How can you properly trim your toenails to prevent ingrown nails and infections. What are the best tools and techniques for cutting thick or fungal toenails. When should you seek professional help for toenail care.

The Importance of Proper Toenail Care

Maintaining healthy toenails is a crucial aspect of overall foot care that is often overlooked. Proper toenail trimming not only keeps your feet looking neat but also prevents painful conditions like ingrown toenails and infections. Many people underestimate the impact of correct nail care on their foot health and comfort.

Incorrect trimming techniques can lead to various issues, including:

• Ingrown toenails
• Fungal infections
• Painful cuts or tears
• Thickened nails
• Difficulty wearing shoes comfortably

By following expert guidelines for toenail care, you can avoid these problems and maintain healthy, pain-free feet.

Essential Tools for Proper Toenail Trimming

Using the right tools is crucial for effective and safe toenail trimming. The most important items in your nail care kit should include:

1. Toenail clippers: Choose a sturdy, larger clipper specifically designed for toenails
2. Nail file or emery board: For smoothing rough edges after cutting
3. Foot soak basin: To soften nails before trimming, if necessary
4. Antiseptic solution: To clean tools and prevent infection

Why are specialized toenail clippers necessary? Toenails are typically thicker and wider than fingernails, requiring a more robust tool for clean, precise cuts. Using separate clippers for fingers and toes also helps prevent the spread of bacteria or fungus between different parts of the body.

Choosing the Right Nail Clippers

When selecting toenail clippers, consider the following factors:

• Size: Ensure the clipper can accommodate the width of your largest toenail
• Material: Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean
• Handle design: Look for ergonomic grips for better control
• Cutting mechanism: Straight-edge clippers are best for preventing ingrown nails

Investing in high-quality tools will make the trimming process easier and safer, reducing the risk of injury or infection.

Step-by-Step Guide to Trimming Toenails

Following a proper technique when trimming your toenails is essential for maintaining foot health. Here’s a detailed guide to help you achieve the best results:

1. Clean your feet thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them completely.
2. If your nails are particularly thick, consider soaking your feet in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them.
3. Use a large toenail clipper to cut straight across the nail, following its natural curve.
4. Avoid cutting too short or rounding the corners, as this can lead to ingrown nails.
5. File any rough edges with an emery board, moving in one direction to prevent nail splitting.
6. Clean your tools with antiseptic solution after use.

How often should you trim your toenails? Most people’s toenails grow about 2 millimeters per month, making a trim every 6-8 weeks sufficient. However, active individuals or athletes may need more frequent trimming for comfort.

Dealing with Thick Toenails

Thick toenails can be challenging to trim and may indicate underlying health issues. Common causes of thickened nails include:

• Fungal infections (onychomycosis)
• Psoriasis
• Injury to the nail bed
• Wearing tight-fitting shoes
• Age-related changes

To safely trim thick toenails:

1. Soak your feet in warm water for 15-20 minutes to soften the nails.
2. Use a heavy-duty toenail clipper designed for thick nails.
3. Make small cuts across the nail to prevent splintering.
4. File the nail smooth after cutting.
5. Consider seeking professional help if the thickness is severe or causes pain.

Is it safe to trim thick toenails at home? While many people can manage thick toenails themselves, those with diabetes, poor circulation, or severe thickening should consult a podiatrist for safe trimming and treatment of underlying causes.

Managing Fungal Toenails

Trimming toenails affected by fungus requires extra care to prevent spreading the infection. Follow these guidelines:

• Use a dedicated set of tools for infected nails to avoid contaminating healthy nails.
• Soak feet in warm water with Epsom salt for 20-30 minutes before trimming.
• Cut nails straight across, avoiding cutting into the infected area.
• Thoroughly disinfect tools after each use with alcohol or diluted bleach.
• Seek medical treatment for the underlying fungal infection.

Can fungal toenails be cured with proper trimming alone? While good nail care is important, fungal infections typically require antifungal medication prescribed by a healthcare professional for complete resolution.

