How to get rid of thick skin under the toenails

Thick, rough skin under your toenails is uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Thickening toe skin may be a sign of fungus on the toes, which can be socially embarrassing and may cause toenail loss. Some toe fungi spread quickly to other toes, so it important to treat the condition when it is first detected. Even with your physician's help, softening and thinning the skin under your toenails may take some time. With the proper care and some patience, your toe skin can return to its original soft, supple state.

Toss out your old shoes. You will need to start your foot treatment with brand new shoes. Nail fungus can live in dirty, bacteria-filled shoes. Throw away your socks, too.

Buy three or more pair of shoes and alternate wearing shoes daily. Where open-toed shoes as often as possible. Buy lightweight cotton socks

Visit your doctor and ask for a prescription like Lamisil, Novartis or Tinactin.These tablets are oral anti-fungal medications that may offer some relief.

Apply an anti-fungal topical medication to the nail, nail bed and under the toenail. If the toenail has become very thick, visit a podiatrist to have the nail filed down some. Smoothing down the thick nail will make it easier for the skin under the nail to receive the medication.

Soak your clean feet in a plastic foot tub you have filled with apple cider vinegar. Do this daily for a month. Rinse your feet with cool water after each 15-minute soak.

Pat your feet dry with a clean towel. Use an emery board or buffing pad to buff away some of the rough skin around your toes and underneath the nail. Always wash your hands afterward.

Apply Aloe Vera lotion to the skin daily to soften it.