How to Cut Thick Toenails With Clippers
Thick and/or discolored toenails not only look unsightly in flips flops and sandals, but they are also more challenging to trim. Toenails can thicken due to age, infection, poor nutrition, trauma or ill-fitting footwear. It's important to use caution when cutting thick toenails, as improper technique or general carelessness can lead to serious injury and infection. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Toenail clippers
- Nail file or emery board
- Bowl or basin large enough to fit feet
- Warm water
Instructions
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Soak feet in warm water for five to 10 minutes to soften the nail. Pat nails dry with a towel.
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File the top layer of the nail using a nail file or emery board.
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Select a nail clipper that has a straight edge and is designed for toenails. Smaller clippers are designed for fingernails and will be more difficult to use on thicker toenails. Another option is a barrel-springed clipper, which has a sharper blade and a long body.
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Cut straight across the nail, beginning at the corner. Use small strokes to prevent splits in the nail. Round cutting can cause ingrown toenails.
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Cut all nails the same way. Use a nail file to smooth out any rough or uneven edges.
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Tips & Warnings
File the toenail when the nail is still damp and soft from the soak. File as many of the top layers of the nail as you can prior to clipping.
Cutting toenails too short can break the skin and lead to bleeding, ingrown toenails, infections and other serious complications. Seek treatment from a reputable podiatrist if you believe the thickened toenail could be from a fungal infection.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit cuticle remover image by Antonio Oquias from Fotolia.com
