Another option is to use a liquid foot scrub that is designed to exfoliate. Rub it on in the shower and wash it off. Some people have had good luck with a foot soak of 1 part Listerine, 1 part vinegar, and 2 parts warm water. Soak your feet in it for 20 minutes. However, you’ll likely still need to use a physical exfoliant.
If you think your cuticles don’t look pretty, try paying special attention to them when you’re rubbing in moisturizer. Gently massage each edge of your cuticle with cream. [4] X Research source
Ingredients like aloe and palm oil can help with cracked skin. [8] X Research source
Trim your nails when they’re dry. You’ll get a cleaner cut. [10] X Research source Pick out clippers meant for toenails, as they are less rounded and made to cut thicker nails. [11] X Research source You may find that nail nippers work even better, especially if you have nail fungus, because they are sharper and easier to control. They look like small wire cutters. [12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Skip cutting cuticles. They help protect you from infection. [13] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
To deal with an ingrown toenail yourself, bathe your feet in warm water for about 20 minutes, which can help relieve pain and swelling; acetaminophen and ibuprofen can also help with the pain. Place cotton or dental floss under the edge, to help the nail grow properly; put new pieces back in after each time you soak it. To keep it from getting infected, use antibiotic ointment and then cover the area with a bandage. It can also help if your shoes are loose-fitting or open around the toes. Proper toenail maintenance can help keep you from getting ingrown toenails, such as cutting straight across and keeping toenails at the proper length. [14] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source You can deal with ingrown toenails yourself. However, you may need to see your doctor about one if you are having a great deal of pain. Also, redness moving up your toe or pus coming from the wound could be a sign of a more serious infection. Also, if you have diabetes, it’s important to take action when you notice any problems with your feet.
If you do have stained nails, check to see if they’re also hard and brittle. If so, you likely have a toenail fungus. Ask your doctor about the condition. [18] X Research source
