Keratin Granulations Treatment: Causes & Best Home Remedies 2020
95% of the time Keratin Granulations Treatment is very cheap and easy to perform right at home. Within a week or two your nails should start looking cured!
Keratin granulations are the result of excessive dehydration of the keratin molecules that have turned into a chalk like substance on your nail surface; they are completely harmless and are easily corrected with a few weeks of moisturizing treatments. A common differential diagnosis of white stains on your nails is superficial white onychomycosis (which is what most doctors will tell you that you have this because it is more dangerous), – but keratin granulations are more likely, especially if they appear after removing nail polish.
The white chalky substance underneath the toenail here is actually keratin granulations. Once we trimmed these nails, they were very healthy underneath, the patient was doing well!
Table of Contents
What are Keratin Granulations?
Keratin granulations occur because the nail polish dehydrates the nail plate which is composed of molecules called keratin. These molecules clump together into a white powder that looks like chalk or a white stain on the nail.
After trimming back the initial thick toenails covered with toenail polish, we can see that there is a large amount of keratin granulations and white spots built up here. This will need removal of toenail polish and further care!
Does Wearing Toenail Polish Cause Fungus?
It can for sure, but this is most likely a condition called keratin granulations.
Toenail fungus can only live on dead, dry dehydrated toenails.
If left untreated for a long time, keratin granulations and dying toenail surfaces can eventually lead to toenail fungus.
Wearing nail polish can cause toenail fungus. BUT it is usually something called keratin granulations. This is a mostly harmless white chalky substance that is dehydrated toenail protein.
Why is this a difficult diagnosis?
The confusing part of keratin granulations is that any podiatrist or dermatologist you go to will likely assume that your keratin granulations are really superficial white onychomycosis and start you up on medications to treat the fungus. I never even heard of keratin granulations until I heard of a situation where treatment for superficial white onychomycosis just was not working for a long time.
The reason for so little understanding of keratin granulations is because superficial white onychomycosis is more common and more dangerous, leaving it untreated can lead to eventual consequences, but leaving keratin granulations usually has no downside.
No one ever thinks to diagnose or treat keratin granulations- because it is mostly just a cosmetic problem that no one is ever worried about long term from a medical standpoint.
Who is more likely to get it?
It is more likely to occur in older patients that visit nail salons and that use nail polish heavily, but it is still possible in young patients.
At this point this is very advanced damage that prevents bloodflow into the toenail. This is when bacteria and toenail fungus can grow on the nail!
Is it dangerous?
No, just moisturize your nails and you should be fine; Even if you don’t moisturize your nails you should still be fine after a while without applying any more nail polish.The condition should clear up in a couple days to a couple weeks.
As the toenail polish is trimmed away, you can see the white chalky toenail substance already. This is a very thick buildup of keratin granulations.
Keratin Granulations Treatment At Home:
Primary Treatment
1) Moisturizing Agent – If you have a moisturizing agent at home like Vaseline, any lotion or even oil apply this to your nail at night before you go to bed. It has been recommended that you try 10-15 minute soaks in olive oil as well by a couple magazines and I’ve heard this works.
2)Cuticle Cream– This is very similar to the moisturizing agent- Burt’s Bees Wax works very well and you can apply it in the morning and throughout the day, there are other brands so just use what you are more comfortable with, they all work!
3)Easy on the nail polish– Be careful with how much nail polish you are use. Nail Polish contains dehydrating agents that cause your nail to dry while you are wearing them, this doesn’t mean you have to stop wearing polish permanently, just until your nail clears up.
You can already see that there is a white chalky like substance developing underneath the toenail. This can be trimmed and it will look much better underneath.
Secondary Treatment
1)Wear Gloves– If you are working with strong chemicals like bleach, vinegar or any other harmful agent- wear some gloves! This will give your nails a chance to heal while avoiding damage.
2)Be conscious of nail damaging activities– If you work with your hands- is it possible to protect them with gloves, or maybe just apply cuticle cream to keep them from being damaged as much.
3)Multivitamin– There are a large amount of people suggesting nail damage may be due to a lack of vitamins(especially biotin), research is limited and inconclusive in this regard, but it is entirely possible that this may be happening to you, so if you feel better- take some multivitamins!
4)Drink water and stay healthy with exercise– It is proven that with better hydration, sunlight and exercise your nails grow faster!
There is a combination of a black streaks (Dry blood) and white chalky keratin granulations on the toenail. After trimming this toenail back, there was healthy toenail underneath all of this!
Medical Treatment for keratin granulations:
In the clinic we would trim down your nail electronic nail file on top of your toenail.