Common Toenail Trimming Mistakes to Avoid

Many people unknowingly make errors when trimming their toenails, which can lead to complications. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Cutting nails too short, which can cause pain and increase the risk of ingrown nails
• Rounding the corners of nails instead of cutting straight across
• Using dull or inappropriate tools, leading to jagged edges or nail damage
• Neglecting to clean and disinfect tools between uses
• Ignoring signs of infection or other nail abnormalities
• Attempting to treat ingrown nails at home without proper knowledge

Why is it important to cut toenails straight across? Cutting straight across helps prevent the nail from growing into the surrounding skin, reducing the risk of painful ingrown toenails.

The Dangers of Improper Trimming

Incorrect toenail trimming techniques can lead to several issues:

1. Ingrown toenails: When nails grow into the surrounding skin, causing pain and potential infection
2. Infections: Improper hygiene or damaging the nail bed can introduce harmful bacteria
3. Nail deformities: Consistent incorrect trimming can alter nail growth patterns
4. Discomfort: Nails cut too short can cause pain when wearing shoes

By being aware of these potential problems, you can take steps to avoid them and maintain healthy toenails.

When to Seek Professional Help

While regular toenail maintenance can often be managed at home, certain situations call for professional intervention. Consider consulting a podiatrist or healthcare provider if you experience:

• Persistent pain or discomfort in your toes or nails
• Signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge
• Severely thickened or deformed nails that are difficult to trim
• Recurring ingrown toenails
• Changes in nail color or texture that persist
• Difficulty trimming your own nails due to limited mobility or poor eyesight

How can a podiatrist help with toenail problems? Podiatrists can provide professional trimming services, treat underlying conditions, and offer guidance on proper foot care techniques tailored to your specific needs.

Special Considerations for Diabetics

People with diabetes need to be especially vigilant about foot care, including toenail trimming. Diabetes can lead to reduced sensation in the feet, making it easier to accidentally injure yourself while trimming nails. Additionally, poor circulation can slow healing and increase the risk of infection.

If you have diabetes:

1. Have your feet examined regularly by a healthcare professional
2. Consider having a podiatrist trim your nails, especially if you have neuropathy or circulation issues
3. Inspect your feet daily for any cuts, blisters, or changes in nail appearance
4. Never attempt to treat ingrown toenails or other foot problems at home without professional guidance

Regular foot care and professional assistance can help prevent serious complications associated with diabetes-related foot problems.

Maintaining Healthy Toenails Between Trims

Proper toenail care extends beyond regular trimming. To keep your nails in optimal condition between cuts, follow these tips:

• Keep feet clean and dry to prevent fungal growth
• Wear properly fitting shoes to avoid pressure on nails
• Use moisture-wicking socks to reduce dampness
• Apply a nourishing oil or cream to nails and cuticles
• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas to prevent exposure to fungi and bacteria
• Address any nail changes or discomfort promptly

Can diet affect toenail health? Yes, a balanced diet rich in biotin, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to stronger, healthier nails. Staying hydrated also helps maintain nail flexibility and prevent brittleness.

The Role of Proper Footwear

Choosing the right shoes plays a significant role in maintaining healthy toenails. Ill-fitting footwear can lead to various nail problems, including:

1. Ingrown toenails from tight shoes that compress the toes
2. Thickened nails due to constant pressure or friction
3. Fungal infections in damp, poorly ventilated shoes
4. Traumatic injuries from shoes that don’t provide adequate protection

To promote nail health, select shoes with a wide toe box, proper arch support, and breathable materials. Rotate your shoes regularly to allow them to dry completely between wears.

Natural Remedies for Toenail Health

While professional medical care is essential for many toenail conditions, some natural remedies can support overall nail health:

• Tea tree oil: Known for its antifungal properties, can be applied topically to nails
• Apple cider vinegar: May help balance pH levels and combat fungal growth
• Coconut oil: Moisturizes and has mild antifungal properties
• Olive oil: Nourishes nails and surrounding skin
• Epsom salt soaks: Can soften nails and reduce inflammation

Are natural remedies effective for treating toenail fungus? While some natural treatments may provide relief or slow fungal growth, they are generally not as effective as prescription medications for curing established infections. Always consult a healthcare provider before relying solely on natural remedies.

