Isla Bennett
Toenail fungus is a common condition that can cause nails to thicken and become yellow and brittle. While treating toenail fungus, it is important to keep nails trimmed to reduce pressure and pain. Trimming toenails with fungus involves softening the nails before cutting them straight across with nail nippers, filing them down, and taking precautions to prevent the spread of the fungus. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to trim nails with fungus, outlining the steps, tools, and techniques to safely and effectively manage thickened toenails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to trim | Every 6-8 weeks |
| When to trim | After healthy nails |
| Nail softeners | Soak in warm water for 10 minutes, or use urea cream |
| Nail clippers | Professional-grade toenail clippers, e.g. ClipPro |
| Cutting technique | Short, small cuts straight across the nail |
| Filing | File in one direction with a nail file or emery board |
| Sanitization | Wash clippers with soapy water and rubbing alcohol |
| Prevention | Keep toenails shorter than the end of the toes |
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What You'll Learn
Soak nails in warm water or use urea cream to soften them
Soaking nails in warm water or using urea cream are two ways to soften nails affected by fungus before trimming them. Thickened nails are a common symptom of nail fungus, and softening them first can help to make them easier to cut.
Soaking Nails in Warm Water
Soaking nails in warm water is an effective way to soften them. It is recommended to soak the affected nails for around 10 minutes, although some sources suggest up to 30 minutes to allow the moisture to penetrate deeper. The water should be warm, but not hot, and it is also helpful to add salt to the water, as this can further soften the nails. After soaking, dry the nails thoroughly before proceeding to trim them.
Using Urea Cream
Urea cream is another option for softening nails affected by fungus. Urea is available in various forms, including cream, lotion, ointment, liquid, gel, foam, and shampoo. When using urea cream, apply a fingertip-sized amount to the nails and then cover them with an adhesive bandage. Leave the cream on for up to 24 hours, then remove the bandage and soak the nails in warm water. After softening the nails with urea cream, they will be easier to trim.
It is important to note that urea nail gel or cream should not be used on open wounds, burns, or areas of swollen skin. Always follow the directions on the medicine label or your doctor's instructions when using urea products.
In addition to softening the nails, it is important to use the correct tools and techniques when trimming nails with fungus to prevent damage and the spread of the fungus. Use separate nail clippers for your fingernails and toenails, and sanitize the clippers before and after each use. When cutting thickened nails, make small, straight cuts across the nail to avoid splintering and potential ingrown nails.
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Make small, straight cuts across nails with nail nippers
When trimming nails with a fungal infection, it is important to use the correct tools and techniques to avoid damaging your nails or spreading the fungus. Before you start cutting, you should soften your nails by soaking them in warm water for 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the severity of the infection. You can also add a teaspoon of salt to the water for every 470ml of water to further soften your nails. Alternatively, you can apply a urea cream to your nails and cover them with a bandage for up to 24 hours. This will allow the cream to penetrate deeper into your nail and soften the surface.
Once your nails are softened, you can start making small, straight cuts across your nails with nail nippers. Start at the outer corner of your nail and work your way across with short, horizontal cuts. Ensure that you only cut through the white part of the nail to avoid cutting into your nail bed. It is also important to use a separate pair of nail nippers for your fingernails and toenails to avoid cross-contamination. Sanitize your nippers with rubbing alcohol before and after each use, and rinse them with soapy water after trimming infected nails.
After cutting your nails, use a nail file or emery board to gently file down the sharp edges of your nails in one direction. This will help prevent your nails from catching on anything and reduce the risk of ingrown nails. Trimming your nails every 6 to 8 weeks will also help to reduce the pressure and pain caused by the fungal infection. Remember to always keep your nail care tools clean and sanitized to prevent the spread of the fungus.
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File nails with a nail file or emery board
Filing nails with a nail file or emery board is an important step in the process of trimming nails with fungus. It helps to smooth out any sharp edges and corners that could snag or tear, reducing the risk of ingrown toenails. Here are some detailed instructions on how to file your nails effectively when dealing with nail fungus:
Before you begin filing, it is essential to soak your nails in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them. Alternatively, you can apply a urea cream to your nails, which penetrates deeper and softens the surface. You can leave the cream on for up to 24 hours, and then scrape and file your nails.
