If you have thick toenails, you know how difficult it can be to trim them safely. Here are some tips on how to cut thick toenails safely.
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Causes of Thick Toenails
There are a number of reasons why toenails can become thickened over time. One common cause is an injury to the nail, which can cause the nail to grow back thicker than before. Fungal infections are another common cause of thickened toenails, as the fungus can cause the nail to become misshapen and thicker. Additionally, certain health conditions such as diabetes can also lead to thickened nails.
Prevention of Thick Toenails
Thick toenails are usually caused by an underlying condition, such as fungal infection, injury, or psoriasis. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying condition. In some cases, however, thick toenails cannot be completely cured and may require ongoing management.
There are several things you can do to prevent thick toenails from developing or becoming worse:
– Keep your feet clean and dry. Fungi thrive in moist environments. Washing your feet every day and drying them thoroughly, especially between the toes, can help prevent fungal infections.
– Wear well-fitting shoes. Ill-fitting shoes can damage the nails and promote fungal growth. Make sure your shoes have plenty of room for your toes and do not rub against the nails.
– Avoid nail trauma. Injury to the nails can cause them to become thickened. Be careful when trimming your nails and avoid cutting them too short. Do not use nail hardeners or other harsh chemicals on your nails.
– Treat underlying conditions promptly. If you have psoriasis or another condition that affects the nails, be sure to follow your treatment plan as directed by your doctor
How to Cut Thick Toenails
If you have thick toenails, you may be wondering how to go about cutting them safely. This can be a tricky process, as thick toenails can be difficult to cut without causing pain or damage to the nail. However, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to cut thick toenails safely.
Soak the feet in warm water for 10 minutes
Cutting thick toenails can be a challenging task, but there are a few things you can do to make the process easier and safer. First, soak the feet in warm water for 10 minutes to help soften the nails. Next, use a sharp nail clipper or scissors to carefully trim the nails, taking care not to cut too far down into the skin. Finally, use an emery board or nail file to smooth any rough edges.
Cut the toenails straight across with clippers
Trim your toenails straight across, rather than rounding the tips. This will help prevent ingrown toenails.
Use clippers that are the right size for your toenails. If they’re too big, they can crush your toenails. If they’re too small, they can cause pain and damage the nail bed.
To avoid infection, sterilize your clippers with rubbing alcohol before each use.
File the toenails with an emery board
Use an emery board to file the toenails down. Be sure to file in one direction only, and do not file too aggressively or you could damage the nail. You should file until the edges of the nails are smooth.
When to See a Doctor
If your toenails are thick and you have diabetes, see a doctor right away. Having diabetes can cause nerve damage, which can make it hard to trim your nails.
If you don’t have diabetes, but you can’t get your toenails thinned out, see a podiatrist. He or she can prescribe medicine that will help.
Complications of Thick Toenails
Thick toenails can be unsightly and embarrassing, but more importantly, they can be painful and lead to serious complications. If not treated properly, thick toenails can cause infections, ulcerations, and even joint damage.
If you have thick toenails, it is important to see a podiatrist or other medical professional who can properly treat the condition. They will likely prescribe a medicated nail cream or ointment and may recommend a course of oral antibiotics if an infection is present. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected nail or nails.
Be sure to follow your physician’s instructions carefully and make sure to practice good foot hygiene by keeping your feet clean and dry. With proper treatment, thick toenails can be safely managed and the risk of complications greatly reduced.
