Isla Bennett
Involuted nails, also known as ingrown toenails, are nails that curve on both sides, forming a curled nail that pinches the skin. This can be caused by poor nail cutting, trauma, ill-fitting footwear, diabetes, biomechanical issues, or sports and occupations that use the toes to kick. Incorrect cutting techniques can lead to ingrown toenails, so it is important to know the proper way to cut your nails. Here are some steps to achieve the perfect toenail cut and reduce the risk of ingrown toenails: cut your nails straight across with nail clippers, use a nail file to smooth out and shape the nail, and avoid cutting your cuticles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What are involuted nails | Nails that don't sit flat on the toe and curve on both sides, forming a curled nail that pinches the skin. |
| Causes | Hereditary, systemic illness (e.g. diabetes), biomechanical issues (e.g. walking style), ill-fitting footwear, sports or occupations that use the toes for kicking |
| Symptoms | Nail seems thicker, slight pressure noticeable, pain when walking or wearing shoes, redness, swelling, infection |
| Complications | Deeper wounds, severe inflammation, increased risk of infection |
| Treatment | Consult a podiatrist, Onyfix nail correction system, nail surgery in severe cases |
| Prevention | Cut nails straight across, leaving 2-3mm of free nail edge, file corners slightly to remove sharp edges, avoid picking toenails |
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What You'll Learn
Soak nails in lukewarm water to soften
Involuted nails are nails that curve on both sides, forming a curled shape that pinches the skin. They can be very uncomfortable and difficult to manage. While cutting the nail may provide temporary relief, it can also increase the risk of leaving a spike of the nail, leading to an ingrown nail.
Soaking nails in lukewarm water is a traditional technique used to soften the nails and cuticles before cutting or shaping them. This practice is commonly done during manicures and pedicures. However, some sources suggest that this technique may be outdated and potentially detrimental to the nail's health and the manicure's longevity.
When nails are soaked in water, they absorb water and swell, causing the nail plate to become more flexible and change shape. This swelling can affect the adhesion of nail coatings, leading to chipping, peeling, or cracking as the nails dry and return to their normal shape. Therefore, it is recommended to allow the nails to dry completely before applying any nail coatings, such as polish.
Despite this potential drawback, some nail technicians still prefer to soak nails before cutting. They argue that soaking helps soften the cuticles and makes it easier to control the cuticle-pushing process. Soaking can also aid in thoroughly and cleanly cutting the cuticles for those who prefer to do so. Additionally, soaking the feet in lukewarm water for a short period, such as three to five minutes, is generally considered acceptable for sanitization purposes before a pedicure.
If you choose to soak your nails in lukewarm water, it is important to keep the duration brief, ensuring that your nails have enough time to dry before any coatings are applied. You can also explore alternative methods to soften cuticles, such as using warm lotion or oil, sugar scrubs, or vinegar soaks.
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Cut nails straight across with multiple small cuts
Involuted nails are nails that curve on both sides, forming a curled shape that pinches the skin. This can be uncomfortable and difficult to manage. Cutting the nail can provide temporary relief, but it can also increase the risk of ingrown nails if not done properly. Here are some detailed instructions on how to cut involuted nails straight across with multiple small cuts:
Soften Your Nails:
Before cutting your nails, it is recommended to soften them by soaking them in lukewarm water for a few minutes or cutting them right after a shower or bath. Softening your nails will make them easier to trim and less likely to split.
Use the Right Tools:
For involuted toenails, use a toenail clipper designed specifically for toenails. Make sure your nail clippers are clean and disinfected to prevent the spread of bacteria and germs.
Instead of cutting the entire nail in one large cut, use a series of small cuts. Start at one side of the nail and work your way across to the other side. Cut straight across, leaving approximately 2-3mm of free nail edge, also known as the white nail at the distal edge of the nail plate. This technique helps to avoid bending and weakening your nail at the sides.
File and Smooth the Nails:
After cutting, use a nail file to shape your nails and smooth the edges. File gently in one direction, from the side to the center of the nail. Use long strokes to shape the nail and remove any sharp or uneven edges. This will help keep your nails strong and reduce the risk of ingrown nails.
Avoid Cutting Cuticles:
It's important to leave your cuticles alone when cutting your nails. Cuticles protect your nail root, and cutting or pushing them back can damage your nails and increase the risk of infection.
Consult a Professional:
If you are experiencing severe pain, redness, swelling, or infection due to involuted nails, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional or a podiatrist. They can provide guidance on proper nail care and treatment options, such as nail surgery or innovative solutions like the Onyfix nail correction system.
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File nails gently, in one direction
Involuted nails are nails that curve on both sides, forming a curled shape that pinches the skin. This can be uncomfortable and may lead to redness, swelling, and infection. Cutting the nail may provide temporary relief, but it can also increase the risk of ingrown nails if not done properly.
To cut involuted nails safely and effectively, it is recommended to file the nails gently in one direction. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:
Before you begin filing, it is important to soften your nails. The best time to trim your nails is right after a shower or bath when they are softer. If that is not possible, you can soak your nails in lukewarm water for a few minutes to soften them.