Preventing Toenail Problems

Prevention is key when it comes to maintaining healthy toenails. Incorporate these habits into your routine:

1. Practice good foot hygiene, washing and drying feet thoroughly daily
2. Trim nails regularly using proper techniques
3. Wear shoes that fit well and allow toes to move freely
4. Use shower shoes in public areas like locker rooms and pools
5. Avoid sharing nail care tools with others
6. Address any foot or nail concerns promptly
7. Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated

By following these guidelines and being attentive to your foot health, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing toenail problems and enjoy comfortable, healthy feet.

How to Cut Toenails: Step-by-Step Instructions

The best way to cut toenails

Cutting your toenails properly is an important step in preventing painful ingrown toenails — a condition when nails curve and grow into the skin, which often leads to pain and sometimes to infection.

There are six main components or steps to cutting your toenails properly.

1. Nail clippers

The first step is to use the proper nail-cutting tool. Nail clippers or manicure scissors are appropriate. Avoid tools such as regular scissors or knives that aren’t specifically designed for cutting nails.

You should have two nail clippers — one for your fingers and one for your toes. Since your toenails are broader and thicker, they require a larger clipper. Also, by having separate clippers, you reduce the chance of transferring bacteria or fungus between your feet and hands. Make sure to clean your clippers thoroughly between each use.

2. Cut frequency

The second step is the frequency of cutting. Most people’s toenails grow about 2 millimeters (0.08 inches) a month, so it’s appropriate to cut them every six to eight weeks. That being said, if you are a very active person or an athlete — especially a runner — you will probably be more comfortable if you trim them more often.

3. Cutting wet or dry nails

The third step is answering a common question: “Should I cut my nails before or after I shower?” In most cases, the answer is “before.” Dry toenails are less likely to bend or tear when you cut them, so you will get a cleaner cut.

For people with very thick toenails, cutting will be easier after a shower.

4. Time between cuts

The fourth step is determining how long to leave your toenails following the cut. This is important, because cutting your toenails too short could heighten your risk for ingrown toenails. If you leave your toenails too long, they are more likely to get caught on something and tear.

It’s recommended that you maintain your toenails at a length of about 1 to 2 millimeters (0. 04 to 0.08 inches).

5. Cutting the nail

The fifth step is the actual cut. To avoid painful ingrown toenails, cut your toenails straight across. For many people, this is easiest to do in two cuts — the first one with the clippers slightly off the side of the nail to create a straight edge; the second to remove the rest of the nail following the line of the straight cut.

6. Filing the nail

The sixth and final step is to file your nails with an emery board to smooth any jagged edges that could snag and potentially tear the nail as it grows.

Your toenails might be thick for any of a number of reasons, including:

• fungal infection, such as onychomycosis
• psoriasis, a skin condition that causes rapid cell build up on the skin’s surface
• injury
• tight-fitting shoes

To properly cut your thick toenails, follow these steps:

1. Soak your feet in warm water for at least 10 minutes to soften your nails, and then use a towel to thoroughly dry your feet and toenails.
2. Using a nail clipper, make small cuts to avoid splintering the nail and cut straight across. To lessen the chance of the nail becoming ingrown, don’t round off the corners.
3. Use an emery board to smooth edges and corners that could snag.

If your thickened toenails are painful or you don’t think that you can safely cut your toenails without help, ask your doctor for advice.

Cutting toenails with fungus is similar to the process for cutting thick toenails. If you leave the fungus untreated, your nails will continue to thicken and might get to a thickness that requires some additional action including:

• medical-grade toenail clippers, as standard clippers may not be able to cut all the way through and can slip off the nail and cut your skin
• longer foot soak (20 or 30 minutes in warm water)
• clipper disinfection using alcohol or diluted bleach

If you think that you have a fungal infection, make an appointment to see your doctor.

Cutting your toenails seems like a simple task, but, if done wrong, it can result in ingrown toenails, cut skin, or the spread of fungus.

To properly cut your toenails, cut straight across the nail, use the right tools, and thoroughly clean those tools between uses. If you have unusually thick toenails or have a toe fungus, take special care when clipping your nails.