When filing your nails, use a gentle back-and-forth motion in one direction along the edge of the nail. Focus on the edges that feel sharp or uneven. Filing in one direction prevents your nail from cracking or fraying. Make sure to pay attention to the corners as well, as filing these areas can help prevent ingrown toenails.
It is important to use a separate nail file or emery board for your infected nails to avoid spreading the fungus to your healthy nails or other people. Clean your nail file with rubbing alcohol or disinfectant after each use to ensure that you do not spread the infection.
In addition to filing, it is recommended to trim your nails with nail nippers or clippers specifically designed for thick and fungal nails. Cut your nails straight across, making small cuts to avoid splintering. Keep your nails shorter than the ends of your toes to prevent the fungus from spreading and to reduce the risk of catching or tearing.
Remember, if trimming your nails causes pain or if you are unable to cut through the thickened nails, it is important to consult a doctor or podiatrist for advice and treatment options.
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Sanitise nail nippers with rubbing alcohol before and after use
Sanitising your nail nippers before and after use is crucial to prevent the spread of fungal spores and bacteria, which can live on metal surfaces for months. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to sanitise your nail nippers with rubbing alcohol:
Step 1: Pre-clean the Nail Nippers
Before sanitising, it is essential to pre-clean the nail nippers to remove any visible dirt, debris, and nail residue. Use warm water and a mild soap or dishwashing liquid to scrub the nippers with a soft-bristled brush. Pay extra attention to crevices and blades to ensure all surfaces are clean.
Step 2: Prepare the Rubbing Alcohol Solution
For effective sanitisation, use rubbing alcohol with a concentration of at least 70%. Fill a small container or bowl with the rubbing alcohol, ensuring enough volume to completely submerge the nail nippers.
Step 3: Soak the Nail Nippers
After pre-cleaning and drying the nail nippers, it is time to soak them in the rubbing alcohol solution. Completely submerge the nippers in the container, ensuring all parts are covered. Let them soak for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This step will kill any remaining germs, bacteria, and fungi.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
Once the soaking is complete, remove the nail nippers from the rubbing alcohol solution. Rinse them thoroughly with warm water to remove any residue. Finally, dry the nippers completely. You can use a clean cloth to dry them or allow them to air dry.
Additional Tips:
- Always sanitise your nail nippers before and after each use, especially if sharing them with others.
- Disassemble any removable parts of the nail nippers before soaking to ensure that all areas are thoroughly sanitised.
- For a more robust clean, consider boiling the nail nippers in water for 5 to 10 minutes after soaking. However, this method is only suitable for sturdy metal tools.
- Store your sanitised nail nippers in a clean, dry container to prevent dust and contamination.
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Trim nails every 6-8 weeks
Toenails with fungus can thicken and become more difficult to trim. It is recommended to trim your nails every 6–8 weeks. Toenails grow at a slower rate than fingernails, so they do not need to be cut as frequently.
Before trimming your nails, it is important to soften them. You can do this by soaking your nails in warm water for 5–10 minutes, depending on the severity of your condition. Alternatively, you can apply a urea cream to your nails and cover them with a bandage for up to 24 hours. This will help the cream to penetrate and soften the surface.
Once your nails are softened, use professional-grade toenail clippers to trim them. Make small cuts straight across your nails to prevent them from breaking. Start at the outer corner of your nail and work your way across. Trim your nails just shorter than the ends of your toes to avoid catching them on anything.
After trimming, use a nail file or emery board to gently file down the edges of your nails in one direction. This will help to smooth out any sharp edges and prevent your nails from fraying or cracking.
It is important to note that nail fungus is contagious, so be sure to sanitize your nail clippers before and after use. Avoid sharing your nail clippers with others to prevent the spread of infection. Additionally, always clean your clippers thoroughly between each use to maintain good nail hygiene.
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