Proper foot hygiene is essential for living a healthy lifestyle. Trimming your toenails is one of the best ways to keep your feet clean and safe from infections. Unfortunately, many people neglect taking care of their feet and pay the consequences as they get older.
Heavenly Foot Care is a mobile podiatry service that specialises in toenail trimming and soothing. We can treat your feet right in the comfort of your own home. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Why Do Toenails Need To Be Trimmed In The First Place?
Trimming your toenails is a vital step towards keeping your feet out of harm’s way. If the nails get too long, they will grow through the skin, both painful and unsightly – a condition known as ingrown toenails. Also, longer toenails are the perfect place for fungi and bacteria to take shelter, causing itchy infections.
Here are the main components of proper toenail trimming:
Using Nail Clippers
Nail clippers are by far the best way to trim your toenails. They are much safer and more efficient than using scissors or a knife. Make sure you’re using a different set of clippers for your toes and hands. Sharing the same clippers can increase the chances of getting a bacterial infection.
How Often Should You Trim Your Toenails?
Not all toenails are created equal. Some people grow them much faster than average. However, the average person’s toenails grow about 2-3 mm per month. As a rule of thumb, you should trim your toenails every 6-8 weeks.
But it would be best if you had a trimming schedule that matches your lifestyle. If you’re an athlete, you should trim them more frequently.
How To Trim Your Toenails At Home
Here’s a breakdown on how you can properly trim your toenails at home:
Always Trim Straight Across
If your toenails are curved, you’re asking for trouble. It would help if you never trimmed your toenails at a curve. Instead, use the clippers and trim straight across for a perfect cut.
Don’t Trim Too Short
Believe it or not, trimming your toenails too short can also lead to ingrown toenails. Also, short toenails are uncomfortable and lead to infections. To see if your nails are cut to the right length, your fingernail should be able to fit under the side of your toenail.
Cut Them Dry
Some believe you should cut your nails after a shower. That’s only true for those who have abnormally thick toenails. For regular nails, dry is always the way to go. Dry nails cut much smoother, which makes your feet more comfortable.
Apply Lotion After Cutting
Always apply a moisturizer after trimming your toenails. This will keep the skin around the nail smooth and prevent cracking. This step is especially important if you have diabetes since even the smallest crack or injury can lead to serious problems.
What If You Develop An Ingrown Toenail?
If you’ve already run into the infamous ingrown toenail, you’ll need to have it treated. Though ingrown toenails aren’t dangerous, they can be painful and annoying to live with. The most effective way to treat an ingrown toenail is to see your podiatrist. They can set you up with a plan to get your toenails back on track.
Heavenly Foot Care – Toenail Smoothing Experts
Do you need someone to look out for your toenails? Heavenly Foot Care can help! We have years of experience with toenail trimming and smoothing. One of our podiatrists can be sent directly to your home, and your feet will be good to go in a matter of minutes.
Call us today at (905) 931-9965 or email sherri@heavenlyfootcare.ca to schedule an appointment.