In many cases, talking to your doctor about foot care is necessary.

Mistakes You’re Making When Clipping Your Toenails: Eric Blanson, DPM: Sports Medicine

How you cut your toenails may seem trivial in the grand scheme of things, but it’s actually an important part of maintaining your overall health and wellness, especially if you’re a diabetic.

Here at PMC Foot and Ankle Clinic in Spring, Texas, Dr. Eric Blanson and our team see lots of patients whose improper clipping techniques have caused complications that require medical attention. 

To help you avoid such complications, we’ve put together this guide on common mistakes people make and the correct technique to ensure your podiatric health.

Ingrown toenails: A common problem

Any nail can become ingrown, but the most common nail is the one on your big toe. Ingrown nails occur because:

• The skin on the toe grows over the nail itself
• The nail grows into the skin around it

Both occurrences usually result from clipping your nails improperly, and they lead to a hard, painful, red swelling at the corner of the nail. If left untreated, these leave you vulnerable to either a bacterial or a fungal infection.

Bacterial infections usually leak pus and, sometimes, blood. Fungal infections produce discolored toenails that are thick, brittle, and smell bad.

Complications from an ingrown toenail can become especially severe if you have diabetes, which causes circulatory problems that lead to poor blood flow in the feet, as well as nerve damage resulting in the loss of sensation. A simple cut can lead to an infected ulcer.

Common toenail-clipping mistakes and how to correct them

Here are a number of common mistakes people make and how to avoid them.

Using the wrong tool

Using regular cutting scissors or even knives for your nails doesn’t do the job properly, and you run the risk of cutting yourself in the process.

The correct tools are dedicated nail clippers or manicure scissors. In fact, you should have two pairs, a smaller one for your fingers, and a larger one for the broader, thicker nails on your toes. 

In addition, by using separate clippers, you reduce the chance of bacterial or fungal contamination between your feet and hands.

Thoroughly clean each of your clippers between uses with 70%-90% isopropyl alcohol, rinsing them with hot water and drying them completely before putting away.

Clipping nails while wet

It’s tempting to wait until you get out of the bath or shower to cut your nails, as they’ll be softer. The trouble is, your nails are likely to bend or tear when you try to cut them, and you run the risk of injury.

Unless you have thick toenails, which soften in the bath, you should cut them when they’re dry to ensure a clean cut.

Clipping your nails too long or too short

Lots of people cut their nails way back, so they don’t have to do it too often, or they leave them too long, for appearance. 

The problem is, if your nails are too short, you run the risk of developing an ingrown toenail; if your nails are too long, they’re likely to snag on your sock or shoe and tear uncomfortably.

The best length to leave your nails is at 1-2 millimeters (0.04 to 0.08 of an inch) above where they attach to the toe.

Curving the edges

Some people think that curving the edges of the nail makes it look more attractive or keeps it from getting damaged, but you’re more prone to ingrown toenails if you round them.

Instead, cut your toenails straight across, preferably with two cuts. Make the first cut with the clippers slightly off the nail’s side to create a straight edge. Then make the second following that line all the way to the other side.

Trimming the cuticles

You may think that cutting or pushing back the cuticles may make the nail look more attractive, but it’s also bad for your foot health.

The cuticles protect the nail root, so when you trim or cut them, it’s easier for bacteria and fungi to enter the body and cause an infection. Nail infections can take a long time to heal.

Failing to moisturize the nails

You keep your hands and the soles of your feet moisturized, so why wouldn’t you moisturize the nails? Moisturizing after you’ve trimmed the nails helps to keep them flexible. This is particularly important when the air is dry, because dry nails split more easily and can cause a cut or a tear.

Want to learn more about how to trim your nails to ensure better foot health? Give PMC Foot and Ankle Clinic a call or schedule a consultation online with us today.

Three Types of Bunions

Did you know there’s more than one type of bunions? These bony growths aren’t just a painless lump. They can cause discomfort and make you feel self-conscious about your feet. Learn more about bunions and how we treat them.

4 Helpful Treatment Options for Joint Pain

Is your joint pain interrupting your daily routine or affecting your quality of life? Cutting-edge, advanced treatments can give you the relief you’re looking for. Keep reading to learn more.

