How to cut your toenails, and when to ask your podiatrist for help?
Taking care of our feet is essential for overall well-being, and one crucial aspect of foot care is maintaining properly trimmed toenails.
However, cutting toenails isn’t as simple as it may seem, and improper trimming can lead to discomfort and potential foot problems.
In this blog, we will explore how to cut your toenails correctly and provide insights into when it’s best to seek help from a podiatrist in Dubai.
How to cut your toenails?
Cutting toenails is a simple and necessary part of foot hygiene. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cut your toenails properly:
1. Soften your nails :
If your toenails are hard and difficult to cut, having a bath or shower with warm water will help soften the nails. Alternatively, soak your feet in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes. This makes the trimming process easier and also reduces the risk of infection.
2. Gather the right tools:
You will need a pair of clean and sharp nail clippers or nippers especially designed to trim your toenails.
Avoid tools such as regular scissors or knives not specifically designed for cutting nails, as they may cause splitting or damage to your nails.
3. Clip or cut nails straight across:
Cutting the toenail round off the ends encourages the nail to grow into the adjacent skin. This leads to ingrown toenails and increases the chances of developing nail problems.
A straight cut leaves a sharp point at each end but will ensure the toenail continues to grow forward.
4. Maintain proper nail length:
Cutting the nail too short can damage the nail bed and leave your toenail susceptible to infection- plus, it hurts.
Also, avoid cutting or trimming the cuticles, as they serve as a protective barrier against infection. Instead, gently push back the cuticles using a cuticle pusher or a soft towel.
5. File your nail edges smoothly:
Always file any sharp or jagged edges to ensure smooth nail edges. Gently move the file in one direction until smooth and the appropriate length.
6. Keep your tools clean:
Clean your tools regularly with rubbing alcohol or replace them if they are disposable. This prevents fungal infections or transferring infection from one foot to another.
When you need to consult a podiatrist for help?
Remember to be cautious while cutting your toenails to prevent injuries. If you have any underlying foot conditions or concerns, consider seeking advice from a healthcare professional or a podiatrist.
Here are some situations when you might need assistance from a podiatrist in Dubai for toenail cutting:
1. Ingrown toenails
When the toenail’s edges dig into the surrounding skin, it results in an ingrown toenail. It usually affects the big toe and can lead to mild or intense pain in the toe and potential infection. Poor cutting technique, injury, or badly fitting shoes can cause the problem.
A podiatrist in Dubai will safely cut, shape and file the nail to ease pain and remove the nail if necessary. It’s essential to have an ingrown nail dealt with as soon as possible to avoid experiencing long-term pain and severe infection.
2. Toenail fungus
Toenail fungus is an unpleasant condition that can make nails brittle, discolored, and smelly. The nail loses its natural texture, becoming powdery, even brittle, and thicker. It’s a contagious infection that can easily spread to other toes.
Your podiatrist can safely cut your nails and remove fungus without spreading it. You might also be prescribed antifungal creams and sprays to help the nail heal.
3. Diabetes
Diabetes affects the entire body, and there are many unexpected ways doctors help diabetic patients. Diabetes can lead to peripheral neuropathy, severely reducing feeling in toes and feet. It also limits the body’s ability to heal.
A tiny cut to the skin may go unnoticed, leading to infections such as diabetic ulcers, sores, and fungal issues. Also, the healing process will be harder for diabetic sufferers.
Therefore, diabetic people are typically advised to have routine nail care performed by a podiatrist every few weeks or months.
4. Other conditions
Many other conditions could make it difficult for patients to trim and cut their nails independently. Health issues such as arthritis, reduced vision, and other conditions that limit mobility can make personal nail care difficult.
Consult foot surgeon/podiatrist Dr. KP Meda
Our foot and ankle surgeon, Dubai, Dr. KP Meda, is the ideal choice for all your foot and ankle issues.
His expertise in handling various foot problems is impeccable. His extensive experience in this field ensures that you obtain the best fungal and ingrown nail treatment in Dubai.
So if you or someone you know is struggling with any foot-related issue, do not delay and book an appointment with him today!
