Caleb Foster
Cutting your nails is a simple task, but it's important to do it right to avoid any pain or infection. Nails are a reflection of your overall health, and injuries to the nail can be complex wounds to repair. In this article, we will discuss the do's and don'ts of cutting your nails and how to treat them post-cut to ensure healthy and happy nails. We will also cover what to do in case of nail injuries and how to promote healing. So, whether you're a chronic nail biter or just looking for some post-trim tips, read on to discover the best ways to care for your nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Timing | The best time to cut your nails is after taking a bath or shower, or after soaking them in lukewarm water for a few minutes to soften them. |
| Tools | Use a nail clipper or nail scissors for your fingernails and a toenail clipper for your toenails. |
| Cutting technique | Cut almost straight across the nail. Avoid cutting nails too short or rounding the edges, as this can cause ingrown toenails or nails embedding into the skin. |
| Cuticle care | Avoid cutting or pushing back your cuticles, as this can lead to bacterial infections. |
| Moisturizing | Moisturize your nails after trimming to keep them flexible and prevent splitting. |
| Nail injuries | For nail injuries, such as tears or crush injuries, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth. If the nail is torn, use sterile scissors to trim any rough edges. Clean the wound with soap and warm water, and apply antibiotic ointment and a bandage. Elevate the injured area and use ice to reduce swelling. |
| Medical care | Seek medical attention for serious nail injuries, such as deep wounds, fractures, or deformities. A healthcare provider may need to drain blood, repair the nail bed, or remove the nail. |
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What You'll Learn
Clean nails with warm water and lemon to prevent bacterial infections
Keeping your nails clean and short is essential for preventing nail infections. Nails can harbour dirt and bacteria, which can contribute to the spread of infections. To prevent this, it is recommended to clean your nails regularly with soap and water or a nail brush.
An effective way to clean your nails and prevent bacterial infections is to use warm water and lemon. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Soak your nails in warm water and lemon
Mix two teaspoons of fine sea salt with two drops each of lemon juice, myrrh oil, and wheat germ oil. Soak this mixture in lukewarm water and dip your nails in it for 10-15 minutes. The acidity of lemon juice can help remove dirt and bacteria from under your nails, while the sea salt adds exfoliating properties.
Repeat the process regularly
For effective nail care, repeat this process twice a week. This regular cleaning helps prevent the build-up of bacteria and germs, which can cause infections.
Combine with other treatments
You can also combine this warm water and lemon treatment with other natural remedies. For example, you could try massaging a mixture of egg yolk and milk onto your nails to retain moisture overnight. Alternatively, you can apply olive oil, which is known to strengthen brittle nails.
Keep nails short
In addition to cleaning your nails, remember to keep them short. Trim your nails regularly, cutting straight across the nail. Shorter nails have less surface area for dirt and bacteria to accumulate, reducing the risk of infection.
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Moisturise nails to keep them flexible and prevent splitting
Keeping your nails moisturised is essential to maintaining their flexibility and preventing them from splitting. Nails are made up of keratin cells and require a balance of about 18% moisture and 5% body oil to remain healthy.
There are several ways to ensure your nails are adequately moisturised. Firstly, it is important to moisturise your nails immediately after they are exposed to water. This is because water exposure can weaken the bonds of the nail's structure, leading to increased permeability and a higher risk of breakage. Therefore, wearing gloves while washing dishes or performing other water-related tasks can help protect your nails. Additionally, using a moisturiser specifically formulated for nails can help lock in hydration and prevent water loss.
Exfoliating your nails is another crucial step in the moisturising process. Nail cells often become separated, similar to how skin can become flaky, and exfoliation helps remove these dead cells. This allows the moisturiser to penetrate deeper and work more effectively. Glycolic acid is a recommended exfoliant for nails, as research has shown its ability to improve the condition of dry nails.
Furthermore, regular nail hydration treatments can significantly improve nail health. For example, an intensive hydration treatment with a hydrating oil or lotion can provide immediate and noticeable results. Massaging the matrix, the area right behind the cuticle, is also beneficial. This improves blood flow to the nail root, resulting in stronger and healthier nails.
By following these steps and prioritising nail hydration, you can effectively prevent nail splitting and maintain their flexibility and overall health.