Simply cleaning this off with alcohol nail would look perfect with just a couple minutes!
Within about 1 to 2 minutes you could have a perfect looking toenail.
The real key is to avoid using acetone on top of your toenail to remove toenail polish.
At this point can start moisturizing your toenail with Vaseline or other thick moisturizing lotions before you go to bed at night, this will give you a good healthy-looking toenail.
Home Treatment Products:
Best Toenail Fungus Treatment:
Consider these recommended home treatment products:
Best Toenail Repair Products:
Top Choice For Direct Toenail Application.
Top Choice For Cream For Toenails & Webspaces.
Great Option For Foot Soak.
Price:
$19.90
$15.49
$15.97
Overview:
All natural option that is toxic to fungus. This is similar to tea tree oil in that respect but can be more effective. You still need to exfoliate dead skin and trim thick toenails.
All natural cream option. This is a good option compared to some of the quick dry gels. This can be used on the skin surrounding your toenails.
Safe, cost effective and relaxing all at the same time! This needs to be used in a 20 minute foot soak. Works well for exfoliating loose skin/toenail as well as softening.
Pros:
All natural, relatively cost effective. 1,000s of reviews with excellent results. Very clean and quick drying, easy to apply.
Relatively cost effective. All natural tea tree oil that is proven toxic to fungus. Can be used on surrounding skin as well.
Very safe, little risk, low cost and very effective if used correctly. The key is to use it as an aid to soften and exfoliate loose/dry dead skin and toenail.
Cons:
Small amount and a little more expensive than some other options. Once more has 0% chance of working if your goal is to heal a dead, detached toenail or dry skin. Are you noticing this is a trend? This is really the key!
Still more expensive than other options. Can get messy all over different areas of your foot. Key is still debride and cleaning your dry dead toenails and skin. TRIM them!
It once more has 0% chance working if you are trying to save loose and dead crusty skin. Fungus will always grow on this if no blood flow. It can not regenerate dead skin, only exfoliate it.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"I have been used a lots products didn't work. This product is really really work well. I have been using 3weeks, so far works good. The healthy nail is growing now."
"I've had athletes foot, with toenail fungus for the past 10+ years. I've used just about everything off the shelf to address this problem. This product did the trick!"
"In love with this product! While at work all I can think about is coming home to soak my feet. My feet feel absolutely amazing!"
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
All natural option that is toxic to fungus. This is similar to tea tree oil in that respect but can be more effective. You still need to exfoliate dead skin and trim thick toenails.
Pros:
All natural, relatively cost effective. 1,000s of reviews with excellent results. Very clean and quick drying, easy to apply.
Cons:
Small amount and a little more expensive than some other options. Once more has 0% chance of working if your goal is to heal a dead, detached toenail or dry skin. Are you noticing this is a trend? This is really the key!
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"I have been used a lots products didn't work. This product is really really work well. I have been using 3weeks, so far works good. The healthy nail is growing now."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
All natural cream option. This is a good option compared to some of the quick dry gels. This can be used on the skin surrounding your toenails.
Pros:
Relatively cost effective. All natural tea tree oil that is proven toxic to fungus. Can be used on surrounding skin as well.
Cons:
Still more expensive than other options. Can get messy all over different areas of your foot. Key is still debride and cleaning your dry dead toenails and skin. TRIM them!
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"I've had athletes foot, with toenail fungus for the past 10+ years. I've used just about everything off the shelf to address this problem. This product did the trick!"
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Safe, cost effective and relaxing all at the same time! This needs to be used in a 20 minute foot soak. Works well for exfoliating loose skin/toenail as well as softening.
Pros:
Very safe, little risk, low cost and very effective if used correctly. The key is to use it as an aid to soften and exfoliate loose/dry dead skin and toenail.
Cons:
It once more has 0% chance working if you are trying to save loose and dead crusty skin. Fungus will always grow on this if no blood flow. It can not regenerate dead skin, only exfoliate it.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"In love with this product! While at work all I can think about is coming home to soak my feet. My feet feel absolutely amazing!"
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Consider these great reviewed and priced products:
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best Fungus Combo (Foot Soak, Body Wash & Toe Ointment)
Best Foot Powder Option For Shoes.
Best Shower Body Wash
Best choice for Foot Bath Mix
Best & Most Cost Effective Foot Soak Tub.
Price:
$29.95
$19.32
$14.90
$14.10
$14.97
Overview:
This is almost everything you need for foot fungus! This has a foot soak powder, body wash for showering and toenail ointment.
3 pack of foot powder spray. This is great for shoes and feet, but not as practical outside the foot or shoe.
