You might not realize it, but trimming your toenails incorrectly or not often enough can lead to foot problems such as ingrown toenails. Unpleasant and unsightly, ingrown toenails can be painful and even become infected. See your New Hampshire podiatrist right away if you have any problems with or questions about a foot or toenail condition, and follow some basic foot care tips when trimming your toenails.
Tips for Proper Toenail Trimming
- Wash and dry your feet before trimming your toenails. This will help prevent germs and bacteria from growing where they shouldn’t. Remember to clean between all your toes and dry your feet completely. Wet, sweaty feet and toes are breeding grounds for bacteria.
- Clean under the toenails with an instrument specifically designed for this purpose. Sharp items and tools can break the skin and allow bacteria and germs in, which can lead to infection.
- Do not use the same tools for trimming your toenails that you have used on your fingernails. Again, you want to avoid spreading bacteria, fungus and germs.
- Use a straight-edged toenail clipper and trim straight across. Fingernail scissors and clippers are curved; using them on your toenails can cause ingrown toenails.
- Use a clean emery board to smooth out rough edges.
- Don’t cut or trim your toenails too short. Toenails that are too short or curved can become ingrown.
- If you are unable to feel, see or reach your own feet, have a podiatrist or other professional trim your toenails for you.
A Few Notes About Professional Pedicures
- First-come, first-served! Try to be one of the first customers of the day if you go to a nail salon. The tubs or sinks used for pedicures tend to be cleanest early in the day. Make sure the salon cleans the foot baths between customers.
- Bring your own pedicure tools. It’s bad enough that you have to expose yourself to your own germs! Don’t make things worse by making yourself susceptible to infection from someone else’s bacteria that might be lingering on the toenail clippers.
- Don’t hide yellowed, thickened or bruised toenails under polish. Discolored toenails can be an indication that you have a fungal infection. These nasty-looking nails need air – and may even require a trip to your podiatrist.
How to Avoid Ingrown Toenails
- Keep your feet clean and dry, especially after sports activities.
- Wear shoes that fit well and support your feet properly.
- Trim your toenails correctly or have them done by a professional who knows what they are doing.
When to Make an Appointment With Your New Hampshire Podiatrist
You might be taking advantage of all the best foot care tips available, but still have problems with your toenails or feet. If you have any pain, unusual lumps or bumps, discoloration of your nails, redness, inflammation, or notice anything about your feet that doesn’t seem right, call a podiatrist right away. Problems with your feet and toenails can be signs of serious health conditions including infection, diabetes and cancer.
The sooner you get help, the better! Early examination and evaluation by a qualified podiatrist can help prevent serious problems. Making an appointment sooner than later might even help you avoid major surgery or other complicated treatments.
Nagy Footcare is Ready to Help You
At Nagy Footcare, we are fully committed to listening to our patients and earning your respect. We believe you should not have to suffer from foot pain or toenail problems. We believe you have the right to understand what’s going on with your feet, and what kind of treatment will serve you best. We believe you deserve the best possible care from experienced, caring New Hampshire podiatrists.
We are ready to treat any foot problems you may have, help you prevent further foot and toenail problems, and provide you with foot care tips that will keep your feet healthy.
Don’t wait for a minor annoyance to become a serious foot problem; contact us today! At Nagy Footcare, our best day is when you wake up with no foot pain.