Complications of an Ingrown Toenail

Most people have had an ingrown toenail at some point in their lives. Even though it’s a common problem, ingrown toenails can have complications that require medical care. Here’s what you need to know.

What You Should Know About Foot Care If You Have Diabetes

When you have diabetes, you have to watch your blood glucose levels. But you should also pay careful attention to your feet, because high blood sugar can cause serious foot problems. The following tips keep your feet healthy.

Does an Ingrown Toenail Require Medical Assistance?

If you have a painful ingrown toenail, you may wonder if it’s really doctor-worthy. Most ingrown toenails aren’t serious and resolve on their own. But in some cases, you need to see a podiatrist to avoid serious complications. Here’s how you know.

7 Shoe Mistakes You’re Making That Hurt Your Feet

Whether you sport cleats, flip-flops, or stilettos, anything you strap onto your feet can affect their health. If you choose shoes based on their cool factor, you may be harming your hoofers. Here are seven ways your shoes can hurt your feet.

How to trim your toenails

It may seem like the easiest task, but clipping your toenails is a ritual that should be performed carefully, with special attention. Therefore, today we will talk about how to properly cut toenails .

You will be surprised, but most people cut their toenails the wrong way. And this is not at all encouraging, because the most common mistakes can lead to painful and quite serious consequences, such as ingrown nails , and various infections.

People with diabetes should be especially careful about the issue of shortening toenails in order to reduce the risk of future foot problems.

Preparation

Never use nail scissors to cut toenails, because the nails on our lower extremities are much thicker than on our hands, and ordinary scissors may simply not do the job, damaging the nails. Buy Better quality nail clippers .

Care should be taken to ensure that the two blades on the tool work with the same pressure to ensure a good, clean cut.

Hygiene is the key to a safe pedicure. If possible, wipe all toes with an alcohol solution before starting the procedure. I’m not talking about the importance of sterilizing tweezers, I think this is already clear.

It is possible to share nail clippers with other family members, but always check that they have been sterilized before each use. Otherwise, if one of the family members has a fungal infection, you will also become the owner of it.

Follow the technique

Choose a place with enough light. Sit on a chair or on the floor, holding the nail clippers in one hand and holding your leg with the other hand.

There is no need to pre-soak your feet in water. Toenails are so strong that it doesn’t really show up in their texture. In addition, trimming dry nails will give you a smoother and more even cut.

Starting with your thumb, cut your nails straight so that they are square and not curved at the edges. Their rounding can lead to ingrown toenails. It is at this stage that many people make a major mistake.

The only ones who are advised to cut their nails in a crooked cut are ballet dancers, as they often have to stand on their fingertips. But most often they turn to professionals for trimming toenails.

Do not cut your nails too short, as the skin under the nail can become damaged and inflamed.

Don’t hurt your cuticles. 🙂 If you want to give your toenails a nicer look, just use a cuticle stick and push it back a bit.

Use a nail file to smooth out the sharp ends. As with tweezers, clean the nail file before use.

Finish with moisturizing foot cream .

When you’re done, wash all of your tools in hot water to be free of nail particles and dirt.

Who should not trim their own toenails

• If you have a fairly ingrown toenail
• If you are obese, pregnant, or nearsighted enough to not be able to see your legs well.

• If your nails are particularly thick, which is common in older people, or if you experience pain while cutting your nails.
• Diabetics should also be especially careful, because an ingrown toenail can disrupt blood circulation and affect nerve endings. Cutting the skin around the nail can lead to infection and, in rare cases, ulcers or even gangrene.

How often to cut your toenails

Everyone’s nails grow at different rates, so there is no set schedule. Just make sure your legs aren’t too long and trim them before they rub against your shoes and hurt.

Clean, well-groomed and neatly trimmed nails symbolize healthy feet and comfortable walking. And that’s exactly what we need! 🙂 Be healthy and beautiful!

