23 Mar Caring for Your Toenails
When was the last time you took a good long look at your toenails? Go on, do it now. Do they look strong and healthy or do you see ridges and dents, or are there any discoloured nails? Many nail conditions can be avoided through proper care, while others can point to underlying health conditions that need medical intervention. Without the proper care, toes can quickly become sources of pain, infection, and serious health problems. This is especially true for people with diabetes who are more prone to foot injuries. Our podiatrists at footinjuryclinic have listed these Dos and Don’ts.
Dos
- Wash your feet thoroughly with warm water and soap, and then dry them properly, especially between the toes
- Trim nails regularly using toenail clippers
- Cut your toenails straight across (not rounded). This avoids jagged edges that could get caught and cause ingrown nails
- Keep your toenails shorter than the tips of your toes
- Gently round off the edges with nail file
Don’ts
- Dig into the corners of your nail bed with a pointy object like a nail file
- Use clippers to cut the edges
- Rip or tear off edges of your nails
- Remove your cuticles unless you want to increase your risk of infection – viral and bacterial! Yes, this includes Covid-19. Our cuticles seal the skin to the nail plate; removal can lead to nail infection
- Cut a ‘V’ in the middle of your nail
- Stub your toe on the corner of a coffee table, step, wall, children’s toys, etc.
- Use harsh nail care products – opt for an acetone-free nail polish remover
If you notice any of the following in your toenails, call our clinics immediately:
- Discolouration of the entire nail or a dark streak under the nail
- Changes in nail shape, such as curled nails
- Thinning or thickening of the nails
- Separation of the nail from the surrounding skin
- Bleeding around the nails
- Swelling or pain around the nails
Call our clinics today:
Bondi Junction: 9386 5400
St Ives: 9440 4600
Barangaroo: 9386 5400