Homecare: nail trimming
Nail trimming is one of those skills that seems obvious, something we all do on a regular basis. Unfortunately, many people improperly trim their nails, causing themselves discomfort or even doctor visits resulting in surgery!
I want you all to understand how to safely trim your toe nails, so you can stay healthy and comfortable between appointments. Plus: a quick note on fingernails for quarantine.
How to trim toenails
Tools:
Straight edge nail clipper
Nail file: glass or 180 grit emery board is best
The basics: Start with clean feet and nails. Trim straight across each nail, leaving a margin of free edge and ensuring that you have cut across the entire width of the nail. On the great toe (the big toe), this will likely take a few cuts. File to shape and smooth.
When you are trimming toenails, the main challenge is to avoid trimming too short. I commonly see clients who have trimmed their small nails so short that they have cut into the hyponychium, the delicate seal under your nails that keeps microbes from entering your body. To avoid this, be sure to leave a clear margin of white free edge on your nail when trimming. If you want them even shorter, you can file the remaining white off, ensuring you are not filing past the hyponychium.
Another major challenge is preventing ingrown nails. This is related to avoiding cutting too short. If your nail has a high curve to it, it may extend deeper into the sidewalls than others. For those with this challenge, it is all too easy to cut most of the width of the nail, leaving a small spike at the very edge, hidden from view. Leaving the nails a bit longer can allow you to see the full width of the nail clearly. Otherwise, the hidden spike will grow forward, pushing into the skin and possibly puncturing it. Under normal circumstances, I encourage clients to come for a nail trimming or a Modern Pedicure if they feel like their toe is getting crabby and they aren’t ready for a full pedicure with callus work. I will check for these little spikes, generally a result of home trimmings, and smooth them out. Since I cannot help right now, if your toe starts to hurt, you can gently and carefully check that the corner of your nail is rounded or squared, rather than spiked, and smooth it out. If you notice swelling or pain, under any circumstances, you should call your doctor!
Fingernails
Keep your fingernail length short, without nicking the hyponychium. We all want to keep healthy and safe, especially right now. With nails kept shorter, there is less opportunity for microbes to get stuck under the nails and spread around. Be sure to use a nail brush with soap and water to clean under your nails when you wash your hands, and don’t forget your cuticle oil and lotion!