Great cost effective shower wash.
Mix of epsom salts, tea tree oil for a good price.
This is a cost effective tub for foot soaks. You still need to also buy a foot soak powder or solution!
Pros:
Great cost ($50+ separately), $29 in the bundle. Tea tree oil has proven antifungal benefits. Excellent reviews and good overall cost value.
If you sweat in your shoes, this is your best bet. This will soak up sweat and kill fungus. Very effective and excellent Amazon reviews. 3 pack online is the price of one bottle at the store.
Over 5,000 5 star amazon reviews. Great reviews, medically proven component in tea tree oil. All natural with excellent results.
Epsom salts and tea tree oil have proven effect. Epsom salts make your loose skin flake off and tea tree oil is anti-fungal. Great price and near 5 star review on Amazon.
Excellent choice for cost effective foot soak tub. Top notch reviews on amazon, great price.
Cons:
The combo could be more than you need. You still need a foot bath tub.
Powder makes a big mess. Good for shoes but it can get powder inside your shoes. Can have chemical like smell.
Can be more expensive than regular soap. It may not be enough by itself without soaking or especially further toenail treatment.
Foot soak by itself may not be enough to fix your problem, but a component. You also need a foot tub.
Not much downsides, it's a tub! But you have to get foot soak powder or antifungal solution separately.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"I was a little skeptical about this product because my nails were so jacked up, but I figured I didn’t have much to lose! I’m sooo glad that I tried this product; it really is great! I’ve been using it for almost three months now and I can see a complete difference!"
"I used it everyday for about a week or so and it took 2 bottles to completely clear my athletes foot, and I mean completely. I'm really impressed. "
"I have used Amazon for YEARS and sadly have never written a review until now. That's how strongly I feel about this product! "
" The cracks are starting to heal. The funk is going away. My feet feel lighter and softer, and are beginning to be a pleasure to stand on again during those long hours at work."
"I’m a professional manicurist and I do a lot of pedicures. This is the best soaking bucket I’ve come across. It’s nice and deep which keeps the water hot longer and very easy to sanitize."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Fungus Combo (Foot Soak, Body Wash & Toe Ointment)
Price:
$29.95
Overview:
This is almost everything you need for foot fungus! This has a foot soak powder, body wash for showering and toenail ointment.
Pros:
Great cost ($50+ separately), $29 in the bundle. Tea tree oil has proven antifungal benefits. Excellent reviews and good overall cost value.
Cons:
The combo could be more than you need. You still need a foot bath tub.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"I was a little skeptical about this product because my nails were so jacked up, but I figured I didn’t have much to lose! I’m sooo glad that I tried this product; it really is great! I’ve been using it for almost three months now and I can see a complete difference!"
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
3 pack of foot powder spray. This is great for shoes and feet, but not as practical outside the foot or shoe.
Pros:
If you sweat in your shoes, this is your best bet. This will soak up sweat and kill fungus. Very effective and excellent Amazon reviews. 3 pack online is the price of one bottle at the store.
Cons:
Powder makes a big mess. Good for shoes but it can get powder inside your shoes. Can have chemical like smell.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"I used it everyday for about a week or so and it took 2 bottles to completely clear my athletes foot, and I mean completely. I'm really impressed. "
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Mix of epsom salts, tea tree oil for a good price.
Pros:
Epsom salts and tea tree oil have proven effect. Epsom salts make your loose skin flake off and tea tree oil is anti-fungal. Great price and near 5 star review on Amazon.
Cons:
Foot soak by itself may not be enough to fix your problem, but a component. You also need a foot tub.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
" The cracks are starting to heal. The funk is going away. My feet feel lighter and softer, and are beginning to be a pleasure to stand on again during those long hours at work."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
This is a cost effective tub for foot soaks. You still need to also buy a foot soak powder or solution!
Pros:
Excellent choice for cost effective foot soak tub. Top notch reviews on amazon, great price.
Cons:
Not much downsides, it's a tub! But you have to get foot soak powder or antifungal solution separately.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"I’m a professional manicurist and I do a lot of pedicures. This is the best soaking bucket I’ve come across. It’s nice and deep which keeps the water hot longer and very easy to sanitize."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
**If it is not getting better suspect that you may have superficial white onychomycosis- but don’t worry- this is the most easily treatable nail fungus and you shouldn’t have any problems getting rid of it. Visit our Toenail Onychomycosis page for more.
Athlete’s Foot is also associated:
If you have athlete’s foot as well, there is a chance it can simply re-infect your toenails.
Make sure you treat athlete’s foot if you have any toenail problems as well!