When filing involuted nails, always file gently and in one direction, usually from the side to the center of the nail. Use long strokes and avoid filing back and forth, as this can weaken your nails. Start by using the coarse, shaping side of the nail file if you need to remove more nail. Then, switch to the finer-grade shaping side to smooth out your nails and create the desired shape. Aim for a slightly triangular or ovular shape, but avoid making the nails pointed.
Be careful not to file too much, as over-filing can expose the sensitive skin beneath the nail and increase the risk of infection. It is also important to leave your cuticles alone, as they protect the nail root. Cutting or pushing back your cuticles can damage your nails and lead to infection.
In addition to filing, you may also need to trim your involuted nails with nail clippers or scissors. When trimming, cut straight across the nail, making a series of small cuts rather than one large cut. Leave about 2-3 mm of free nail edge, and slightly round the corners of the nails to reduce the risk of ingrown nails. Remember to disinfect your nail tools regularly to prevent infection.
If you are experiencing severe or persistent involuted nails, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional or a podiatrist for guidance and treatment options. Products like Onyfix also offer innovative solutions for treating involuted nails.
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Avoid cutting cuticles
While cutting your nails, it is important to avoid cutting your cuticles. Cuticles are the place where your nail meets your skin. They protect your nail root from bacteria and infections. Cutting your cuticles can make it easier for bacteria and other germs to enter your body and cause infections.
Cuticles can be softened and managed in other ways. You can use a cuticle pusher to gently push them back before trimming your nails. It is important to be careful not to apply too much pressure or push too forcefully, as this can cause damage to the nail bed.
If you want to cut your cuticles, it is important to do so with caution. You should use a high-quality pair of cuticle nippers with sharp, curved blades. Make sure to choose a size that feels comfortable in your hand and offers good control. Start by making small, precise cuts and avoid cutting too close to the nail bed to prevent injuries.
After cutting your cuticles, it is important to keep your nails and surrounding skin hydrated. Use a good-quality cuticle oil or a rich hand cream to moisturize and nourish your nails. Massage the product gently into your nails and the surrounding skin for maximum absorption.
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Consult a podiatrist for the correct nail shape
Involuted nails are nails that curve on both sides, forming a curled shape that pinches the skin. They can be hereditary, or they may curve due to systemic illnesses such as diabetes, biomechanical issues, or ill-fitting footwear. Involuted nails can be challenging to manage and often cause discomfort. While the temptation may be to cut the nail for relief, this is only a temporary solution as the nail will continue to grow back, and there is a risk of it becoming an ingrown nail.
Consulting a podiatrist is essential to achieving the correct nail shape, especially for those with involuted nails. Podiatrists are trained to address different toenail shapes and can provide guidance on the proper cutting and filing techniques to prevent ingrown nails and other issues. They can also help identify any underlying causes of nail abnormalities and recommend appropriate treatments.
According to Dr. Miguel Cunha, a board-certified podiatric surgeon, and Marcela Correa, a medical pedicurist, the ideal toenail shape is flat across. They advise against cutting toenails in a rounded or angled shape, as this can lead to the formation of ingrown nails. Instead, they recommend cutting the nails flat and straight across, followed by filing down the edges on either side. This results in less pointy corners that gently curve to follow the natural shape of the toe, allowing the nails to grow out straight and reducing the risk of them digging into the skin.
In addition to achieving the correct nail shape, podiatrists can provide comprehensive care for nail health. They may recommend treatment polishes with protein and nail-strengthening oils to bolster weak or fragile nails. For those with thick nails due to underlying medical conditions, podiatrists may advise soaking the feet regularly and using specific nail files and anti-fungal oils to restore nail health. For thin, brittle nails, podiatrists may suggest taking supplements to improve nail strength and promote healthy nail growth.
By consulting a podiatrist, individuals with involuted nails can receive expert advice on nail shaping and gain access to a range of treatments to improve the appearance and health of their nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Involuted nails, also known as pincer nails, are nails that don't sit flat on the top of the toe. They curve on both sides, forming a curled nail that pinches the skin.
Involuted nails can be difficult to manage and cut. It is recommended to cut your nails after a shower or bath when they are softer. Cut your nails straight across, leaving 2-3mm of free nail edge. File the corners of the nails to remove any sharp edges and reduce the risk of ingrown toenails. Avoid cutting too much, as this can increase the risk of infection.
You will need nail clippers or nail scissors for your fingernails and toenail clippers for your toenails. It is important to disinfect your tools regularly by soaking a scrub brush in isopropyl alcohol and then using it to scrub your nail clippers. Rinse and dry the tools completely before putting them away.
Nails grow about 1/10 inch (2.5mm) every month, so trimming your nails once a week will help prevent them from growing too long. Cutting your nails regularly will also reduce the risk of ingrown nails.
If your involuted nails are causing pain, redness, swelling, or infection, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. In some cases, nail surgery may be required to remove the nail or sections of the nail. There are also non-invasive treatments available, such as the Onyfix nail correction system, which uses a special nail correction composite to guide the nail back into its natural shape.