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Avoid cutting cuticles to prevent germs from entering the body
After cutting your nails, it is important to moisturize them to keep them flexible and prevent them from splitting, especially in dry air. It is also crucial to disinfect your nail-cutting tools regularly to prevent infections.
Now, when it comes to cuticles, it is highly recommended to avoid cutting them. Cuticles are the thin sliver of skin at the bottom of your nail bed. They serve as a vital protective barrier, safeguarding your nail root and the nail bed from germs and infections. When you cut your cuticles, you create an entry point for bacteria, fungi, and other germs to enter your body and cause infections. These infections can be severe, painful, and challenging to heal.
Instead of cutting your cuticles, you should only push them back gently. It is also advisable to use cuticle nippers to address hangnails, which can be painful and occur along the sides of the nail and below the cuticle. By leaving your cuticles intact, you reinforce your nails' natural defense mechanism against pathogens.
Additionally, it is essential to choose the right tools and ensure proper sterilization when dealing with your cuticles. Electric polishers, for example, are not recommended for removing cuticles as they can cause infections and weaken the nails. Instead, opt for daily use of nourishing cuticle oils containing vitamin E and grape seed oil to maintain the health of your nails and cuticles.
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Apply ice to injuries for pain relief and to reduce swelling
While nail cutting is generally a straightforward task, there are some important steps to follow to ensure healthy nails and avoid injury. For instance, it is recommended to soften your nails by soaking them in lukewarm water for a few minutes before cutting them. Using the appropriate tools, such as nail clippers or nail scissors for your fingernails and toenail clippers for your toenails, is also essential.
In the unfortunate event of a nail injury, such as a partially or completely torn nail, it is crucial to take immediate action. Start by applying direct pressure with a clean cloth. If the nail is torn, use sterile scissors to carefully trim any rough edges to prevent further injury. Clean the wound and the affected nail area with soap and warm water, and consider applying an antibiotic ointment.
To address the pain and swelling that often accompany nail injuries, icing the area can provide temporary relief. Icing is widely recognized for its ability to dull and relieve pain, making it a common component of acute injury management. Apply ice to the injured area for about 20 minutes to help reduce discomfort. However, it is important to note that icing may not accelerate healing and could potentially delay the recovery process.
While icing can be beneficial for pain management, it is crucial to understand that inflammation and swelling are normal responses to injury. They are part of the inflammatory cycle, which is essential for the body's healing process. Therefore, while icing may provide short-term relief, it does not indicate that the injury has healed. It is also important to be cautious, as excessive icing can lead to heightened ischemia, decreased blood flow, and increased vasoconstriction.
In addition to icing, there are other measures you can take to promote healing and reduce swelling. Elevating the injured area above the level of your heart can effectively minimize swelling. Additionally, consider taking simple analgesics like paracetamol or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief. Remember to keep the wound clean and change the bandage daily. If signs of infection develop, such as redness, pus, or heat around the nail, seek medical advice promptly.
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Seek medical attention for serious nail injuries
While many nail injuries can be treated at home, some require immediate medical attention to ensure the affected area heals and the nail grows back smoothly. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should go to an urgent care center or a hospital's emergency department:
- Major bleeding that doesn't stop after 10 minutes of applying pressure with a clean cloth
- Deformity of the finger or toe, which may indicate a fracture, dislocation, or tendon injury
- Inability to straighten and bend your finger normally
- Deep or long wounds that may require stitches
- Discoloration or bruising under the nail that covers more than a quarter of the nail, or continuing intense pain
- Nail completely torn off or partially cut off from a crush injury or cut
- Any laceration, cut, or amputation of the nail, nail bed, or skin surrounding the nail
- Any part of the nail sticking out of the skin or pulled off the nail bed
- A nail bruise that takes up more than 25% of the total nail and that you would like to be drained
- Any bend or deformity in the fingertip indicating a broken bone
At the hospital, the doctor will examine the injured nail and decide on the appropriate treatment and repair techniques. The finger or toe will likely be numbed with medicine before any repair work is started. The doctor may inject the numbing medicine directly into the nail bed or nail folds instead of numbing the entire finger or toe. A tourniquet may also be used to slow blood flow and prevent bleeding during the procedure. Antibiotics may be administered if there is a broken bone with bleeding or a laceration, or if the wound is from a bite. If there is a large nail bruise, the doctor may drain the blood by making a small hole in the nail plate, a procedure known as trephination.
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