If you have pincer nails, you know how unsightly and painful they can be. Luckily, there are several effective methods to help flatten and correct pincer nails at home.<\/p>\n
Here’s a quick answer: To flatten pincer nails, you can file them down, apply moisturizers, use separators or dental floss under the nail, try silicone nail correctors, or get prescription medication<\/b>. Keep reading for more details on these methods.<\/p>\n
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss what causes pincer nails, signs to look out for, and provide actionable tips on how to flatten them through filing, moisturizing, separating, silicone correctors, and medications.<\/p>\n
With the right techniques and some patience, you can get rid of pincer nails for good.<\/p>\n
Pincer nails, also known as trumpet nail deformity, are a condition where the nails become thickened and curve inward towards each other, resembling the claws of a pincer or crab (American Academy of Dermatology)<\/a>. This inward curvature creates a distortion in the shape of the nail.<\/p>\n Pincer nails tend to affect both thumbnails, but can also occur in other fingers and toes.<\/p>\n There are several potential causes of pincer nails:<\/p>\n The thickened portion of the nail grows inward, while the tips remain flat. As the condition progresses, the nail plate can digging painfully into the surrounding skin. The constant pressure leads to inflammation and infection in severe cases.<\/p>\n Pincer nails tend to get worse over time without treatment.<\/p>\n The main sign of pincer nails is the distinctive claw-like curvature of the nails. Other signs and symptoms include:<\/p>\n The degree of the curvature will vary. In mild cases, the nail may only be slightly distorted. In severe cases, the nails can dig painfully into the skin and cause recurrent infections. The surrounding skin may thicken and overgrow the nails.<\/p>\n Most people with pincer nails experience them in both thumbnails. The condition tends to gradually worsen over time without proper care.<\/p>\n Pincer nails, also known as trumpet nails, are nails that are overly curved and dig painfully into the skin. Thankfully, there are several methods you can try at home to help straighten pincer nails and relieve discomfort.<\/p>\n Filing pincer nails with an emery board or nail file is one of the quickest and easiest ways to thin them out and flatten the edge. Focus filing efforts on the thicker sides that are pressing into your skin<\/b>. File them little by little each day until the curvature improves and irritation subsides.<\/p>\n This gentle filing should not damage the nail bed.<\/p>\n Keeping nails and surrounding skin moisturized can create a smoother surface for the nail to adhere to so it has less opportunity to curve under or grow into the skin. Apply a rich hand cream several times per day, massaging it into the nail beds and cuticles.<\/p>\n Petroleum jelly also creates a protective barrier reducing friction against the skin.<\/p>\n Special orthodontic rubber bands or foam separators worn between the toes can help reverse pincer nail curvature and realign nail growth. They gently press against the sides of the nails to flatten them out.<\/p>\n Separators may produce results in a few weeks when worn daily for most of the day and night according to your comfort level.<\/p>\n Silicone devices like Onyfix<\/b> slip over the end of the nail and lift it off of the skin, protecting the skin from getting pierced while straightening as the nail grows out. In a clinical study, over 90% of patients saw pincer nail improvement in 3 months with silicone correctors according to Onyfix’s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n They must be worn consistently to work.<\/p>\n For severe cases unresponsive to home treatments, corticosteroid injections or topical prescriptions may help reduce inflammation and curvature. These are administered under medical supervision to avoid potential side effects.<\/p>\n Surgery like partial nail removal is a last resort for extremely problematic pincer nails causing infection or limiting function.<\/p>\n One of the most common causes of pincer nails is wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow for your feet. Shoes that squeeze the toes together can put pressure on nails and distort their shape over time. When shopping for shoes, make sure to get properly fitted pairs that don’t cramp your toes.<\/p>\n There should be enough room to wiggle them freely without hitting the ends. Brands like Vionic<\/b> offer a wide toe box design to prevent compression issues.<\/p>\n You should also avoid styles like high heels and pointed toe flats or pumps that can cram toes together. Opt for shoes with more space like sneakers, loafers, boots with a rounded shape, etc. Give your feet a break from constricting footwear whenever possible by going barefoot at home to relax tissues.<\/p>\n Trimming your toenails too short or rounded at the edges can encourage the development of ingrown sections that cross over other digits. Use sharp nail clippers to cut them straight across<\/b> instead of rounding off corners.<\/p>\n\n
Signs and Symptoms<\/h3>\n
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How to Flatten Pincer Nails<\/h2>\n
File Them Down<\/h3>\n
Apply Moisturizer<\/h3>\n
Use Separators<\/h3>\n
Try Silicone Nail Correctors<\/h3>\n
Get Prescription Medication<\/h3>\n
Prevention Tips<\/h2>\n
Wear Properly Fitted Shoes<\/h3>\n
Trim Nails Straight Across<\/h3>\n