Ava Monroe
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common condition that causes the nail to thicken, discolour, and weaken. While it is not a serious infection, it can take a long time to treat and may cause pain when walking. To cut a nail with fungus, it is important to first soften the nail by soaking it in warm water or cutting it after a shower. Then, use nail nippers or large clippers to cut straight across the nail, avoiding the nail bed. Finally, file the nail in one direction to smooth the edges and prevent cracking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toenail fungus identification | White, brown, or yellow spots on toenails; toenails thicken and lift from toes |
| Toenail fungus causes | Walking around barefoot in wet, communal areas; wearing tight, non-breathable shoes; warm, moist environments |
| Toenail fungus prevention | Wear flip-flops in the shower; use a separate shower; change shoes and socks daily; wear breathable shoes; sanitize nail tools; trim nails regularly |
| Toenail fungus treatment | Soak nails in water; use antifungal pills, creams, gels, sprays, or patches; apply urea cream and file; use electric file; trim nails with nail nippers; use medical-grade toenail clippers |
| Toenail fungus medication | Itraconazole (Sporanox); terbinafine (Lamisil); clotrimazole (Lotrimin); ciclopirox (Penlac); efinaconazole (Jublia); tavaborole (Kerydin) |
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What You'll Learn
Soak nails in warm water or cut after a shower
Soaking your nails in warm water or cutting them after a shower is a great way to soften your nails, making them easier to cut. This is especially helpful if you have thick toenails due to fungus.
To soak your nails, fill a small bowl or tub with warm water and submerge your toes for about 10 minutes. If your nails still feel hard, you can soak them for up to 30 minutes. You can also add a teaspoon of salt for every 470ml of water to help soften your nails further. After soaking, dry your nails before cutting them.
Alternatively, you can simply take a shower to soften your nails. Trim your nails as soon as you finish showering. This method is convenient and effective, ensuring your nails are softened and ready for cutting.
Regardless of the softening method you choose, it's important to use the right tools when cutting your nails. Toenails affected by fungus can become thick and hard to cut with regular clippers. Instead, opt for nail nippers, which look like scissors and have stronger blades. Remember to always clean your nail-cutting tools before and after use to prevent the spread of fungus.
In addition to softening and cutting your nails, you can use creams and files to manage nail fungus. Urea cream, for example, can be applied nightly and left on for up to 24 hours to soften the nail and make the fungus easier to scrape off with a file. Always be gentle when filing your nails to avoid causing pain or damage.
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Use nail nippers or medical-grade clippers
If you have toenail fungus, your nails will become thick, discoloured, and brittle. This makes them difficult to cut with regular nail clippers, so it's best to use nail nippers or medical-grade clippers.
Nail nippers are similar to scissors and have stronger blades that can cut through thicker nails with ease. They are specifically designed for cutting toenails, so they are a better option than small nail clippers meant for fingernails. When using nail nippers, make a series of short, small cuts across the top of your nail, starting from the outer corner. Always cut straight across, rather than rounding the corners, to avoid getting an ingrown nail.
Medical-grade toenail clippers are another option for those with toenail fungus. Standard clippers may not be strong enough to cut through thickened nails and can sometimes slip, leading to accidental cuts on the skin. Medical-grade clippers are designed to handle thicker nails and reduce the risk of injury.
It is important to only use clean and sharp cutting tools to reduce the risk of spreading the fungus or causing injury. You should also ensure that your nails are properly softened before cutting to prevent breakage. Soaking your nails in warm water or cutting them right after a shower can help with this.
If your nails are extremely thick or difficult to cut, you may need to consider additional treatments. This could include softening your nails with urea cream or thinning them with an electric file before attempting to cut them. Remember to always file in one direction to prevent cracking or fraying.
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Cut straight across the nail
When cutting a nail with fungus, it is important to cut straight across the nail. This is because cutting nails in a rounded shape can lead to ingrown toenails, which can be painful and may become infected.
