Electric nail filer? Or other solution?

[samlonn]

Hello. I have a damaged big toe nail, caused by having the nail once removed. It grew back, but has since been discoloured. I think that the nail is tougher as a result too.

When I visit the chiropidist, they file the nail down (on the top surface), using an electric file, like a small spinning disc, which gets rid of the discolouration.

Does anyone have any advice on how I could do the same thing at home? Can you recommend a product? Or another solution?

I can get ok results with a straight manual nail file, but it takes a very long time and also results in a few cuts to the skin.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts as it's very important for me. Thank you.

 

[Envy]

Hey chick,

this is not something you should attempt at home unless you have had professional training (which your podiatrist has)

You could very easily cut right through your nail plate into the flesh with an efile, and may even cause further permanent damage. Even a nail file can be dangerous if over used, but a light file, done slowly is a much safer way to go if you must...

Best to leave that type of treatment upto the pro

hope that helps

 

[samlonn]

I need to do it regularly, so I'm going to have to do it myself. A podiatrist isn't an option.

A straight file takes a very long time to do the whole nail, and I also can't file the side edges of the nail without catching and nicking the flesh. Are there certain files that are designed to do that part of the nail?

I've been looking at something like this:
Mini Electric Pen Type Polish Nail Drill File Manicure Pedicure Burnish Machine: Amazon.co.uk: Health & Beauty

Would this work for what I need?

 

[Envy]

better to use a manual file, run another file along the edge to take the sharpness of the edge and you won't nick yourself.

remember that a device like the electric files can hit your nail with the equivalent of 50+ strokes of a nail file PER SECOND... this is easy to do a massive amount of damage with.

 

[samlonn]

Thanks for the advice. I'll practice with manual files then and see how I get on.

Are there certain files that would make it easier? It's difficult with a straight file. Maybe a small file that allows you to file in a circular motion?

 

[Envy]

pop into a local salon (reputatble one) - they may be able to sell/supply you something and offer advise that you can use...

 

[Sher16]

U can buy small padded files (id suggest using a 240grit or higher - not 180 or 100 on the surface, they will be far too damaging). A small padded one will let you buff the nail rather than having to file across and nick your skin either side of nail.

Sounds sore though the thought of filing the surface of the nail using an efile makes me want to be sick (you will hurt yourself as it is soooo easy to file through the nail on to the nail bed) and before you know it you could end up more damaged. Dont want to sound cheeky - but id definitely recommend staying with manual files to keep up the work between appts with podiatrist x