How to cut your toenails? — LadyWow

Contents

• Features
• Preparation
  • Tooling
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Who shouldn’t cut their own toenails?
• How often to cut?
• Video on article

A quality pedicure, which is carried out in accordance with all the rules, helps to acquire not only a beautiful appearance, but also to avoid many problems. That is why it is important to know how to properly cut your toenails. Improper cutting of the nail can cause damage to the integrity of nearby tissues, foci of suppuration, fungal infections, ingrown nails and many other problems.

Rules for cutting nails

Features

Despite the fact that for many, the procedure for cutting the nail plate seems to be everyday and not very significant, it has several important and significant nuances.

• First of all, you should definitely pay attention to the shape of the nail plates. Ideally, they should follow the shape of the fingertips. In theory, the correct, or standard, shape is called an arch – arched. Trimming arched nails is the easiest and safest way.
• It is very important to choose the right tools to cut nails without damage or injury.

There are many types of tools that can be used to trim your legs. It can be scissors, special tweezers or wire cutters.

Nail clippers

Manicure scissors are not recommended as tools. With their help, it is unlikely that it will be possible to properly and correctly cut the nails. Nail cutting is best done with flat tongs, the size of which does not exceed 12 centimeters.

Knisper is used for thick nail plates. These are special scissors made of high-strength steel, the ends of the scissors are rounded. With this tool, you can cut off ingrown nail plates.

Preparation

The preparation phase has a specific sequence:

1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Recondition instruments (even if the pedicure set is for individual use only).
3. If you need to cut fungal nail plates, you must wear gloves.
4. Wash feet before trimming.
5. If the plates are brittle, it is advisable to soften the plate with a warm bath before starting.

The bath will help soften nails and prevent the formation of cracks, and will simplify the process of trimming.

Foot bath

Treatment of instruments

For these purposes it is necessary to use a soapy solution, disinfectants. Metal objects should be immersed in a disinfectant solution for at least 10 minutes. Then rinse and dry. An oven can be used as a sterilizer.

Processing tools

This completes the preparatory phase. Before proceeding with the execution, it is worth studying the step-by-step instructions for execution.

Step-by-step instructions

It is not recommended to cut in one stroke. It is necessary to cut the nails gradually, that is, in several stages. You need to shape your nails with a nail file.

1. Place a towel or napkin on the floor. This will help you collect all the trimmed nails and throw them away.
2. The cut must be made in several stages, without going to the tips of the plate. You should not try to cut ingrown nails at the same time in one motion, as delamination or damage to nearby tissues is possible.
3. Cutting the root plate is not recommended. This will cause damage to soft tissues and can cause infection, pain. A small strip should always remain.
4. Use a nail file to give the desired shape. A buff may also come up. It is not necessary to cut dry trimmed nails often, as they will begin to exfoliate. They can be of various shapes: round, oval, or even rectangular. The form should not have pointed sections. You need to file them from the edges to the central part.
5. Dry feet with a towel or disposable towel.
6. Lubricate feet with moisturizer, oil, or wax. This will save the skin from drying out and delamination of the nail plates.

An antifungal cream or gel should be applied to a fungal nail before clipping. If necessary, cut ingrown nails, you can rub a softening or anti-inflammatory cream.

Who shouldn’t cut their own toenails?

There is a category of people who are not recommended to cut their own nails.

1. These are people who suffer from skin and fungal infections. With great care, it is necessary to carry out the procedure for infants.
2. It is generally not recommended for children under a month to cut their own shearing, as they have not yet formed a plate. After a month, surgical steel scissors with round edges should be used as a tool. If the baby was born already with long nails, they should be cut off after birth. Babies need to carry out the procedure in a dream or during a meal.

It is very important that little children have individual tools that no one else uses. Each time before use, scissors should be treated with chlorhexidine.

Baby nail clipping

Elderly people .

This category of people has a very thick nail plate and impaired blood flow. In this regard, it is required to select a special tool and conduct a thorough, optimal preparation. Before starting, be sure to make a warm bath or steaming compression lotions. In some cases, a long compress for 6-10 hours is required. In some cases, it is necessary to apply a special keratolic patch. It can be purchased at any pharmacy.

Nail cutting for the elderly

How often should I cut my nails?

There is no clear answer to this question, since each person’s nails grow at different rates.