails

When trimming your fingernails, use short strokes with a sharp pair of scissors. Don’t press too hard against your finger pad; just gently pull back any excess material. And don’t forget to file off rough edges before painting your nails.

 14. Keep your hands clean

A dirty hand could cause bacterial growth under your nails, leading to an ingrown toenail. So wash your hands regularly with soap and hot water. Also, make sure not to wear rings while sleeping because they can trap dirt underneath your nails.

15. Avoid tight shoes

A snug fit around your big toe area can lead to pressure sores, especially if you have diabetes or arthritis. Instead, look for comfortable footwear that allows room for movement.

16. Wear protective pads

Wearing thick-soled athletic sneakers helps prevent injuries caused by walking barefoot. If you do choose to go shoeless, consider purchasing special shoe covers made specifically for protecting your feet.

17. Be careful what you eat

Certain foods can trigger painful symptoms like redness, pain, tenderness, and swelling beneath your nails. To avoid getting into trouble, keep track of what you consume so you can identify potential triggers. For example, try avoiding spicy food, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, garlic, mushrooms, nuts, seeds, beans, dairy products, eggs, wheat, yeast, sugar, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, additives, and processed meats.

18. Take care of yourself

It’s important to maintain overall health and wellness throughout life. This includes taking time out each day to exercise, relax, sleep well, and enjoy quality meals.