To cut straight across the nail, start at the outer corner of the nail and make short, horizontal cuts across the top. Make sure to use the correct tool, such as nail nippers or manicure scissors, and clean your tools before and after use. If your nails are thick, you may need to use medical-grade toenail clippers, as standard clippers may not be strong enough and could slip and cut your skin.
Toenails with fungus often become thicker and more brittle, so it is important to soften them before cutting. You can do this by soaking your nails in warm water for up to 30 minutes, adding a teaspoon of salt for every pint of water. Alternatively, you can apply urea cream to your nails and cover them with a bandage for up to 24 hours before gently filing away the fungus.
Once your nails are softened, cut straight across, making sure not to cut into the nail bed. File the edges in one direction to smooth them and prevent cracking or fraying. Keep your nails shorter than the ends of your toes to avoid the fungus spreading.
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File nails with an emery board
Filing your nails with an emery board is an important step in the process of cutting a nail with fungus. It helps prevent your nails from snagging on your socks or other surfaces, which could lead to further irritation or injury. Here is a detailed guide on how to file your nails effectively:
Before you begin filing, it is essential to prepare your nails properly. Soak your nails in warm water or cut them right after a shower when they are already softened. This will make the filing process easier and reduce the risk of breakage. You can also add a teaspoon of salt for every pint of water used for your foot soak to help soften your nails further.
When filing your nails with an emery board, always file in one direction, moving from the outside edge of the nail towards the centre. Avoid using a back-and-forth motion, as this can cause cracking or fraying. Focus on the edges and corners of your nails, as these areas tend to be rougher and more prone to snagging.
Use light, gentle strokes with the emery board. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, especially if your nails are thick or brittle due to the fungus. If you experience any pain or discomfort while filing, stop immediately.
Continue filing until the edges of your nails feel smooth to the touch. You may need to pay extra attention to the corners, ensuring they are also smooth and free of any rough spots. Remember to clean your emery board after each use to maintain good nail hygiene and prevent the spread of fungus.
Filing your nails with an emery board is a crucial step in maintaining nail health, especially when dealing with nail fungus. It helps prevent further complications and keeps your nails in the best possible condition while they heal. Remember to combine this with other treatments, such as antifungal medications, for a comprehensive approach to managing nail fungus.
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Treat with antifungal medication
Toenail fungus is a common condition where the nail becomes thick, discoloured, and brittle. It can be treated with antifungal medication, which can be in the form of pills, creams, gels, sprays, or patches. Here are some detailed instructions on treating toenail fungus with antifungal medication:
Antifungal Pills
Antifungal pills such as itraconazole (Sporanox) and terbinafine (Lamisil) are effective in treating toenail fungus. These pills usually need to be taken for 12 weeks, and the fungus may take up to 10 months or longer to completely disappear. It is important to note that terbinafine can affect the liver, and itraconazole can interact with other medications, so medical supervision is necessary while taking these pills. Additionally, side effects like nausea, vomiting, and headaches may occur.
Antifungal Creams, Gels, Sprays, and Patches
Over-the-counter antifungal creams, gels, sprays, and patches are available at drugstores or online. Examples include clotrimazole (Lotrimin) and terbinafine cream (Lamisil). These treatments are most effective for mild toenail fungus and may take several months to show results. It is important to follow the instructions and continue the treatment until the fungus is gone. Soaking your nails in water and drying them before applying the medication is recommended.
Combination Therapy
Combining antifungal pills with topical medication applied to the nails can be more effective than using either treatment alone. This approach ensures that the fungus is addressed both internally and externally.
Medical Advice and Nail Removal
If you have a severe infection or other treatments are ineffective, a doctor or dermatologist may recommend removing the nail to eradicate the infection. This can be done surgically or non-surgically. For non-surgical nail removal, a chemical is applied to the nail, or an ointment is applied and the nail is wrapped in plastic and tape. After about 10 days, the doctor can remove the infected nail or cut away the diseased portion.
It is important to remember that even with successful treatment, toenail fungus can return. To prevent this, maintain good foot hygiene, keep your nails trimmed, and avoid walking barefoot in communal areas like showers and pools.
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