Not a few people are more focused on fingernails than toenails. In fact, toenails are more at risk of experiencing disorders, such as fungal infections of the toenails. This disease is prone to occur on damp feet, where fungus is more likely to appear and thrive.
Not only fungal infections, toenails can also be injured or injured due to mistakes when doing it pedicure. This injury can lead to paronychia or ingrown toenails. Therefore, it is important to know how to properly care for toenails to avoid this condition.
Toenails can be an important part of the body that reflects the overall health of the body. Healthy toenails can be seen from the pink skin under the nails and the growing toenails also look white and clean. Meanwhile, discolored nails, for example black or yellowish, could indicate certain medical conditions.
Tips for Trimming and Cleaning Toenails
To keep your toenails healthy and clean, wash your feet regularly using clean water and soap, then dry them. After that, toenails also need to be trimmed and cleaned regularly to keep them healthy.
However, how to cut and clean toenails cannot be done carelessly. The following are some proper steps in caring for toenails:
1. Don't let your toenails get too long
You can trim your toenails every 1-2 weeks. If necessary, use a good quality, large nail clipper or a special nail clipper for toenails.
2. Cut nails the right way
The trick, cut the tip of the toenail following the shape of the toe. Then, use a nail file to smooth the edges of the nails that you just cut and still feel rough.
Do not carelessly cut and clean the cuticles to prevent infection and make toenails hurt. The cuticle is the nail's natural protector. If the cuticle is cut carelessly, this can increase the risk of infection and lead to nail damage.
Also try not to cut your toenails too short. Besides being painful and can cause ingrown toenails, nails that are cut too short are also prone to infection.
3. Trim your nails when your toenails are dry
To make your toenails easier to trim and give you a smooth, neat, and clean cut, you should trim your toenails when your feet are dry.
4. Wash your toenails thoroughly after cutting
After trimming your toenails, don't forget to clean them and then dry them. Don't forget to apply lotion around your feet, toes, and toenails. Moisturize the nail and cuticle area with a special moisturizer for nails or it could be with petroleum jelly.
5. Don't use nail polish remover too often
Avoid using nail polish remover or acetone-based nail polish remover more than twice a month. These chemicals are very hard on the nails and can make them brittle. You should also avoid using artificial toenails or artificial nails.
Pay attention to the use of footwear
To keep your toenails healthy, it is important to pay attention to the use of proper footwear or shoes. Wear shoes that fit and are comfortable on the feet. Avoid shoes that are too narrow or leave your toenails too long. Take care that the toenail does not touch the toe of the inside of the shoe.
When buying footwear or shoes, choose shoes that are made of quality materials such as leather or canvas and have good air circulation. The air that enters the foot area can keep the feet dry and prevent nail fungus from developing.
Avoid wearing the same shoes for more than 2 days, then store your shoes dry and not damp. One more important thing that you need to do as a way of caring for your toenails is to change your socks every day. Wear cotton socks that don't dry out your feet.
If you are in the pool or in a wet place, wear flip-flops to prevent infection caused by fungus getting into your toenails.
In addition, eating healthy foods with balanced nutrition can also help toenails grow healthy and strong. You can take biotin supplements to increase nail thickness and prevent them from becoming brittle.
How to take care of the right toenails will make your feet look healthy, beautiful and comfortable while on the move. If you have problems with your toenails, you can consult a dermatologist for further treatment.
